When developing an industrial site, geotechnical evaluation plays a key role in ensuring the safety and viability of your project for all parties involved. As one of Alberta’s top choices for geotechnical investigations and support, ProtechGeo knows the importance of conducting a detailed analysis of commercial and industrial developments to identify risks, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ultimately secure a viable finished product for our clients. Below, we’ll discuss the importance of ground evaluations, including a few of the many factors that are involved in such investigations. Read on to learn more.
Don’t Settle for Skimming the Surface
One of the greatest challenges facing land and property developers is dealing with the relative unknown where your foundation is concerned. Ground conditions can vary exponentially from site to site, much less within the same location. While construction materials like concrete and brick will stay fairly consistent in their composition, soil, sand, and all other ground materials are far less easy to predict by a simple visual evaluation and can be greatly affected by environmental stressors like drainage factors, and previous damage caused to the site. Without the right data on hand, starting a new development can disturb land that has become unstable and lead to costly delays, if not disastrous results for everyone involved.
Geotechnical investigations alleviate foundational concerns by digging beneath the surface by conducting soil analysis, reviewing aerial photographs, conducting lab tests where needed, and ultimately compiling enough information to paint a much bigger picture. The findings provided by geotechnical investigations not only allow you to see what you’re working with today, but also plan for known environmental hazards such as floods and earthquakes, and to adapt your structural design as needed. Elements evaluated include:
Ground Composition
Alberta’s topography is diverse, and knowing the composition of your soil and foundation will make it much easier to determine what materials should or shouldn’t be used during construction. The process of developing the land can significantly change the site itself, so knowing the initial composition, as well as the projected reaction to construction is key to guaranteeing a safe build and a structure that is made to last.
Once ground composition analysis is completed, a team of geotechnical experts such as the team at ProtechGeo will partner with your development crew to create a foundation design that accommodates the specific needs detailed in the results of your report.
Ground Stability
Climates prone to the weather shifts we often see in Alberta from season to season, as well as year to year can pose a unique challenge to the build process and make geotechnical investigations an invaluable asset. Taking a closer look at the composition of the foundation as well as the overall stability will help to identify surface and groundwater drainage conditions, as well as highlight any existing damage or geological voids that may have formed over time. Geotechnical engineers can help plan for the longer-term impact of different weather conditions, and assist you in addressing any current issues.
Impact of Development
New developments, especially those in the industrial sectors are held to a much higher standard where environmental reclamation and stewardship are concerned. Partnering with a team like ProtechGeo makes it easy to identify the risks your project may pose to the site as well as surrounding land and to design a plan that addresses these factors in compliance with all relevant regulations.
Learn More about Geotechnical Services for the Industrial Sector Today
As your first choice for Geotechnical services, ProtechGeo believes in ensuring our customers always have access to the support and expertise they need. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, ProtechGeo provides you with easy access to a highly responsive team of engineers and specialists that are always here to help. Learn more about our Geotechnical services by contacting our team today.