When you are beginning a construction project, you may be focused on the aesthetics of the design or the legal paperwork needed for the project to continue. It's possible that once the building site is determined, you may not spend much time considering the state of the site other than establishing that it does not require further clearing. While simply glancing at a plot of land may not reveal any problems, it is vital that you do more than that before you start work. There could be serious problems hidden below the surface that only a consulting geotechnical engineer would be able to spot. Here are three reasons that you must call in a consulting geotechnical engineer at the start of your building project to ensure that the structure which you build will be safe and stable for the entire lifetime of the building.
Poor soil conditions
To the naked eye, all soil may appear the same, but once you take a closer look, there are clear differences that can have a huge impact on how your building project should proceed. When you are planning a building, you may be concentrating on the exterior of the building, which will be visible to everyone who enters or passes the building. However, it is the foundation that determines whether the building is stable, and that foundation is often supported by the soil. A consulting geotechnical engineer will conduct tests on samples of soil from across your site to see how strong it is and determine whether or not it can support your intended structure without additional support.
Underground hazards
Looking at a piece of land may not reveal any hazards, but there could be dangers lurking just below the ground. There may be underground caves that could create major foundation headaches for your tea, or there could be the remains of a previous structure that will need to be removed or worked around during your own building work. If these hazards aren't spotted early enough, they can add a considerable amount to the final cost of your project.
Contamination hazards
A consulting geotechnical engineer will look around your site and check for any signs of contamination or ways in which the site could become contaminated as a result of your work. The engineer will also look at the stability of the soil deposits and advise you on any work that must be done to ensure the safety of the site.
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