What to ask/look for in soil test for new foundation
What to ask/look for in soil test for new foundation
(OP)
Hello,
This coming spring I plan to build a new garage/barn, 26'x50', with 10' high 16" deep stone walls (not a stone veneer). I am currently going through a minor variance request to allow the barn to be built to the proposed height. After I receive the variance, I can submit my building plans for the building permit. In preparing for the building permits I am going to have the foundation designed by a structural engineer. Because of the weight of the stone walls I am a little paranoid about settling, so I would like to have a soil test done to find out the load bearing capacity and drainage characteristics. The foundation will be below the frost line (about 4'-5' feet here I believe).
What should a geotech firm do for a test?
Bore/dig to below frost line take sample there or deeper?
What should I look for in the way of tests performed?
What are acceptable methods?
Does time of year matter? it is currently early winter here (Ottawa ON Canada). Ground is not frozen yet, but may be by the time the test is done.
I've searched posts on here but was left confused as to what I should ask for. I don't want to get a $75 hand probe test done thinking that's all I need, but I also don't want to spend thousands on tests which wont be of much help.
Thanks.
Greg.
This coming spring I plan to build a new garage/barn, 26'x50', with 10' high 16" deep stone walls (not a stone veneer). I am currently going through a minor variance request to allow the barn to be built to the proposed height. After I receive the variance, I can submit my building plans for the building permit. In preparing for the building permits I am going to have the foundation designed by a structural engineer. Because of the weight of the stone walls I am a little paranoid about settling, so I would like to have a soil test done to find out the load bearing capacity and drainage characteristics. The foundation will be below the frost line (about 4'-5' feet here I believe).
What should a geotech firm do for a test?
Bore/dig to below frost line take sample there or deeper?
What should I look for in the way of tests performed?
What are acceptable methods?
Does time of year matter? it is currently early winter here (Ottawa ON Canada). Ground is not frozen yet, but may be by the time the test is done.
I've searched posts on here but was left confused as to what I should ask for. I don't want to get a $75 hand probe test done thinking that's all I need, but I also don't want to spend thousands on tests which wont be of much help.
Thanks.
Greg.





RE: What to ask/look for in soil test for new foundation
RE: What to ask/look for in soil test for new foundation
RE: What to ask/look for in soil test for new foundation
RE: What to ask/look for in soil test for new foundation
If all is well with the test pits, and you have clayey soils, you may ask your structural engineer to design a "trench footing" It is more suitable and costs less.
If the test pits reveal poor soils, despite the previous structures history, then call for two soil borings and a geotechnical report.