A soil test is something that most property owners don’t think about, but the reality is that this testing is often a critical step before a construction project. Soil analysis determines the next steps in the construction process, which is why it can impact planning, timelines, safety, and costs. Experienced excavation contractors understand the importance of evaluating soil quality before moving forward with any project.
At Mikula, our team pays attention to the details and prioritizes quality every step of the way. When you hire us for excavation and other related construction projects, by connecting you with the right company for soil testing based on the results we’ll be able to identify whether soil remediation is necessary.
The hope is that the tests will come back with good news, giving us the green light that we can move forward with the project. But there are times when the test results show that remediation is necessary. Having this information at the beginning of the project is the best way to manage expenses and stick to the timeline as much as possible.
What is a Soil Analysis?
A soil analysis is a detailed inspection of all properties, including soil composition, stability, potential contamination, shrinkage limit, moisture content, and whether the soil is suitable for a planned construction project. When a building is being placed on the site, it’s essential to make sure that the soil will be able to support this structure. If there are unaddressed problems with the soil, then it could result in a shifting foundation and serious damage to the building.
Just because soil testing for construction shows potential concerns doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to move forward with the construction process. Instead, there might be a few soil remediation steps that need to be followed to ensure the site is ready and suitable for construction.
Soil analysis involves multiple steps. First, the geotechnical engineers complete a site investigation. They inspect the soil, any potential hazards, and also consider whether the water table might interfere with construction. Additionally, it is necessary to collect soil samples that are taken back to the lab to perform more in-depth testing to evaluate soil composition.
The most common types of tests that are performed include:
- Geotechnical tests, such as shear strength, compaction, and bearing capacity;
- Environmental tests to detect if hazardous materials are present in the soil; and
- Chemical tests to understand the soil nutrient content and pH levels.
What Happens If Your Soil Comes Back Normal?
Good news! It’s a positive outcome if the soil testing comes back with normal results. There is no need for soil remediation, which means that you can move forward with construction as planned. The selected materials and the way the foundation is designed match the soil conditions. The benefit of a “normal” soil analysis is that you can streamline the construction project and timelines. Normal soil avoids delays due to additional testing and soil remediation steps.
You will be saving both time and money if your soil tests are normal!
Additionally, normal soil testing results give you the peace of mind that your building is on good ground. You can move forward with the project in full confidence, knowing that the site you have selected is suitable for your plans.
What Happens If Your Soil Comes Back as Contaminated?
If the results come back showing that the soil is contaminated, then a few extra steps need to be followed before you move forward with construction. We’ll start with a risk assessment to determine potential hazards, including construction concerns, health risks, and environmental concerns.
But just because your soil is contaminated doesn’t mean that you need to cancel the construction project. Instead, you will need to take care of soil remediation first before deciding on the next steps.
Soil remediation options might include:
- Removing the soil and replacing it with higher quality soil;
- Treatment on-site, such as chemical oxidation or bioremediation; and/or
- Capping or containment.
Keep in mind that there are specific regulatory requirements that must be addressed for soil remediation on the construction site. Your excavation contractor should ensure that you comply with all local and federal regulations regarding the way the soil is handled, managed, and treated.
One of the biggest drawbacks of contaminated soil is that you can expect significant project delays and high costs for soil remediation. So, you will need to make adjustments to the construction timeline and your budget. But once you have completed soil remediation successfully, then you will likely be able to move forward with the project as planned.
Consult With an Experienced New Jersey Excavation Contractor
When you work with an experienced excavation contractor, you have access to the knowledge and resources of a professional team. We can both help with the soil remediation process and also offer the best suggestions for effective and cost-effective soil remediation or foundation adjustments.
Safety is always our top priority, which is why we are proactive about testing whenever it is needed. We offer peace of mind, so you know that your construction project can be completed successfully. For more information about residential and commercial environmental cleanup, reach out to our experienced team at Mikula. We’re here to help!
