Soil Assessment and Testing/Site Layout Considerations

Soil Assessment

Process of evaluating soil’s properties to determine its suitability for construction.

Importance of Soil Assessments

• Determines load-bearing capacity.

• Prevents foundation failure (settlement, cracks, landslides).

• Identifies soil improvement needs (compaction, stabilization).

Soil Properties to Assess

• Texture (sand, silt, and clay content).

• Moisture content.

• Density/compaction.

• Shear strength.

• Permeability & drainage.

• Bearing capacity.

Field Soil Testing

• Visual inspection & “soil by feel” test.

• Standard penetration test (SPT).

• Plate load test.

• Proctor compaction test.

Laboratory Soil Testing

• Grain size analysis (sieve test).

• Atterberg limits test (plasticity of clay).

• Moisture content test.

• Unconfined compressive strength test.

Site Layout

Arrangement of temporary and permanent facilities on a construction site to ensure efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Site Layout Considerations

• Site Access & Traffic Flow – entry and exit points, movement of materials, equipment, and workers.

• Storage Areas – proper placement for materials (cement, aggregates, steel) and tools.

• Temporary Facilities – site office, toilets, worker rest areas.

• Utilities & Services – water, electricity, drainage, waste disposal.

• Safety & Security – fencing, signage, lighting.

• Environmental Factors – wind direction, drainage patterns, slope of land.

• Proximity to Work Area – minimizing unnecessary movement.

Site Office

Should be located at the entrance/main road for easy access

Toilet Facilities

Should be located away from active areas and plain view, preferably at a rear corner of the site

Shed & Storage

Should be near the site office and the building

Rebar Station

Should be near the building, but far enough to prevent disturbances

Materials i.e Sand, Gravel

Should be near the building and entrance path