A soil test can mean several different things
Homeowners, builders and certifiers often use the words soil test, soil report and geotechnical report interchangeably. In practice, these terms can refer to different assessment scopes, from residential site classification to an investigation of excavation, slope, fill or founding conditions.
The correct starting point is the decision the report needs to support. A proposed slab or footing design, retaining wall, steep block or basement may require different subsurface information even when the enquiries are all described as soil testing.
When an AS 2870 site classification is appropriate
Residential site classification assesses relevant ground conditions and identifies an appropriate site class for footing-related design considerations. Depending on the assessment, classes may include A, S, M, H1, H2, E or P.
Sydney Geotechnical offers site classification from $750. This starting price applies specifically to the defined site-classification service, not to every form of soil testing, laboratory testing or detailed geotechnical investigation.
When a broader geotechnical investigation is needed
A broader investigation may be appropriate where the project involves a basement, retaining wall, variable fill, significant excavation, groundwater, uncertain bearing conditions or a potentially unstable slope. The investigation should address the specific engineering questions and project conditions.
Provide the original council, certifier, builder or structural-engineer request with the current plans. Sydney Geotechnical can then help identify whether residential site classification, a wider geotechnical investigation or another specific assessment is the appropriate starting point.
Common questions
Geotechnical report vs soil test: common questions
Is a soil test the same as a geotechnical report?+
Not necessarily. Soil test is a broad informal term; the actual scope may be site classification, subsurface investigation, laboratory testing or a project-specific engineering assessment.
Does the $750 starting price apply to all soil testing?+
No. The from-$750 starting price applies specifically to Sydney Geotechnical's site-classification service.
What should I send if I am unsure which report I need?+
Provide the site address, project plans and any written request from your builder, structural engineer, council or certifier so the required scope can be assessed.
Need Discuss the right site assessment in Sydney?
Get a scope matched to the project
Send the site address, proposed works, current plans and any request from your builder, engineer, council or certifier. Sydney Geotechnical will review the information and confirm an appropriate scope and fee.
This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for investigation, engineering advice, footing design or approval advice for a particular property. Project requirements and ground conditions must be assessed site by site.
