
Highly reactive clay sites, which may experience high ground movement from moisture changes Moderately reactive clay or silt sites, which may experience moderate ground movement from moisture changes Slightly reactive clay sites, which may experience only slight ground movement from moisture changes Most sand and rock sites with little or no ground movement from moisture changes In Australia, soil classifications are detailed as below: Class A The larger the soil movement, the more reactive the ground is, and the more costly it can be to build on.

This is important as water can result in the erosion of particular soil types which can damage a home’s foundation. Typically, the soil is classified by reactivity and the chance of soil movement as it gets wet. This testing soil sample will be taken to a laboratory where the soil classification, composition, condition, slope stability and soil bearing capacity will be determined. To complete this, the engineer will cut into the earth on your block of land and take a sample. This aims to determine what ground your new home will be built on.

Testing Soilįollowing this initial site analysis by a surveyor, a geotechnical engineer will also visit your block of land to begin testing soil. This is one of the most important steps in the site preparation process as it can assist in identifying obstructions to construction and prevent unnecessary costs later. The surveyor will also determine the block’s cut and fill requirements for excavation if the land is uneven or sloping. In this assessment, the surveyor will determine the block’s boundaries, orientation, slope and size, and any building restrictions or zoning laws for the area. A registered site surveyor will first visit your block of land to inspect it and determine the work required to prepare the site for construction. After all, site preparation is one of the most important aspects of the home building process! Initial Site Analysis & Observationīefore breaking ground and starting to build, initial site analysis and observation must be completed. This helpful guide will detail the steps required to transform a raw block of land into a site ready for construction. Gardner Homes, we are bringing joy back to the home building process by equipping our customers with the confidence and knowledge they need to begin building their dream homes. As the saying goes, you can’t build a great home on a weak foundation.
