Geotechnical investigation evaluates the safety of a site for development or redevelopment, and can reveal potential problems such as unstable ground or liquefaction. The survey can be costly, but is necessary in areas with geological activity. Different companies offer geotechnical services, and tailored assessments are available for unique projects.
Geotechnical investigation is a process in which the physical properties of a site are evaluated for the purpose of determining what uses of the site will be safe. Before land can be developed or redeveloped, a geotechnical survey is often required. This process is also required or recommended following accidents such as earthquakes, the emergence of cracks in the foundation on ground that was thought to be solid, and so on. The goal of such an investigation is to confirm that the land is safe to build on.
The nature of a geotechnical survey can vary. Sometimes, a geologist simply visits the site and makes a visual assessment, noting any signs of trouble or deviations from the surrounding area. In other cases, a geologist will take samples for study purposes so that he can learn more about the rock and soil composition at the site. The geotechnical investigation may also include site tests to create a profile of the subsurface condition.
A number of things can be of concern to geologists when evaluating a site that has been proposed for development. They may be concerned that the ground cannot securely support a structure or that structures above a certain size could be dangerous. Geotechnical investigation can also reveal problems that could be problematic in an earthquake, such as soils prone to liquefaction. The survey could also be used to find formation that can support development, such as bedrock that can be used as an anchor to reduce the risk of damage in the event of an earthquake.
The cost of a geotechnical survey can be high, especially if a site is in an area subject to geological activity, as the level of survey will usually need to be higher to satisfy the law. For this reason, sites that already have geotechnical survey documentation may be attractive to developers, as they know the sites are safe to build upon. The geotechnical survey may also be recommended for people who are considering buying a property during the phase of the transaction where the property is inspected so that if there is a serious problem with the site, people can cancel the ‘deal.
Different companies offer geotechnical services, and in large communities, there can be several options. People with complex or unique projects may want to work with geotechnical consultants who have experience with that type of project and the local terrain, so they can get an assessment tailored to the intended use.
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