Importance of soil investigation in construction activities

All the structures, buildings and even life are based on the soil. The investigation of the soil is very necessary for the construction activities. It is the natural foundation of every structure or dam that is ever built in the world. Often soil testing is not done before the start of the construction as it is considered waste of money. 

The soil test gives or shows the physical and chemical characteristic of the particular soil. These characteristics vary from soil to soil and layer to layer even within the proposed area of the construction.  The soil characteristics can change with time. The climate, weather changes, and management of the site can lead to change in characteristics. All these changes affect the bearing quality of the soil. Any project that is constructed has to be designed to meet the bearing capacity of the soil. Any mismatch between the soil bearing capacity and structure could cause loss of property and life.

Any soil investigation help to determine the –

·                    Bearing capacity of the particular soil, bearing capacity determines the design of the proposed structure on the soil.

·                    Rate of settlement of the soil, which determines the settlement rate of the           structure on the soil

·                    Know the depth of the foundation of the structure

·                    Select the suitable construction technique

·                    The water table level of the soil, which affects the foundation of the building and determines the safety of the building

·                    The chemical and mineral contents of the soil, which determine the selection of material used in construction

If a soil sample is found with high content of sulphur, then sulphur resistance cement is used in construction. 

The soil investigation Soil testing agencies  agencies employ various methods to know the properties of the soil.  These methods are inspection, probing, boring, and test pits.  There are four boring methods to test the soil for its properties. Field and laboratory tests area also conducted to know the soil better. The size of the area, time allotted for inspection and degree of the risk involved may affect the soil investigation.

The investigation Soil investigation of the soil, whether it is clay, sand, gravel, peat, or loan soil, helps to understanding of the nature of soil and its properties , so that  better decision can be taken  before the start of the construction. The soil agencies take the service of soil experts and engineers to know the soil properties. The structure engineers then take analyses of soil in calculation to design safe and secure structures for years to come.