Soil Investigations

Structures and foundations are often located in topographically and geographically complex areas or rock formations that can not be accurately characterized with conventional geotechnical exploration techniques. SSC has the experience necessary to evaluate the engineering geology of a site and to determine potential impacts on foundations and structures. Our geotechnical engineers will assess site grading and construction requirements and evaluate existing or potential geologic hazards.

For Soil ID Reports, SSC takes several samples from your property to determine the soil characteristics and correlates them to the designated County Soil ID Number. The County uses the report in its approval process for building permits.

Percolation testing (also known as Infiltration Testing) is designed to evaluate a soil's ability to accept water infiltration. Percolation testing is typically used for designing septic systems and stormwater infiltration trenches. A percolation test can measure two specific characteristics of a soil system: whether it can function hydraulically and will it provide treatment.

SSC measures water drop in a series of test holes during a specified time period. The soil can support a septic system, for example, if the water drop falls within the acceptable range (determined by state and county regulations). If the water drains too slowly, the septic system or stormwater infiltration trench will not function at all or overflow. If the water drains too quickly, the system will not provide proper treatment of sewage, resulting in groundwater and surrounding soil contamination, which is an unacceptable result for a septic system.