Before beginning your next construction project, it is recommended that you consult with a geotechnical engineer. These professionals will enable you to safely investigate and analyze your site and determine its sustainability. Whether you are working on a small residential project or a large scale commercial project, the expertise of a geotechnical engineer may be greatly beneficial. In addition to ensuring your project is completed safely, these experts have a wide range of expertise to help you throughout your project. Here are four reasons you should consult a geotechnical engineer before beginning your next project.
Materials Analysis
Before construction begins, a geotechnical engineer will look at the construction plans. Specifically, they will be considering the materials and quantities in the structure’s design and will be calculating the weight and pressure they put on the ground they’re built on. Because geotechnical engineers are primarily focused on the geological—the soil, rocks, and other materials under the earth—they need to understand the force new construction will put on those materials. They’ll also look at how the construction will change the landscape and shape of the earth.
Site Investigation
Next, they’ll collect soil samples from the site of the project. These samples will be analyzed to determine the ground’s stress bearing capability and stability. One of the main reasons you will need a geotechnical engineer on your construction site is to ensure your project is being constructed on solid grounds. Whether you are building your family home, or a new site for your company, you should make sure your site is concrete and durable.
Safety Precautions
No matter what you are building, the construction is likely to disrupt the existing stability of the earth in some way. Some of these changes won’t cause any real problems, but some are major safety hazards to humans, animals, and plant life. These engineers can identify the issues of erosion, settlement, and slope. To prevent the risk of safety issues like sinkholes, landslides, earthquakes, and other natural hazards, a geotechnical engineer will assess potential issues. They will then propose preventative measures.
Foundation Engineering
Finally, a geotechnical engineer will design the foundation of the construction to ensure that it structurally sound. This way, you know the ground will be able to support the construction and the construction won’t experience excess pressure from the surrounding earth. As these issues can cause a great amount of damage to any construction project, it is recommended that you assess the possibility of them occurring on your site. Whether you intend to work on a commercial building or your family home, a geotechnical engineer will ensure everyone’s safety.
In light of these reasons, it is very imperative that you consider hiring a geotechnical engineer before you begin your construction project. They can inform you of any potential geological hazards and ensure your project is being constructed on sustainable ground. Although in the past these positions were not required, the government now includes them in their project permit application. Without a geotechnical engineer, your permit application may be denied or held until a geotechnical engineer is provided.
