Why Site Investigation Is Necessary Before Starting the Construction

A professional surveyor systematically collects data from the construction site and analyses the soil condition through a site investigation. Before every construction work begins, you must conduct a site investigation or survey. The data related to the construction site you collect through the site survey helps the site engineer understand soil condition and strength.

If the site has Rocky soil, it would be less strong enough to support the superstructure's load. The engineer might then decide to build a stronger piled foundation to keep the structure standing. 

So, in this blog, we will discuss how the site investigation helps in construction in the UK.

What Is a Site Investigation?

Understanding the site condition before the construction process is called site surveying. A professional surveyor conducts two types of site investigation

• Preliminary site investigation 

• On-site and lab investigation

In the Preliminary investigation, the surveyor checks if the site has any legal issues, if it is allowed for building construction, and other similar issues. On the other hand, an on-site investigation involves analysing the soil type and determining if the site is suitable for multi-storey buildings. Or, maybe special construction techniques (piled foundation, raft foundation, etc.) are needed to help the site carry the building loads.

A lab investigation further tells you the soil strength and type to accurately determine the type of concrete suitable for the particular site.

Key Components of a Site Investigation

The main purpose of a site investigation is to check the soil's load-bearing capacity. You can check it by conducting a soil analysis. You can also check the groundwater level at the construction site. It will help you understand how deep the building foundation can go. A site investigation is also necessary to identify if the site contains any hazardous materials. Suppose there are any hazardous materials, such as asbestos or any harmful chemicals.

Finally, a topographical survey would complete the entire investigation. You may learn which way the water rushes when it is raining.

Why Is Site Investigation Necessary?

Besides understanding the soil strength, it also helps to understand which type of building you can construct here. Workers can also work in a safe environment if they conduct the site survey properly.

Ensures Safety

A professional surveyor completes the task by analysing and identifying hidden risks in the construction area if the risk factors like hazardous elements are on-site, loose soil conditions and other things. It reduces the risk of sudden identification and taking necessary measures.

Prevents Cost Overruns

If you properly conduct the site survey, you can plan and decide on the construction cost better. Proper planning will help you prevent cost overruns, or going beyond the construction budget suddenly.

Helps in Foundation Design

An engineer can select and determine the ideal concrete mix for construction, improve the foundation design, and determine the type of building foundation that will work well with the soil type.

Reduces Legal Risks

Surveying the site before construction also saves time and money in legal proceedings. If the piece of land has any legal issues, surveying the site will raise them.

Risks of Skipping Site Investigation

you do not carry out a proper survey of the construction site, you might face several difficulties. For example, missing out on soil testing means you will never know the soil strength. Consequently, a weak building foundation will lead to developing cracks in the concrete structure.

Similarly, if you do not have data on the groundwater level, you might experience the foundation of the building under water with little or no rain. Moreover, checking for soil contamination allows to maintai a safe space for workers to work on the site.

How Groundwork Contractors Surrey Can Help

We have been in the construction work for years. We understand what common issues that you may look for when doing a ground work project. Our experts are trained to prepare the site for future construction by analysing the site condition.

For any groundwork, excavation or site clearance service, contact us today. Our experts work hand in hand with professional surveyors.

Conclusion

Now that you know the importance of conducting a site investigation before the construction process starts, don’t delay further. If you are planning to construct a building very soon, get the site investigation done as quickly as possible. Such a small and seemingly insignificant step can help you build a strong and reliable foundation.