The relation between solid and the eventual structure is as old as civilization. You might have wondered about the fact that the foundation and soil consist of totally different elements both creating wonders together.
When the question arises about the foundation of any construction, the safety and longevity determined by the surface or site we can see. It is also important to understand what is happening underneath before you start any construction.
Checking the capacity limits is one of the most important things in Site and Soil Evaluation. There are various techniques for soil testing but the one you use will be depend on the characteristics of the soil.
Let’s explore everything you should know about getting your site evaluated.
What is Soil Testing?
Soil testing determines the soil’s physical and chemical characteristics of soil giving important information on its
- Fertility
- Load-bearing capacity
- Structural composition
- Overall health.
This process is important in various areas including environmental research and agriculture. It also helps those involved make reasonable decisions regarding the properties of the soil.
Testing the soil before any construction helps in choosing the foundation to make. Examining the soil before the building begins helps determine the project’s stability.
Importance of Site and Soil Evaluation
Site and Soil Evaluation is important for anyone wishing to construct a building. The most important part of any building is in fact the part you cannot see, under the ground.
1. Identifying suitable construction materials
The output of soil testing in building construction decides the type of material to be used for construction. For example, high sulphur content in soil needs the usage of sulphur-resistant cement for construction.
2. Identifying the type of foundation needed
Soil testing discloses the physical and engineering properties of soil like
- Moisture content
- Mineral presence
- Density permeability
- Bearing capacity.
These soil properties determine the type of foundation that has to be strong enough to effectively transfer the building weight to the soil underneath.
3. Helps avoid resting foundation on poor-quality soil
Foundation resting on poor soil or at insufficient depth results in the movement of the building. It is because the soil settles eventually.
The settlement in the building can lead to the failure of the foundation.
4. Helps Identify Corrosive Soil
Many chemicals are present in the underlying layer of soil. There are different chemicals like sulphur or chloride present in the solid reacting with the concrete.
The reaction results deteriorate the concrete foundation.
Now you know why soil testing is important before going through any construction work process. Here are the various methods of doing site and soil evaluation:
Methods for Soil Testing in Construction
Let’s explore the general soil test method conducted:
1. Moisture Content Test
Various moisture content tests are frequently employed in construction sites to determine the soil’s water amount. The moisture content test yields important information about the water content of the soil. The following are some important kind of tests for moisture content:
- Oven Drying Method
- Calcium Carbide Method
- Torsion Balance Method
- Pycnometer Method
2. Atterberg Limits Test
This particular kind of soil testing is used to determine the fine-grained soil’s essential water content. The qualities of fine-grained soil can be measured by using three levels:
- Shrinkage limit
- Plastic limit
- Liquid limit
3. Specific Gravity Test
The density ratio of water to the substance’s density determines the specific gravity of any mentioned material. The type of material being tested and the level of precision needed are two examples of the elements influencing the method chosen.
- Glass Jar Method
- Measuring Flask Method
- Density Bottle Method
4. Dry Density Test
The weight of the soil particles in a given sample is used to calculate the dry density of the soil in this test.
The soil’s specific gravity and void ratio determine its dry density to categorise the soil into three densities. These densities are
- Loose
- medium dense
- Dense.
There are three ways to finish this test by
- Replacing the sand method
- Core cutter method
- Water displacement method.
5. Proctor’s Compaction Test
This test helps to determine the compaction characteristics of the soil. The soil is first allowed to air dry then split into smaller samples and treated with 3 to 5% water.
After being hammered into place inside the proctor compaction moulds are removed and allowed to dry to ascertain their dry density and water content.
Engineers and construction workers use the findings from the Proctor’s compaction test to establish the required compaction effort and moisture management during the building process.
This helps in improving the compaction process, guaranteeing strong and long-lasting structures by achieving the preferred density and reducing the chances of settlement or soil-related problems.
Wrapping Up
Before beginning any construction project, it’s essential to conduct Site and Soil Evaluation to ensure a strong and safe foundation. By identifying the appropriate soil type, preventing foundations from being placed on inadequate soil, and recognizing other potential risks, such as corrosive soil or soil liquefaction, you can save both money and lives. Therefore, investing in soil testing is crucial for the success and safety of your building project.
