Soil testing is analysis of soil and strata to establish types and quality soil strata to establish
load bearing capacity of soil to workout type of foundation required. Soil testing for
construction helps in determining the type of foundation to be laid. Getting your soil tested
before construction analyses how stable the construction project would turn out to be.

Importance: –
Soil testing is being carried out to determine the physical and engineering properties of the
soil in the construction site. Based on this information sub-structure of any structure gets
designed including foundation design worked out for foundations, retaining walls, and slopes
that are safe and stable. Without proper soil testing, it is difficult to predict how the soil will
behave during construction and beyond, and this can lead to major structural problems and
even failures. Below are few major reasons why soil testing important: –

 Soil testing helps to determine types of foundation required.
 The results of soil testing are used to determine the likelihood of foundation problems
and the best construction methods to use.
 The water table level of the soil can be determined through soil testing.
 The level of the water table, measured by soil testing, indicates potential issues with
the level of humidity inside the foundation and the foundation of the building.
 The mineral and chemical composition of the soil can influence the construction
material chosen.
 Testing of the soil, as mentioned before, helps in laying the foundation of the
building. And if the soil is untested, the foundation laid can get defects and damages
which consequently change the strength and stability of the building.
 The mineral and chemical composition of the soil can influence the construction
material chosen.
 If soil analysis shows that the soil contains Sulphur, Sulphur-resistant cement is used
to protect the building’s foundation.
 Soil testing is extremely crucial when multi-story buildings are being constructed to
understand soil behaviour.
 Another reason for soil testing is to determine soil strength. The strength of soil
determines the load-bearing capacity of the soil, which is essential for the design of
foundations, retaining walls, and slopes. Soil strength can be affected by various
factors, including the type of soil, the water content of the soil, and the presence of
organic matter. Soil testing is necessary to determine the strength of the soil and to
ensure that the design and construction of the structure will be safe and stable.
 Soil testing also helps to determine the soil moisture content. Soil moisture content
affects the soil strength, the stability of the structure, and the ability of the soil to
support the weight of the structure. High moisture content can lead to soil settling, soil
erosion, and even failure of the structure. Low moisture content can lead to soil

cracking and shrinkage, which can also result in structural failure. Soil testing is
necessary to determine the moisture content of the soil and to ensure that the soil is
suitable for the design and construction of the structure.

Thanks
Dinesh Singh