Why Does Soil Matter So Much?
Soil is more than a pile of dirt and it’s very critical in construction. Indeed, the soil is the foundation of the foundation on which every building or structure is built. Why, because the soil on which a structure of any type is built must support the load of the building, must be stable and drain well (so the building doesn’t shift) and must exert low lateral pressure. All these make for a stable and dry foundation. To construct a reliable foundation that will last on reliable soil conditions, contact an expert Bay Area soil drilling and trenching company.
Challenges with Soils
There is a variety of soils that differ in composition and strength. Some are strong and can support substantial weight while others are weak and less stable. The trouble with soils can include:
- Soils that are strong near the surface of the ground but are weak and unstable below the surface.
- Surface geographies that are subject to landslides.
- Soils that are a blended composition which may exhibit weaknesses in construction projects.
- Areas that may use fill dirt that was not compacted or fill that includes debris that compromises fill integrity.
- Soil that is largely made of clay which can expand and contract extensively.
The solutions are to conduct a soil study and to select a foundation piers Bay Area company that can deal with the challenges of soil composition.
What Types of Soils Best Support Building Structures?
Structures that are built to last are built on a good soil base that won’t allow the foundation to shift, swell or crack and that will support the weight of the structure. The type of soil composition will help determine the most cost-efficient sustainable way to build the structure. A Bay Area soil drilling company can compensate for some types of soil. Good types of soil are:
- Bedrock, a solid underlying layer of rock underneath the topsoil.
- Sand, a composition of particles of weathered rock.
- Chalk, a type of clay soil formed from fine particles of alkaline rocks such as limestone.
- Loam, a blend of organic material, sand and clay. This type is better than clay but less solid than sand. https://www.hunker.com/12415148/what-soils-best-support-structures-such-as-buildings
What Types of Soil Tests Can be Conducted?
Testing can be conducted on soil types to determine the best approach for building construction. These types include moisture content tests, Atterberg limits tests, specific gravity tests and dry density tests. https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/types-of-soil-tests-construction/12679/
Choose an Expert Bay Area Soil Drilling Company
Contact Lassiter Excavating, your Bay Area experts for pool removal, excavation, trenching, foundation and pier drilling since 1989. We provide exceptional service for both residential and commercial customers.