The Importance of Site Investigations in Construction
The first step in any construction project is a site investigation. A thorough investigation can reduce the risk of damages later on. A poorly designed foundation or ground pressure around the foundation can compromise the stability of a building.
Performing a site investigation provides the necessary data for the construction crew to plan the foundation with maximum strength and stability. A thorough investigation can also help in developing a design that meets all OSHA guidelines. This information can be useful for future projects.
Why Perform Site Investigations
During a construction project, a site investigation can help determine the best construction material to use. By evaluating the soil conditions of the site, it is possible to determine the right materials for the project.
Some materials do not match specific types of soils, and these materials may crack along walls. A thorough investigation can also identify any underlying problems such as groundwater and surface water. Using the right materials will reduce the risk of damaging the structure.
Soil conditions can affect the design of a building, and soil properties may be a major limiting factor for construction. By determining the type of soil, a site investigation can make this decision easier. By assessing the characteristics of the ground, a contractor can avoid the costly mistakes of improperly selecting construction materials that could lead to structural failure.
According to Australian Soil Investigations, in addition to assessing the risks of a project, site investigation can improve the overall safety of a project. For example, a new building could be constructed on soil that is not supportive of its weight. Other buildings nearby might also face dangers.
During construction, the hazards associated with construction should be properly disclosed to workers. The report should also indicate the level of risk to the surrounding community. This report will help you determine if any additional measures are necessary.
Site Investigation Process
A site investigation can be divided into several phases: reconnaissance, data and map study, and in-depth investigation. For the first stage, the detailed information collected from the reconnaissance should be understood completely. During the second phase, samples of the site must be collected for analysis. When it comes to the last stage, the main investigation can begin.
The first step in site investigation is a desk study, which usually takes place at the beginning of the project. It focuses on the risk posed by environmental and geotechnical hazards, and any historical data that may exist on the property. Some sites may be contaminated with groundwater, or there may be a history of industrial waste on the land. During this process, a detailed understanding of the site is necessary to make the correct decisions.
Once reconnaissance has been completed, the next step is the in-depth investigation. Before a field investigation can be conducted, the ground should be properly evaluated. During a preliminary site selection study, a desk study is not needed. In this case, it is just an initial analysis. However, desk studies will be required for subsequent phases of the site.
Geotechnical Site Investigation
A geotechnical site investigation is a comprehensive study of the earth’s structure and groundwater. This type of investigation can help you determine the presence of any contaminants or contamination in the ground. A good geotechnical site investigation will also help you avoid unforeseen ground conditions. A properly conducted investigation will reduce the risk of any hazard to the environment. This type of report will also assist in the evaluation of buildings and structures. In addition, a comprehensive geotechnical investigation can help you develop a safe and functional structure.
Investigation Report
The results of a site investigation are documented and analyzed. A detailed subsoil creation report will give an idea of the ground’s composition. It will help you determine if the groundwater is suitable for the construction and whether it is compatible with the proposed structures.
Afterwards, a subsoil investigation and report will provide you with the relevant information about the location. The entire process of site exploration will allow you to understand the risks of a site and how to mitigate them.