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Soil Testing and the Importance of Timing
We follow the CL:AIRE (DoW CoP) to ensure proper management of soils on construction sites. The first step in this process is testing the soil, which is crucial for determining suitability for reuse on-site or elsewhere.
Our testing process involves several key steps:
Testing Process
- Sample collection: We carefully extract soil samples from various locations across the site to ensure a representative sample. We do this before the soil has been disturbed by any construction activities.
- Visual inspection: We examine the soil’s colour, texture, and composition, looking for any obvious contaminants or unusual characteristics.
- Laboratory analysis: We send samples to laboratories for thorough testing, which may include: pH levels, nutrient content, organic matter content and contaminant screening.
- In-situ testing: When dealing with subsoils we can also carry out testing for fill classification and provide compliance for California Bearing Ratio (CBR) to assess soil strength and suitability for specific applications.
Importance of Timing
The timing of soil testing is critical for several reasons:
- Seasonal variations: Soil properties can change with weather conditions, affecting moisture content and nutrient levels. We recommend Spring for soil testing.
- Project planning: Early testing allows for better resource allocation and potential cost savings through reuse.
- Regulatory compliance: Timely testing ensures we meet CL:AIRE DoW CoP requirements and avoid delays in material management decisions. If the topsoil needs to be stockpiled, the shorter that period of the time the better, to avoid soil degradation.
- Site conditions: Testing should occur before major earthworks to accurately assess the soil’s natural state.
By adhering to these practices, we ensure that our soil management aligns with construction standards and regulations, promoting sustainable reuse of topsoil and ultimately preventing it going to waste.