Geological survey for private houses

Many owners treat a geological survey for a private house as an unnecessary expense, yet the foundation is the most expensive part of a home to repair later. Relying on what the neighbours found is risky: on the Absheron Peninsula clay, sand, saline soil and old fill can change within a few dozen metres. A survey shows exactly what lies beneath your plot.

Typically several exploratory boreholes are drilled within the footprint of the house, samples are taken from every layer and the groundwater level is recorded. In the laboratory we determine density, moisture content, plasticity, collapse and swelling potential and the content of water-soluble salts. Where useful, cone penetration testing measures soil resistance directly in place.

The architect and structural engineer receive a description of the soil layers, design parameters and foundation recommendations: strip, raft or pile foundation, the need for waterproofing and drainage, and the required sulphate resistance of concrete. This improves safety and saves money by avoiding an over-designed foundation.

In the seismically active Baku region reliable soil data matters even more, because the soil category directly affects the seismic design of the building. Our licensed specialists carry out the work in line with the applicable codes (AzDTN/SNiP).

When you need it

• Before building a private house, villa or cottage
• Before buying a plot, to check whether it is suitable for construction
• When the designer requests soil data for foundation calculations
• When adding a storey or an extension to an existing house
• When cracks or settlement are visible in neighbouring buildings

What's included

• Site visit and borehole layout
• Drilling of exploratory boreholes
• Disturbed and undisturbed soil sampling
• Groundwater level measurement
• Laboratory soil testing
• Assessment of soil and water aggressiveness to concrete
• Foundation recommendations

How we work

1. Review of the site plan and house design
2. Defining the number and depth of boreholes
3. Field work: drilling and sampling
4. Laboratory analysis
5. Preparation and delivery of the report

Deliverables

• Engineering geological report
• Borehole logs and cross-section
• Table of standard and design soil properties
• Recommendations on foundation type and depth