Undertaking a Site Investigation Before Construction
A thorough site investigation is a necessary step before the development of an appropriate foundation design. Without having first assessed the ‘lay of the land’ – that is, the soil type, the properties of the landscape, and any hazards present – it would be a guessing game, or work would proceed by stops and starts as new unforeseen issues were detected.
There are many benefits to a site investigation beforehand, and it is therefore practised by all responsible and client-centric screw piling contractors as a first step. The very best will have their own engineering team who is capable of carrying out the job in a suitable time frame. They will take the approach of using all available information to develop lasting, sustainable foundations for your project.
In this article, we will explore a few of the benefits of site investigation, and what it involves.
Firstly, what is site investigation?
Site investigation refers to the collection of data that informs the construction process. It involves assessing the geotechnical and environmental aspects of the site where the proposed works are to take place. It involves soil analysis, test borings, and other investigations.
It may, infrequently, reveal a hazard that requires remediation before the work is to proceed, such as contamination. However, it is more likely to help determine the placement and the type of foundations that are used.
By investigating the lay of the land, your Auburn screw piling contractor, Charmhaven screw piling contractor, Lake Heights screw piling contractor, Wolli Creek screw piling contractor, Broadmeadow screw piling contractor, or Sydney based screw piling contractor will be able to then develop a foundation that is:
- This is achieved by understanding how materials are distributed in the ground, the type of soil (its permeability, moisture levels, whether it is sandy or loamy, etc.), and how the ground will behave when acted upon by naturally occurring forces and man-made forces.
- Long-lasting. A site investigation can determine the strata, groundwater conditions, soil and rock’s physical and mechanical properties, compressibility, chemical composition, bedrock depth, the likelihood of settlement… It’s incredible the amount of information that goes into developing foundations.
- Low maintenance into the future. Without proper investigation, there is the risk the wrong style of foundation will be used, and that the engineering will be misguided – creating hidden costs down the line for the unwary construction company.
What helps to inform the direction a site investigation takes?
Your screw piling contractor may need information about the structure that is being built, including what it will be used for, how it will be constructed, when construction will commence, and how long it will take. They may also seek out more basic information on the anticipated condition of the soil, and any information you have on how previous or existing structures have behaved near or on the site.
The site investigation may also involve other secondary or supplementary investigations. This may include an investigation of the local climate; flooding risk; local vegetation; the risk of frost or erosion; and the nearness to tides (if coastal or on an estuary). Investigations will also proceed according to information that emerges during testing, for example, additional borings may be needed depending on how uniform the subsoil is.
How can a site investigation help financing?
Prior to carrying out a site investigation, it can be impossible to determine just what will be involved in the process of establishing foundations. It may be as high-level as the type of piling that is used – screw piling, bored piling, or underpinning, for example. It may also be about the rating of these piles, or the style of helix, whether it is round or square, for instance.
Once this information about soil type, hazards, and so forth has been determined with a site investigation, it is more possible and realistic for your screw piling contractor in Sydney or screw piling contractor in New South Wales to provide you with a thorough quote that includes all aspects of the job. This is helpful as it can prevent nasty surprises down the track. It can also help to determine your decision-making about aspects of your building process.
Perhaps most importantly though, a screw piling site investigation can provide you with a dollar figure, and enable you to lump sum your piling package. This provides your construction company with certainty and allows you to budget in advance. Importantly, it also makes it possible to talk with investors or with the bank, profitably.
Being able to give an accurate costing, rather than a vague figure (which may sap confidence or be assumed to be larger than it is), helps to secure financing, as a general rule – or at the very least, it will make it possible to discuss the prospect and the nature of the finances given. Specific information is vital in these circumstances!
Contact screw piling contractor Piling Experts on 0411 693 100 or info@pilingexperts.com.au for more information about how we can help with your construction projects.
