FAQ

Geotechnical tests should be carried out for each investment consisting in erecting a building or a structure which cooperates with the ground, e. g. by transferring loads to the ground using the building's foundation.

Geotechnical and geological research is carried out in order to identify the structure of the substrate, to determine strength parameters and to observe the groundwater and groundwater table. This information is necessary for the proper design of the structure.

The scope of research is difficult to estimate without providing detailed data concerning the location, dimensions and characteristics of the planned investment. The scope of research should be defined by the designer responsible for the design of the foundation of the designed object.

In accordance with the applicable regulation, at least the Geotechnical Review should be carried out for every investment consisting in erecting a construction structure. Depending on the soil conditions and the type of construction, it may be necessary to prepare accompanying reports, such as: Geological Works Project, Geological and Engineering Documentation, Substrate Research Documentation, Geotechnical Project.

For the construction of a typical single-family house we propose to drill from 3 to 4 research holes to a depth of 3m below the designed foundation level. More information on this subject in the section Examples of Research Programmes

Geological surveys represent a small cost of the entire investment, while making a mistake during the geological survey or performing insufficient scope of surveys may sometimes result in design or execution errors, the repair of which will require financial outlays many times higher than the cost of fair and reliable ground surveys.