Site classification, wind rating, and effluent disposal reports
We service large housing and commercial developments as well as single individual housing lots.
At Geotechnical Services, our regional network of experienced Drillers and Technicians possess extensive drilling and testing expertise as well as expert knowledge of the soil conditions and characteristics of the regions in which they operate. We have the ability and capacity to service large housing and commercial developments as well as single individual housing lots.
We are fully QBCC licenced (Lic No.15268116) and operate in conjunction with our NATA accredited laboratories ensuring our site classification services are efficient and our results are accurate. In addition to the site classification, we also offer wind rating and effluent disposal reports.
Whether you are a large estate builder, a small builder, a developer, or an individual building a home, we can assist you with all your soil testing, site classification, wind rating, and effluent disposal report requirements! Contact our friendly and professional team to discuss your project on 1300 295 835 or request a quote here.
Regional Footprint
We provide regional and remote testing solutions; our local teams possess unparalleled knowledge of their respective geographical areas. We have the capability and capacity to establish remote annex laboratories nationwide.
NATA Accredited Laboratories
We are accredited by Australia’s largest accreditation body; you can be assured that our practices meet or exceed the very highest performance and reliability standards in the industry.
Technical Expertise
Our team is comprised of some of Australia’s most experienced and highly regarded geotechnical testing experts. Their collective expertise ensures that we are able to deliver quality solutions to our clients and provide the best mentors for our up-and-coming technical experts.
Quality Service
We strive to provide the best experience for our clients. We understand the importance of effective communication, efficiency, professionalism, expertise, and reliability for a seamless project. We operate a Quality Management System accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
What is a Site Classification?
A site classification is an essential part of foundation design. The report will ultimately guide which type of footing or foundation can be constructed and the parameters which will govern design. Failure to adhere to the foundation guidance outlined in the site classification report could lead to defects and damage to the foundation in the future. Site classification reports are based on Australian Standard AS 2870 and are governed by the results of the soil test and how it reacts to changes in moisture.
Gympie
Geotechnical Services Gympie
Unit 1, 2 Dennis Little Drive
Glanmire, Qld 4570
Bundaberg
Geotechnical Services Bundaberg
Unit 1, 5 Inglis Court,
West Bundaberg, Qld 4670
Hervey Bay
Geotechnical Services Wide Bay
107 Old Maryborough Road,
Hervey Bay, QLD 4655
The seven soil classes
As per Standard AS2870-2011 Residential Slabs and Footings, there are seven site classifications that Australian engineers and builders must account for:
| A | Sand and rock site with no ground movement from moisture changes |
| S | Slightly reactive clay sites with only slight ground movement from moisture changes |
| M | Moderately reactive clay sites which may experience moderate levels of ground movement. |
| H1 | Highly reactive clay sites, which can experience high ground movement from moisture changes |
| H2 | Highly reactive clay sites, which can experience very high ground movement from moisture changes |
| E | Extremely reactive clay sites, which can experience extreme ground movement from moisture changes |
| P | Sites which include uncontrolled fill, soft soils, such as soft clay or silt or loose sands; landslip; mine subsidence; collapsing soils; soils subject to erosion; reactive sites subject to abnormal moisture conditions or sites which cannot be classified otherwise |
Why is an accurate site classification and soil test so important?
A site classification is not only a mandatory initial step in the building process and a prerequisite for council Development Approval, but it also plays a crucial role in ensuring the structural soundness of any construction. If the site classification is inaccurate, it could raise the risk of foundation cracking, brick and gyprock cracking, and frame movement. As a result, it’s vital to choose an accredited and reputable company that provides reliable results.
Find out more about the importance and process of residential soil testing and site classifications on our blog here.
How much does a soil test cost for building?
The cost of a soil test will be influenced by a number of factors, such as:
- How many tests are required
- Type of tests required, ie residential, commercial
- Accessibility to the site
- Site location
Generally speaking, a soil test for a site classification for a single dwelling from a reputable company with an accredited laboratory may cost between $500 and $2000 in Queensland.
Our site classification report
The site classification report contains crucial information that your structural engineer can use to design the foundation of your upcoming home. It can help your builder anticipate potential challenges and obstacles that may arise during construction, such as identifying rock, water tables, soft or collapsing soils, and more.
A standard site classification report includes:
- Site observations: This details information regarding existing structures, earthworks, retaining walls, shallow rock, slope, drainage, ground cover, trees, and fill.
- Site investigations: This details information about the boreholes and field testing
- Soil test results
- Site classification
- Wind rating (if requested)
- Septic percolation results (if requested)
- Borehole logs
Should you have any questions in relation to your report, our team of experts are always happy to assist.
Expertise, capacity, and capability in residential soils testing
No project is too small or too large for the team at Geotechnical Services
Are you a small, medium, or large-scale home builder with projects in the Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Gympie, Sunshine Coast, or Caboolture regions and surrounds? Or are you a private individual building a home in the Wide Bay Burnett, Sunshine Coast, South East Queensland or Central Queensland areas? No project is too small or too large for the team at Geotechnical Services, we have the expertise, capacity, and capability to meet your residential soils testing requirements!
Contact our friendly and professional team to discuss your project on 1300 295 835 or request a quote here .
