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As they say, “Prevention is better than cure”! The adage holds true for the development of buildings, roads, highways, dams, and other structures falling under different sectors of the construction industry. Geotechnical site investigation is one of the preventive measures to ensure safe & sustainable construction of any structure. These investigations are carried out by certified geotechnical engineers who acquire the right expertise to conduct both surface and subsurface explorations. Usually, a subsurface exploration, while conducting site investigation, is accompanied by soil sampling & laboratory tests of these samples performed by an accredited geotechnical investigation lab.

The planning & subsequent construction of any urban development project is therefore incomplete without a site investigation as it thoroughly examines all the soil properties & characteristics and suggests remedial measures to reach the desired development results successfully.

Below are some advantages of conducting a site investigation when starting a new construction project:

1. Efficient Design

Geotechnical investigation forms the basis for the design of any proposed structure. The engineering properties of the investigated soils help prepare an efficient & cost-effective design at the beginning, thus minimizing the possibilities of unwanted design alterations at a later stage. Adequate site investigations ensure an appropriate design strategy that is neither over designed (to involve high costs) nor under designed (posing a risk of failures).

2. Mitigates Potential Risks

The surface and subsurface explorations performed during a geotechnical site investigation are crucial to designing the foundation of a structure. A foundation is that element of a structure that connects it to the ground and provides stability.

A well-designed foundation is significantly dependent on site investigation which, if not done properly, can lead to unexpected damages & failures both during & after the construction.

3. Ensures safety

Inadequate geotechnical investigations can be a threat to the project as well as public safety. One needs to be informed if the soil specifications do not match the construction requirements so that a soil treatment or location alternative can be suggested, as required.

To ensure that such critical information is not missed, it is better to appoint a competent geotechnical consulting firm prior to hiring a contractor for construction.

4. Helps Acquire Suitable Materials

Not all construction materials go well with all soil types. The properties of the soil, as revealed by the site investigation, help determine the most suitable materials for construction that will hold on to the soil for longer durations, thus preventing any cracks in the floor and walls of the structure.

5. Minimizes Costs

One of the most common consequences of a skipped or flawed geotechnical investigation is the additional repairing and reconstruction cost induced not so long after the project completion. This unwanted expense is always greater than the combined cost incurred in carrying out an efficient site investigation and any soil treatment, if necessary, by partnering with professional geotechnical engineers.

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