SOIL INVESTIGATION
A soil investigation involves physical testing on-site to understand the ground conditions for geotechnical designs (foundations, retaining walls, and soil improvement). Site works are usually comprised of Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and Cone Penetration Tests (CPT). Usually, laboratory testing on soil samples extracted from site works will be carried out to determine the engineering properties of the soil.
SPT drilling rig
For any building, big or small, it is of primary importance that a proper field survey and a very precise geotechnical investigation be conducted, unless the geotechnical properties are well-known from history. A geotechnical investigation is an integral part of the construction process, which is done to obtain information about the physical characteristics of the soil around a site. It is a below-ground investigation wherein the soil strata are sampled and tested to establish their characteristics, which will influence the construction project.
Borehole soil samples
These investigations form the basis for planning, designing, and constructing the structures. The serviceability and performance of the structure depend on the accuracy and adequacy of these investigations. Accurate information in the geotechnical report strongly influences the design, construction, project cost, and safety.
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the importance of proper geotechnical investigation during the conceptual phase of a project. One of the greatest causes of foundation failure is insufficient knowledge of ground conditions. And it happens many times, or as we used to say, "Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish" if it comes to a geotechnical investigation. There have been some instances where attempting to save on such site investigation has led to disastrous results. Because structures that are designed on assumed or inadequate data can lead to long-term complications. It may also result in loss of life and property, endanger residents, damage adjoining structures, and essentially be rendered non-functional for the intended purpose.
Foundation failures
As such soil investigations provide us with knowledge of the subsurface conditions at the site of a project. It allows us to work out a safe and economical design for a project and inform our structural engineer about the material and conditions it will encounter in the field.
This is a critical step in the construction process that shall not be taken for granted.
An extreme example of a foundation failure
NOTE: We will only carry out soil investigations for projects that include the supply of our prefabricated houses.