Soils analysis, often referred to as soil testing, is the process of examining the physical and chemical properties of soil to determine its suitability for construction and other land-use activities. UTRS Civil and Environmental Engineering (UTRS CEE) provides detailed soil characteristics analyses that are crucial for new construction projects. Our analyses permit construction managers, structural engineers, and architects to make informed decisions regarding design and construction methods.
What Soils Analysis Involves:
Sampling – UTRS CEE engineers collect soil samples from various depths and locations within your construction site. This can involve taking disturbed samples (which are altered during collection) and undisturbed samples (which preserve the soil’s natural structure).
Field Testing – We may conduct In-situ to assess the soil’s properties on-site. Our common field tests include:
- Standard Penetration Test (SPT) – measures the resistance of soil to penetration, providing insight into soil density and strength.
- Cone Penetration Test (CPT) – measures the resistance of soil as a cone is pushed into it, providing continuous profiles of soil strength.
Laboratory Testing – The soil samples UTRS CEE collects for your site undergo various laboratory tests to determine important properties, including:
- Grain Size Distribution: analyzes the proportions of different particle sizes within the soil.
- Atterberg Limits: determines the plasticity and moisture content thresholds of cohesive soils.
- Compaction Tests: assesses how well the soil can be compacted and its optimal moisture content for compaction.
- Shear Strength Tests: evaluates the soil’s ability to resist sliding or failure under load.
- Permeability Tests: measures the soil’s ability to transmit water.
What UTRS CEE Soil Analysis provides for Your Construction Project:
- Soil Classification: Understanding the types of soil present at your project site (e.g., clay, silt, sand, gravel) helps determine how the soil will behave under load.
- Bearing Capacity: Our analysis provides data on the soil’s ability to support structural loads, which informs foundation design and helps prevent structural failure.
- Settlement Predictions: By analyzing the soil properties, UTRS CEE engineers can predict potential settlement issues that may occur over time as loads are applied to the soil.
- Drainage and Water Management: Soils analysis helps identify drainage conditions, infiltration rates, and the presence of groundwater, which are critical for planning effective drainage systems to prevent flooding and erosion on your property.
- Construction Methods: The results of our soil analysis can guide decisions on appropriate construction techniques, such as the need for soil stabilization or reinforcement, and whether to use shallow or deep foundations.
- Risk Assessment: By identifying potential geotechnical risks, such as expansive soils, weak layers, or contamination, UTRS CEE allows your project team to take proactive measures to mitigate these risks during construction.
- Environmental Impact: Soil analysis can reveal contamination or other environmental concerns, guiding appropriate remediation actions if necessary.
UTRS Civil and Environmental Engineering, a division of Universal Technical Resource Services, Inc., has a legacy of serving our local New Jersey and Pennsylvania communities for over a century. Our expert staff of licensed engineers, planners, surveyors, and environmental specialists is proud to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions for clients ranging from private property owners and commercial enterprises to municipal, county, state, and federal governments.