If you’ve recently decided to start a new build on your vacant property, you will more than likely have already had to deal with a geotechnical engineer. These experts deal with the behaviours and characteristics of soil and rock on land that’s been earmarked for development.
This can include commercial property where the next skyscraper is going to stand, or it could simply refer to the pool you want to add to your backyard entertainment area. Geotechnical engineers are involved in both processes because they need to conduct the soil testing Melbourne legislation requires.
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Why is a Soil Test Necessary in Australia?
Anyone who has ever tried to get a building permit for a new build or home renovation will know that soil testing is mandatory in many regions of Australia. Essentially, these tests are done to ensure that the ground under the build site is stable and durable.
This is especially necessary when a foundation is needed because the required soil test will highlight whether or not the soil is strong enough to hold the weight of structures such as buildings and pools. Since Australia has very diverse soil types and conditions, it’s essential to know whether the soil is safe.
Top reasons to perform a soil test include the following:
- Determines whether or not the foundation will be stable.
- Adheres to regulatory compliance for the issuance of building permits.
- Prevents problems and potential building delays caused by inferior soil.
- Ensures environmental considerations are met, ensuring conservation and promoting sustainability.
- Allows for cost-effective building techniques to be planned, thereby reducing costly remedial re-do’s during the construction phase.
Many Struggles to Overcome
If you’ve received a less-than-positive soil test, then you will know that there are often challenges that geotechnical engineers have to overcome. This involves finding solutions to counter the negative aspects of your future build. The more significant challenges are listed below.
1. The Growing Climate Change Crisis
The current focus surrounding the climate crisis challenge is no secret and affects all aspects of modern living. In addition to having to deal with changes to the ground, geotechnical engineers also have to find construction solutions to counter extreme weather events, which often include heavier rainfall, landslides, and increased temperatures.
All of these factors can have a significant effect on a new build and its foundation. Fortunately, geotechnical engineers are working hard to develop new construction methods combined with more resourceful materials to reduce the overall environmental impact.
A few examples of the new techniques you can expect to see with your build include the following:
- Using recycled materials to manufacture asphalt and concrete for use in foundations.
- Creating new geosynthetic techniques to reinforce rock and soil in the build’s environment rather than using traditional approaches such as adding concrete and steel.
- Developing sustainable techniques to reduce the project’s overall energy consumption and therefore minimise the carbon footprint.
- Designing modern construction methods that will require much less earthwork and make use of fewer earth-moving machinery.
- Techniques are being developed to make foundations and building structures more resistant to biological and chemical degradation.
- New concrete mixes are being developed that not only counter soil erosion but also slow down the overall breakdown of soil components.
These changes aren’t just being implemented in large-scale buildings, but could also work in local, residential builds. You can speak to your geotechnical engineering team to recommend the most significant and sustainable techniques to implement for a more sustainable build.
2. Rapid Urbanisation
Another huge challenge the modern building industry has to deal with is the rapid rate at which new towns and cities are growing. An increase in the growth rate increases the demand for residential and commercial infrastructure.
This doesn’t only include housing, but also larger aspects such as transportation networks. Modern architecture adds to the pressure by demanding more robust design options to support the weight of taller, heavier skyscrapers. This structure should also resist growing seismic forces.
Achieving this is being done with new construction methods to relieve the pressure of increased traffic on roads. Trenchless construction methods are being used to install various underground utilities without compromising any surface infrastructure.
3. Sustainability
There’s more to sustainability than simply reducing your plastic consumption and buying an electric vehicle. Geotechnical engineers have to contend with traditional building methods that are doing the environment more harm than good.
Evolving techniques in modern construction include using recycled materials to make building materials. This is especially essential when it comes to reinforcing foundations. More focus is being placed on rehabilitating soil and rock conditions in a prospective build area. This replaces more traditional building methods of shipping in soil and rocks to facilitate building.
Final Thoughts
Modern problems may require modern solutions. Fortunately, geotechnical specialists are working around the clock to find more sustainable construction solutions to handle any new challenges. This should give you peace of mind that your next build will be constructed safely and built to last, no matter how much your local environment changes!
