THE PROJECT is beginning to take shape. The Due Diligence is almost complete and the Planning Phase is well under way. Based on the preliminary information gathered, it is time to head out to the field to start determining what’s “Out There.” The next step for your construction project is the Site Investigation.

Here is a list of items that should be included in the site investigation(s):

1. Geotechnical Investigation. This usually involves obtaining soil samples by drilling (boring into the subsurface) in pre-determined locations. The Geotechnical Engineer (Geotech for short) will determine, based on the subsurface information gathered, the bearing capacity of the soil on which the foundations of the proposed structure will sit. The Geotech will also make recommendations for items such as pavement design, foundation design, and soil strengths.
2. Environmental Investigation. Obtaining a Phase 1 Environmental report is a must for any medium to large project. A Phase 1 report will detail the history of a particular site and many times the surrounding areas, and show the owner the history of the site in regards to any environmental impacts that may have occurred in or around the site. If any items are discovered that may need further clarification, then a Phase 2 Environmental Study may be required. A Phase 1 report is usually a brief history and summary of a project site, and a Phase 2 report usually includes significant field testing. These reports are used by the environmental consultants to prepare mitigation or remediation plans that will be used to clean or dispose of what is discovered.
3. Surveys. Now is the time to get an updated survey for your property. This may be provided by the owner, but rarely does an owner have the most current survey for his property (especially if the property is a commercial property). The survey will show all existing boundary (a.k.a - property, lot, parcel, or tract) lines, easements, utility locations and sizes, structures, and topographic information. Only a Professional Licensed Surveyor should be used to prepare this document. Small project sites (less than an acre) will usually only require a boundary survey, but large site need both the topographic (topo for short) and boundary information. The survey will be the document on which all the other consultants will base their documents. Make sure you have confidence in your surveyor.
4. Traffic Studies. Are you creating an intersection? Wanting to add a stop light? Will your project increase the average numbers of trips per day to that area? All these questions and more should be addressed in a Traffic Study. Most projects involve gaining new access or adjusting existing vehicle access to a site. The local and state (and possibly federal) jurisdictions will require that you perform a traffic study to determine the impact of your project on the network of roads in and around the site.
5. Endangered Species, Historical, and Archaeological Investigations are other studies that may be required by the project’s jurisdiction. Although these reports are not common to most projects, some areas of the country require them on every project.

Not all projects will require all of the above listed items, but many projects will require most of them. The best place to start in this phase of the overall project planning is to hire a geotechnical engineer and a surveyor. The information gathered from these two items will tell you more about what’s “Out There” in a shorter period of time than anything else, and this information can be used immediately by the other design consultants in preparing the design documents.

If you have any questions about the type of Site Investigations for your project, please contact REDBUD Construction Services.