How can you determine the type of foundation testing for a project?

Choosing foundation testing methods demands a nuanced approach. Integrating SCPT for seismic considerations, employing geophysical methods for non-intrusive insights, implementing PMT for soil strength, and conducting Atterberg Limits testing for expansive soils collectively ensure a comprehensive understanding of soil behavior. Humanizing this technical process involves recognizing that beneath every structure lies the commitment to a foundation designed with precision, ensuring longevity and resilience. The journey of foundation testing is not just about data; it's about laying the groundwork for structures that stand as testaments to engineering excellence and enduring strength.

There are also compaction tests conducted regarding foundations.In some countries each foundation is subject to a compaction test. If it fails the required level delays are experienced and or other stabilizing methods have to be applied.

Tailoring testing methods to foundation types optimizes construction quality. Incorporating SET for deep foundations, utilizing DCPT for shallow foundations, implementing CSL for drilled shafts, and applying TIP for concrete quality assurance collectively enhance the assessment process. Humanizing this technical endeavor involves recognizing that beneath every foundation lies a commitment to precision, ensuring structures stand resilient against time and external forces. The journey of foundation testing is not just about methods; it's about building the groundwork for structures that endure and inspire confidence in their stability.

Aligning foundation testing with project requirements is pivotal. Incorporating RCT for seismic projects, employing Permeability Testing for environmental compliance, utilizing GPR for historical preservation, and applying HSDLT for high-load projects collectively ensure foundations meet diverse performance criteria. Humanizing this technical process involves recognizing that behind every project requirement lies a commitment to precision, ensuring foundations align with the unique demands of each project. The journey of foundation testing is not just about compliance; it's about crafting foundations that uphold the integrity of structures while respecting the diverse contexts they inhabit.

We can divide the foundations into two major groups. Surface foundations and deep foundations. For surface foundations typically no test is requested by the authorities. In my experience this is problematic, because the design of surface foundation typically relies on the soil strata indicated in the site investigation for the given foundation elevation. Considering that many assumptions are made to come up with a soil model during the site investigation, we cannot be sure, whether the soil strata we have at the foundation level is really the soil described in the site investigation. So, I strongly recommend to conduct plate load tests, which can be done very quickly to assure that we do have the soil which was used in the design.

Selecting testing methods involves a delicate trade-off. Combining CSL with core testing for deep foundations, integrating GPR with selective excavation for seismic regions, leveraging ERT for expansive soils, and prioritizing SET in urban settings collectively optimize foundation assessments. Humanizing this technical process involves recognizing that beneath every testing method lies a commitment to precision, ensuring foundations stand resilient against diverse challenges. The journey of foundation testing is not just about methods; it's about crafting assessments that strike a balance between accuracy, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility, laying the groundwork for enduring structures.

Tailoring inspection frequency to project nuances is essential. Integrating ATS for continuous monitoring in high-risk projects, increasing inspections during soil-sensitive phases, employing SHM for long-term assessments, and utilizing strain gauges for dynamic load analysis collectively enhance foundation quality control. Humanizing this technical process involves recognizing that behind every inspection lies a commitment to vigilance, ensuring foundations endure and perform as intended. The journey of foundation inspection is not just about data points; it's about ensuring the ongoing health and resilience of structures in the face of dynamic challenges.

It does not make sense to save a few thousand dollars by picking a low-fee firm for construction. Stick with the Geotechnical Engineer of Record. They know the site the best, thoroughly understand their recommendations, have instructed their people on what to look for, and their field people have a direct line to the GER. Construction phase testing is technically part of the geotechnical services. We have lately seen an uptick in third-party inspectors NOT providing field recommendations and pushing recommendations back on the GER (who no longer has a contract). As much as I may like you, I don't work for free and I don't teach other inspection firms how to do their job. Contract my team and save the headaches and delays.

Crafting a competent inspection team is foundational for project success. Integrating geotechnical and structural engineers for a holistic approach, engaging geologists for nuanced soil insights, and incorporating drone operators for comprehensive site coverage collectively strengthen the inspection team. Humanizing this technical process involves recognizing that behind every inspection team lies a dedication to expertise, collaboration, and precision, ensuring foundations are assessed with the highest professional standards. The journey of foundation inspection is not just about roles; it's about assembling a collective of skilled professionals committed to ensuring the structural integrity of projects.

This will be noted on a site with a competent HSE team and system in place.Any person from the owner/developer/ visitor or site staff has to be duly recorded. There ingoing, outcoming or any movement on the premises recorded as well and each one definately certified for competence with certification on a display area for transparency.

One thing I find useful is building requirement is an important factor to consider on foundations especially on deep foundations. It is important to also note that deep foundation works are usually carried out by specialist contractors also known as piling contractors.

If your geotechnical consultant recommends a specific contractor or contractors - or more importantly, warns against a contractor- please listen to them. The only incentive we have in recommending (or not) a contractor is to ensure the project runs smoothly. I have horror stories... I have no desire to relive them.