Such investigation might reveal the soil is inadequate to meet our requirements. If so, another site may need to be located. On the site in question, we can also explore ways to stabilize or modify the soil. Alternately, we can remove and replace it with higher quality soil. A fourth option is to change the standard way we design foundations. Alternative means can be engineered to either distribute weight across poor performing soils, or carry the building load down to below the inadequate soil.      

The choice of response to inadequate soils has an impact on overall construction expenses. A complete evaluation must include cost comparisons of all options. That evaluation must begin with the analysis and testing of the soil.

 Explain the processes involved in the formation of soil.   

 Identify the constituents of which soil is composed.    

 Relate how the various soil horizons come into being.   

 Discuss how the primary soil types are identified.   

 Summarize the value of researching the past uses of a proposed building site. 

 Recognize various field tests which can be conducted to analyze soil.    

 Summarize laboratory tests which are conducted to analyze properties of soil.   

 

 Determine how soil stabilization can be accomplished.