A new house is not built in a vacuum, but stands on land whose properties can be very different. From water pressure to rocky soil to heavy metals, there can be many secrets hidden in the soil. Therefore the following applies: Without a land report it is not possible to build a house. Anyone who thinks they can save themselves the cost of the relationship runs the risk of having to pay even more.
SUBJECT AND COSTS OF A SOIL EXPERT
The soil report is the most common name for the subsoil and foundation report of a geotechnical expert. For the report, the expert examines the state of the soil and the condition of the water. Specifically, this involves the geological investigation relating to the bearing capacity of the soil, the level of the expected water table and the possible presence of contaminated sites and soil contamination.
Since the result of the soil report has a direct impact on the statics and moisture protection of the planned house on the soil, it should be prepared before planning the construction. However, you need to know where the future building will be located on the property. There, soil samples are taken from which the expert can evaluate the bearing capacity of the soil and the water conditions. If a building site is a cause for concern, you should commission an expert geologist to carry out a soil survey before purchasing the property.
Potential builders sometimes mistakenly believe that a land report is needed only for a house with a basement or a house on a slope. It’s not fair. Even a house without a basement rests on a floor whose load-bearing capacity should be examined in order to properly design the foundation.
Both the extent and depth of the soil analysis are regulated by the standards DIN 4020 and DIN 1054. Depending on the nature of the soil and the object of the investigation, the soil report costs between 1,000 and 2,500 euros.
THE SOIL EXAMINATION
The expert geologist obtains his information from soil samples taken through subsoil surveys and/or drilling. A key distinction is made between undisturbed samples, e.g. with vertical cylinders, where the soil structure is taken unchanged, and disturbed samples, e.g. using auger drilling, where the soil structure is changed for the sample by the sampling process.
Soil samples are taken from at least two diagonally opposite corner points of the designed home. The depth of the drilling depends on whether the house is to be built with or without a basement. An exploration depth of three to five meters below the next foundation base is usually sufficient.
The experienced geologist then carries out mechanical tests on the soil samples in the laboratory, for example to determine soil strength and water permeability. From this comes recommendations for the foundation of the house and, if necessary, for soil improvement measures, such as soil compaction. Additionally, the expert uses soil samples to identify pressing water problems and existing contaminated sites that need to be removed.
CLARITY AND SAFETY THROUGH SOIL TESTS
Accordingly, the soil report serves to ensure the safety of the planned new building. Based on the statements and recommendations of the geotechnical expert, the foundation of the house can be planned in such a way that the house does not subsequently suffer from settlement cracks, settlements or water damage. Only with the soil report can it be reliably determined whether, for example, it is possible to build a house with a basement or whether the excavated soil is suitable for filling the excavation or to what extent it must be removed and disposed of properly.
That’s why in the system MYMASSIV-HAUS® Before starting implementation planning, preparation of a soil report, including static calculations, is required.
Incidentally, the soil report also makes sense for another important reason. The building owner assumes the subsoil risk. By commissioning a land survey, the risk of liability is transferred to the geotechnical expert. If, for example, an incorrect analysis of the ground conditions leads to overloading of the ground and thus to settlement cracks in the building, the expert is liable for the resulting damage.
Furthermore, as mentioned, the report provides information on measures needed to protect the house from moisture damage, whether soil replacement is necessary or additional foundation measures. In this way, builders receive clarity in advance on the construction costs arising from the real estate situation.
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