Why Perform Soil Testing For New Homes?

Are you thinking of building a new home? There are a lot of things to consider. Soil is vital in housebuilding, either in the initial stage or later. Soil testing plays a crucial role in assessing the viability of constructing new homes by analyzing the composition and characteristics of the ground. This process helps determine whether the soil can provide a stable and secure foundation for the proposed structure.

If the soil is found to be loose, easily crushed, or full of assimilatory clay, like in Houston and the gumbo soil we have to deal with, it does not mean that you cannot build on that soil, but you will need extra foundation support. 

Who Performs Soil Testing?

Soil engineers perform soil testing. They can be hired privately or through the architect or contractor planning and building your new home. These are also known as Geotech specialists or geotechnical engineers. Geotechnical engineers have degrees in civil engineering. 

Typically, the period between graduation and completing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam involves engineers acquiring experience through employment under a licensed soil engineer. This phase can be seen as a form of on-the-job training or apprenticeship.

What Is the Job of a Soil Engineer?

Soil engineers bore holes in the soil and took samples. These samples are tested to determine the soil health and suitability of the ground. Soil engineers can test the earth before the construction, during the building, and after the construction is complete to ensure ongoing compatibility. 

Once the soil engineers complete the soil testing and note all of the compounds in the soil, they look for any problem that the composition could cause. 

What Are Soil Engineers Testing For?

Soil engineers test the composition of the soil to determine soil health. 

Robust soil is characterized by minimal expansion or contraction in response to moisture changes, and it possesses optimal density to prevent excessive compaction or settling once construction is finished.

Weak soil needs to offer better support for buildings.Additionally, the soil could be loose and susceptible to erosion. Geotechnical engineers also conduct assessments for the presence of harmful substances such as lead, arsenic, copper, cadmium, zinc, and barium. These contaminants could signify potential health hazards to humans in the area.

How Exactly Is a Soil Test Performed?

When you think about purchasing or just purchasing, geotechnical engineers can help you test the soil. They arrive on the property with equipment and begin boring holes to take soil samples. 

Shallow holes can be dug with hand tools, and samples are placed into collection jars. In some instances, the soil engineer may have to bore holes between seven and ten feet below the surface to test the water table and potentially find bedrock or harder soils. 

Soil engineers typically take four and eight soil samples, but it can be different according to the engineer. The tests and results are more accurate and correct  with more examples.

When Should I Get My Soil Tested?

Soil testing is essential for maintaining healthy plants, optimizing agricultural productivity, and making informed decisions about fertilization and soil amendments. The timing for when to get your soil tested depends on the specific goals you have and the type of plants you're dealing with. 

You can test the soil before purchasing land or constructing a new building. Soil testing also be ongoing during the construction process