Geotechnical investigation and soil testing brisbane, gold coast & sunshine coast
SITE SOIL TESTING GOLD COAST & SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND
for houses, pools, units and industrial land IN BRISBANE, GOLD COAST & SUNSHINE COAST
Independent Soil Testing has been supplying Geotechnical and Environmental Services for South East Queensland and Southern Moreton Bay Area since 1990. Our offices are located in Brisbane and Gladstone and the Gold Coast. We not only take pride in our reputation for providing fast and reliable service, but we also take pleasure in our dedication to helping guide our clients through the soil investigation test and site investigation process.
And with over 30 years of combined Soil Testing Brisbane Northside and Southside, also including Gold Coast and South East Queensland, you can rest assured that we will generate the quickest solutions for your residential and commercial site projects. We specialise in assisting our clients from the preliminary design phase through the completion of their project in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and South East Queensland.
Main Types of Soil Testing
Various tests are conducted on soil to determine its suitability for the construction of buildings. Some tests are conducted in the laboratory, and some are in the field. There are two main types of soil tests that can be carried out when building or buying a block of land.
ON SITE SOIL INVESTIGATION TEST
Onsite Soil Testing in geotechnical investigation is commonly done when building or buying a block of land. An example is unsewered blocks, most local authorities in Queensland require a Site and Soil Evaluation to determine the permeability of the soil for the purpose of drainage design.
A Permeability test is conducted to determine the amount of drainage that is required on the soil types encountered. The Site & Soil Evaluation must be carried out prior to the installation of an on-site wastewater disposal system to ensure the selected disposal system will be suitable for the proposed application area.
STRUCTURAL SOIL TESTING
This is when soil samples are then taken back to our Laboratory for laboratory testing and further analysis.
The soil samples can be collected in a variety of ways, including by hand auger, drill rig or backhoe. Boreholes are drilled and logged as to the changes in strength, colour and plasticity.
All soil drilling requires a trained eye. The ability to correctly identify the soil comes with education, experience and an understanding of local soil types.
The following classifications may be given:
- CLASS 'A' - Little or no ground movement
- CLASS 'S' - Slightly reactive sites
- CLASS 'M' - Moderately reactive sites
- CLASS 'H1' - Highly reactive sites
- CLASS 'H2' - Highly reactive sites
- CLASS 'E' - Extremely reactive sites
-
CLASS 'P' - Problem site Reactive sites are more expensive to build on due to the amount of
potential ground movement than Non-reactive or low reactive sites.
The results of these tests are used for geotechnical reports to determine the suitability of the soils and rocks for various engineering applications.
WHY CHOOSE INDEPENDENT SOIL TESTING?
With over 30 years of experience, our servicemen work tirelessly to deliver reliable geotechnical soil testing. A Structural soil test is required to determine whether or not the soil is integral enough to support a slab or other infrastructure. Our team will go through the motions of conducting a soil test on site and soil investigation test to determine the compounds of your soil.
Trusted SOIL TESTING SERVICES
Geotechnical soil testing is a critical part of any civil engineering project. Soil and rock are heterogeneous materials that are affected by a variety of factors, such as climate, heat, water, and pressure.
Our geotechnical engineers ensure that the tests are carried out correctly. With their knowledge of soil mechanics, they investigate subsurface conditions, design earthworks, and use numerical analysis and laboratory testing to use accurate and reliable data for informed decisions that result in the successful design and construction of your project.
Contact us to talk about your building application, soil testing requirements and a soil test on site investigation.
FAQs
Soil testing should be done on a regular basis to ensure that the soils are suitable for the particular application. Soil testing is typically carried out before construction begins and during construction. Soil testing may also be carried out after construction to monitor the condition of the soils.
A geotechnical laboratory is a facility where soil and rock samples are tested to determine their physical and engineering properties. Soil and rock samples are typically obtained from boreholes or excavations.
The samples are then tested in the laboratory to determine such properties as moisture content, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, shear strength, and permeability. The results of these tests are used for “geotechnical reports” to determine the suitability of the soils and rocks for various engineering applications.
There is no single type of soil that is best for construction. The type of soil that is suitable for construction depends on the particular application. For example, soils with a high clay content are typically not suitable for use in road construction because they are prone to shrinking and swelling. Soils with a high sand content are typically not suitable for use in foundation construction because they are not very strong. Soils with a high silt content are typically not suitable for use in drainage applications because they are prone to clogging.
There are many different types of soil tests that can be carried out. The type of test that is carried out depends on the particular application.
Some of the more common types of soil tests that we provide include:
Moisture Tests
Soil moisture testing is the process of measuring the amount of water in the soil. Soil moisture testing is important because it can help to determine the shrink/swell index of soils. It determines the soil’s ability to change volume in response to changes in moisture content. Soils with a high shrink/swell index are more likely to experience problems such as:
- Soil erosion
- Cracking
- Heaving
- landslides
Compaction Control Testing
Compaction Control Testing is used to determine the density and degree of compaction of soils. This type of testing is important for determining the suitability of soils for use in construction applications, such as road building and foundation construction.
Atterberg Limited / Plasticity Index (PI)
Atterberg limits are a measure of the consistency of soils. The Atterberg limits tests are used to determine the plasticity of soils. The tests are typically carried out on fine-grained soils, such as clays and silts.
Sieve Analysis
A sieve analysis evaluates the distribution of aggregate particles by size within a given sample. This information can then be used to determine compliance with design and production requirements. Additionally, data can be used to better understand the relationship between aggregates and blends during production and to predict trends.
Permeability Test
Permeability Test is used to determine the ability of soils to transmit water. This type of testing is important for determining the suitability of soils for use in drainage and irrigation applications.
We not only take pride in our reputation for providing fast and reliable service, but we also take pleasure in our dedication to helping guide our clients through the soil investigation test and site investigation process.
Contact us to talk about your building application and soil testing geotechnical requirements.