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.
