2 Reasons why Soil Testing Is Important Before Construction

As most of the people know, in order to construct a structure that is fit for human occupation and local standards, you need to have a qualified and professional contractor, a viable plan and resources. However, most people tend to forget about the earth on which your structure will stand. Other than the sturdiness of the land, one should also test the reactivity of the soil. This is referred to as soil testing.

Soil testing helps in determining how reactive the soil is, which helps in knowing how the soil will react under different conditions. For instance, will it contract, expand or does it move? The concept may be new to you, but the following reasons will help you understand why soil testing is important before commencing any construction project.

1. Determines the Perfect Foundation for Your Structure

During soil testing, you're able to determine whether the soil in your piece of land is clay, sand or loam. These three types of soil react to different moisture conditions differently. Due to the changes in moisture content in the soil due to weather changes, these different types of soil contract and expand indefinitely at different rates and condition, which subjects your foundation to different forces. If you have not properly planned for these changes, your structure may be adversely affected.

For instance, if your structure's foundation is built on clay soil, you need to consider that clay soil tends to absorb water and hold on to water. If this happens, the ground underneath it tends to become soft and weak. Therefore, with no time, your structure will start sinking, causing adverse damage to your structure, rendering it unfit for human occupation. Therefore, it's very important to determine the type of soil before construction, to help you plan in advance of what type of foundation you'll use for your structure.

2. Establishes Predictability and Stability in Planning

By testing your soil using a professional and qualified contractor, you're able to know the soil's chemical constituents, density, strength, sand content, organics and compaction, which goes a long way in helping you plan in detail for the expected financial outlay for the project. Soil testing will assist you to anticipate any structural problem and help you plan your finances accordingly. In addition, it can help you save on costs in instances where you realise you don't need a complex foundation due to the perfect soil composition in your area.

Starting a construction project without testing the soil can lead to adverse financial implications and even injury and loss of human life. Therefore, make sure to seek the services of a professional and qualified expert to test your soil before commencing your construction project. Contact your local soil testing service today to learn more. 


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