What is a Standard Site Classification?
A standard site classification includes essential geotechnical tests required for most projects:
- Bore Hole Logs: 2 logs (soil samples from two points).
- Density Tests: 2 tests (to measure soil compaction).
- Testing Depth: To 3 meters or until rock is encountered.
- Shrink/Swell Test: Included for highly reactive soils.
What is a Custom Site Classification?
A custom site classification allows for more flexibility and detailed analysis:
- Bore Hole Logs: Any quantity (additional drilling points as needed).
- Density Tests: Any quantity (more tests for detailed data).
- Testing Depth: To 6 meters or until rock is encountered.
- Additional Reports: Tailored to site needs, including:
- Exposure Classification
- Acid Sulphate Soil Report
- Level 1/2 Compaction Test
- In Situ Permeability/Soil Infiltration Test
- Contamination Report
Standard lot classification
What is a Site/Lot Classification?
A Lot Classification (also known as a site classification) is performed using a utility mounted drill rig or a hand auger where access prevents using a drill rig. We drill down to the required depth as determined in the Australian Standards to give valuable information to your engineer.
It is important that a site/lot classification is undertaken in accordance with Australian Standards AS 2870-2011 Residential slabs and footings; AS 1726-1993 for Geotechnical Investigations.
An Idealcorp Site/Lot Classification consists of taking 2 bore logs where possible (this is to profile the soil strata) and density tests to determine the soil classification, along with a wind classification and a site classification. View sample report
What do we do on site?
- Bore hole drilling identifies:
- The subsurface soil strata (soil profiles)
- Moist or hard soils
- Determines the soil plasticity of clay
(further laboratory testing maybe required to determine soil reactivity, included) - If fill is present on your site and the depth
- If a water table is present
- If there is rock or rock floating boulders on your site
- DCPs (Dynamic Cone Penetrometer) or PP readings – to determine soil density
- Fall of site – slope measured in degrees
- Wind classification – assists in designing roof structures
- Soil classification – Determines the soil type A, S, M, H1, H2, E. – reactivity of the soil
- Site classification – considers other aspects of your site, which may classify your site as a “P” (problem)
Site/Lot Classification FAQ’s
Why do I need a Site Classification (soil test)?
When a structural engineer is designing your home, the foundations are the most important area of the engineering. Without appropriate foundations the house is at risk of movement, cracking and potentially worse.
Not all soil is the same. Soil can be sandy, rocky or of a clay nature and many combinations of these types. Soil variation can occur over extremely short distances. They all present different challenges when a structural engineer is designing your foundations.
The soil may be prone to expansion and contraction, known as heave, common in clay soils or it may be soft and collapsing creating stability issues. It may be rocky which is great for stability but expensive if you are excavating a pool or basement.
A Site/Lot Classification provides the engineer with knowledge to ensure they are designing the correct slab for the specific soil conditions of your property. It supplies the engineer with a soil classification, this relates to reactivity or heave in the soil, meaning how much can the soil expand and contract when wet and dry.
The report supplies a site classification which relates to whether it is a P site, which alerts the engineer that there may be a problem with water, trees, soft soils and other conditions that need to be taken into account when designing the foundations.
Why buy from us?
We supply a large range of clients, from some of the largest project home builders through to home owners building a granny flat or swimming pool.
We make it simple. Order online, you will be contacted to confirm our date on site, you don’t need to be there when we come, we will be on site within the lead time indicated when you place the order and your report will be completed and returned via email. You now own this report and can provide it to any builder or engineer of your choice to aid in the design of your project.
Our report includes things others charge extra for. We include shrink/swell (reactivity) laboratory testing if required.
We have the largest staff of employed technicians in Sydney and surrounds, giving us control over our client service. We are the only supplier who has an inhouse NATA accredited laboratory and we have our own geotechnical engineer on staff.
This allows us to provide a market leading price, service and support to our customers as we do not subcontract the work or testing to others.
What else do we do?
Acid Sulphate, soil infiltration, contamination, compaction, salinity and durability tests are among some of the other services we provide. If these are the tests you require please complete an enquiry form or call us to discuss.
Sample Lot Classification Report
