Soil Testing for Residential Developments
Site Classification Report
Prior to embarking on any new home construction or extension project, conducting a thorough soil assessment, commonly referred to as a Soil Test or Site Classification Report to AS2870-2011, is imperative.
Soil testing is essential when building to ensure the structural integrity, safety, and longevity of the structure, as well as to comply with regulations and mitigate environmental risks.
The strength and stability of a building’s foundation depend largely on the characteristics of the soil beneath it. Soil testing provides site-specific data that engineers can use to tailor the building’s design to the unique characteristics of the soil, ensuring that it performs as intended over its lifespan.
Southern Geotech’s soil testing and Site Classification Reports meticulously evaluate on-site soil conditions, classify the site, and offers crucial footing recommendations. This information is imperative for your engineer, architect, draftsman, and builder during the design phase of your project.
For upper storey additions, a footing probe will also need to be conducted. This involves excavating existing footings to ascertain their dimensions, founding material and estimated load-bearing capacity. This comprehensive assessment equips Engineers with vital insights to ascertain the adequacy of existing footings in supporting new upper storey loads.
All Site Classification Reports adhere to the Australian standard 2870-2011 Residential Slab sand Footings for footings and slabs.
Common developments that require soil testing include:
- New Homes
- Ground Floor Extensions
- Upper Storey Additions
- Multi-Unit developments
- Ground floor extensions
- Upper storey additions
- New building project
- Dual occupancy
Soil Testing for Non Residential Projects
Geotechnical Investigation
When it comes to commercial, institutional, and Industrial developments, precision is paramount. At Southern Geotech, we specialise in crafting Geotechnical Reports & Investigations tailored for non-residential projects.
Our rigorous testing and experience-based approach delves deeper, essential for the success and longevity of your project.
Our Geotechnical Investigation Reports span a diverse spectrum of non-residential projects, including but not limited to:
- Factories/Warehouses
- Commercial Structures & Shopfronts
- Retaining Walls
- Sports Field Infrastructure inc. Netting and Scoreboards.
- Sporting Pavilions
- Lighting, Telecom & Meteorological Towers/Installations
- Pavement/CBR Investigations
- Playgrounds, Boardwalks and Shelters
- Schools, Kindergartens & Daycare Facilities
- Hospital, Medical & Aged Care Facilities and Upgrades
Soil Contamination Testing
Site Assessment / Characterisation
As part of our comprehensive service offerings, Southern Geotech also provides Soil Contamination Testing.
Contamination Testing is essential for assessing the presence and concentration of harmful substances or pollutants in soil samples. Various analytical techniques are employed to detect and quantify contaminants present in the soil.
Following the testing process, a detailed report is generated summarising the findings. This report includes contaminant concentrations, sampling methods utilised, and any recommendations for remediation or further action.
Soil contamination testing is crucial for regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring, and site remediation efforts, helping to safeguard public health and ecological balance.
Soil Testing for Stormwater
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (SHC) Test
In areas where offsite stormwater disposal is not permitted, onsite solutions become essential. A Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (SHC) test evaluates the soil’s ability and rate it absorb water, providing crucial data for the design engineer to appropriately size the proposed system according to the site’s specific requirements.
By offering these specialised assessments, we ensure that your stormwater management systems are designed with precision and efficiency, tailored to the unique characteristics of your site while adhering to regulatory standards and environmental considerations.