Different types of soil tests for before the start of construction

Soil testing is the first step that is taken before the construction of a building or any vertical structure . The soil testing reveals the composition of the soil and its properties . The construction plan , and use of materials in the construction then depends on the soil testing reports . There are different type of soil tests and the selection of one soil testing depends on the nature of soil and its properties .

The importance of the soil testing lies in the fact that it is the soil that has to take the burden of the structure that is coming on it . The load- bearing capacity of the soil must be tested to ensure safety and reliability of the structure . If the soil is not tested and a structure is built , then the safety of the structure will always be in doubt and its collapse will be only matter of time .

There are various tests that are done on the soil before the start of the construction activities . Some of the tests conducted at the laboratory and some are field tests . Some of the tests conducted on the soil , any type of soil before the construction of the project are as follows .

Soil Testing are done to know the Specific gravity of the soil ,moisture content of the soil ,dry density of the soil , atterberg limite tests , and compaction test,

To know the moisture content of the soil is the important consideration for the construction activity , because it shows the impact that the soil moisture will have on the foundations of the building . The moisture content is determined by several methods and these are , oven dry methods , sand bath method , radiation method, alcohol method , calcium carbide method etc

Specific gravity of the soil means the ratio of the unit weight of solid to that of water in the soil . Density bottle methods , gas jar method , measuring flask method , and shrinkage limit methods are the test that are done to know the specific gravity test .

Compaction test reveals the compaction characteristics of the soil . It is reduced air voids in the soil by densification . Similarly ,there are various methods to perform other tests .

The Land Surveying is different from the soil testing , it is used to know the presence of several natural and man- made structures on the land selected for construction . The elevation of those objects is noted and that is marked on the map for the engineers and geologists .