SOIL TECHNICAL AUDIT

Evaluating the state of land to reduce risk

When buying property, it is essential to correctly evaluate the current state and possible liabilities of the land to be purchased. Geo-mechanical risks can be fatal for any construction project. These risks include light soils, underground hard layers, geo-hazards such as cavities, proximity of underground networks or landslide risks. Equally important to identify are environmental issues such as soil pollution from chemicals or hydrocarbons, ground water pollution, noise, non-serviced sites or site access difficulties.

Being able to rely on the right kind of assistance is vital to the decision-making process and mitigates the risk of unexpected future costs.

What are Soil Technical Audits?
The Soil Technical Audit service involves carrying out a quantitative identification of subsurface conditions and providing recommendations for building foundations, related site improvements and site preparation.
If necessary, engineering analyses and soil sampling can be performed in accordance with industry standards. These evaluations require multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of geotechnics, chemistry and environmental regulations. There is also a need for sophisticated laboratory equipment and materials unlikely to form part of the client’s core business.

What are the key benefits?
- Avoid purchasing contaminated or unstable land
- Avoid costly litigation from potential health, safety or environmental problems
- Obtain specialist assistance in designing foundations or basement levels to deal with geo-mechanical facts or possible pollution issues