Why & When are Site / Ground Investigations Required?
Site investigations and ground investigations are essentially the same thing. Although the terms site and ground investigations can be used more generically for other investigations relating to building projects they are commonly used to described the investigation of the ground below a proposed or existing building.
Every building project involving foundations requires a ground investigation. All buildings rely on their foundations and the strength of the ground beneath to support the superstructure. Many sites have been contaminated by past industrial use or by material left on the site. A ground or site investigation uses specialised equipment to carefully probe into the ground and retrieve soil samples which are analysed to provide recommendations for foundation design and determine if any site clean-up is required.
Site investigations are generally carried out by digging trial holes with a JCB type excavator or using specialised borehole equipment. Both methods have their place. The main advantages of drilling boreholes are:
There is little surface mess compared to a large hole dug by an excavator
The ground can be investigated to a greater depth
Sites with restricted access, even within buildings, can easily be investigated
The information gained from a site investigation is essential for the design of any building from the smallest of house extensions to major property developments. Ground Investigations generally cost a small proportion of a building project and ensure that the project starts off with firm foundations.
For a quotation or advice please contact us.