Why Construction Contractors Carry Out Site Analysis Before Constructing New Buildings
Most often, people see new buildings being put up in different parts of Australia, but very few have a clue about the extensive site studies that are carried out onsite before actual construction work can begin. These site studies are called site analysis. For those who don't know what site analysis is, here's a run-through of what it helps assess.
Soil information
Because buildings stand on soil, construction companies must first determine if the soil at the proposed construction site is suitable for the proposed project. Soil information that is often vital to the design and layout of a proposed building includes but is not limited to the permeability of the soil, depth of topsoil, size of soil particles, texture of the soil, infiltration rate, depth of topsoil, ponding, shrink-expand potential, susceptibility to erosion and depth to the water table below. All these soils data will be used to ascertain if the soil can hold up against the weight of the proposed building.
Topographical information
Information on the topography of the proposed site is also critical to the design and layout of building construction projects. Topographic maps are a source of useful information that architects and building designers can use to establish slope of the land, drainage patterns and the location of environmentally-sensitive features, such as rivers and lakes. Typically, topographic elevations for a proposed building construction site should be put down in graphical form. Topographic information can also be obtained by carrying out an on-site topographic survey.
Information on existing infrastructure
One of the most critical yet disregarded aspect of site assessment analysis is the identification of all existing infrastructure attributed to a proposed building construction site. If there are buildings and other structures present at the project site, and they will need to be brought down, an assessment of the building materials will need to be conducted and properly documented. This way, issues with possible site contamination can be addressed early.
Information on historical or archaeological features
Historical and archaeological features associated with the proposed project site can also delay or halt a project if not addressed in the initial stages of the project. Information on the historical or archaeological significance of the project site should be collected so as to ensure there are no legal obstacles that may prevent the smooth execution of the project.
While the specific reasons why building construction contractors perform site analysis may differ depending on the location of the proposed construction site, site analysis is an indispensable part of planning for any building construction project.
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