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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
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    hobart
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    2

    Default Soil test validity

    Hi all,

    I've just signed a contract to purchace a block of land and received a soil test report done over 10 years ago (class, wait for it...P!!). My feeling is that one would need a current soil test for building. The thing is I really like this block of land even though it might cost a bit more to build on. Is it too much to ask for another soil test to be done?

    TIA

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Garvoc VIC AUSTRALIA
    Posts
    3,208

    Default

    So why would the geological structure of the soil have changed ???
    Regards, Bob Thomas

    www.wombatsawmill.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    173

    Default

    echidna is right, not much would have changed. unless there has been major earthworks done on the site, 10 years is a mere blink in the geological landscape.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    Hobart
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    44
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    Default

    Clueless, can I ask who did the test?

    My brother works for a company and he might be able to look up records?? I wouldn't have a clue what they do to tell you the truth though!

    PM me if you want to as I may forget to follow this thread...
    <Insert witty remark here>

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    47

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by clueless1
    Hi all,

    I've just signed a contract to purchace a block of land and received a soil test report done over 10 years ago (class, wait for it...P!!). My feeling is that one would need a current soil test for building. The thing is I really like this block of land even though it might cost a bit more to build on. Is it too much to ask for another soil test to be done?

    TIA
    Just thought I'd let you know that we are having a new house (305 m2) built now that we have had to pay extra for footings due to the soil class. Ours is 'H', a little less unstable than yours. It is costing us an extra $3500. Hope that gives you an idea of what yours might cost.
    -mrsxtro.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    hobart
    Posts
    2

    Default

    Thanks guys. Probably nothing to worry about unless it's near a landslip area.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Oberon, NSW
    Age
    64
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    0

    Default

    Personally, if it's a new estate I'd check with the council about two things: whether it's old landfill and whether any major drains/sewers have been laid nearby in recent years.

    If landfill, there'd be no question - I'd have it retested purely for peace of mind. I'd also give it serious thought if sewers have been laid; even new ones can disrupt the local water table & alter stability. If the house is damaged by subsidence 'cos of drainage problems, you could sue and win... but IMHO it's better to not go there in the first place.
    I may be weird, but I'm saving up to become eccentric.

    - Andy Mc

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Brisbane
    Age
    61
    Posts
    166

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by clueless1
    Hi all,

    I've just signed a contract to purchace a block of land and received a soil test report done over 10 years ago (class, wait for it...P!!). My feeling is that one would need a current soil test for building. The thing is I really like this block of land even though it might cost a bit more to build on. Is it too much to ask for another soil test to be done?

    TIA
    "P" classifications are generally given to sites that have been filled using uncontrolled fill ie; fill that wasn't compacted in layers and tested as it was placed. It can also be used for sites that have several different subsoil types, eg; one end of the site is rock, the other end is clay or for sites that are heavily sloping.. All it means is that the engineer designing the footings has to make allowances for the specific issue(s) discovered.

    As to whether it's worth getting it redone, it would depend on how trustworthy the original testing was. I have seen so-called soil tests that consisted of the "tester" arriving on site and simply driving a DCP (dynamic cone penetrometer) into the middle of the block. There should be at least 2 bore holes logged and, depending on what was found, possibly more. If there is a defined building pad, that should be tested for compaction if it has been filled. It sounds like a lot of work and it's a pain, but the alternative is to have the footing/slab designed for a worst-case, which will be considerably dearer still.
    Cheers,
    Craig

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Ipswich QLD
    Age
    55
    Posts
    177

    Post soil test.

    Yep I concure with exador on this as its best to be safe than sorry. I have to get soil tests done here for our deck even though the house has stood for 50 plus years. We live on black soil which extremely reactive. We had been in the house for 6 weeks and I had removed doors to shave bits off them to get them to close. Some houses Here in Ipswich have had to be under pinned due to the soil movement and the slabs giving way. A little bit extra for piece of mind in years to come can go a long way.
    Dave,
    hug the tree before you start the chainsaw.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Strzelecki Ranges Victoria
    Posts
    395

    Default Class P

    If you have a copy of the report clueless it will list the number of drill holes and the depth of each with the soil type (or rock).
    There will be a recommended footing depth given to attain (100 kPa) foundation bearing pressure.
    The extra cost on a class P site will vary depending on the flooring type.
    A weatherboard home on stumps could have deep stumps spaced as far apart as possible with deep bearers & joists spanning big distances.
    A brick veneer will need pylons down to bearing pressure spaced along the brick footings with the concrete strip footing poured on top spanning the pylons.
    The last brick veneer home we designed on a P site had 4.5 meter deep pylons at 2.4 met centres around the perimeter, deep stumps internally with C purlins for joists spanning 4.2 meters.
    Total extra on the footing cost - $17700

    Take care & check it out thoroughly before signing.
    Peter Clarkson

    www.ausdesign.com.au

    This information is intended to provide general information only.
    It does not purport to be a comprehensive advice.

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