Protecting your investment.
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- When a new foundation is being proposed and
- When storeys are being added to an existing building.
To put it into perspective, think of the ‘’Leaning Tower of Pisa’’. The unintended tilt was caused by shallow foundations and unstable subsoil. A soil bearing evaluation would have outlined the unstable soil from the beginning.
Ottawa’s own ‘’Canadian Museum of Nature’’ would have benefited from a soil bearing
evaluation. The current glass and steel tower (over the entrance) was erected in the place of the former central tower. The original tower caused the building to “sink” as the original design did not account for the Leda clay the structure was built on. The original tower’s removal occurred several years after the building opened.
Luckily, soil bearing evaluations are readily available from local engineers and come at a reasonable cost. That being said, although only a fraction of the project’s global budget, over 50% of clients choose to opt out of the evaluation. The reality is that if a soil bearing evaluation isn’t provided prior to plan conception, the designer, draftsperson or architect does not take responsibility for the soil’s strength. We explicitly include this disclaimer on the drawings. Without a soil bearing evaluation, we ASSUME the ground will withstand the implied load. Should something go wrong or things start to shift, the owner is left with the responsibility.
Thus why, although not always mandated by the Ontario Building Code or the municipal by-laws, a soil bearing evaluation is highly recommended when a new foundation is being proposed.
Let us help you!
Interested in learning more about the recommended planning process? We can assist in coordinating the right people to start off on the right foot.
We also invite you to visit our blog called ‘’Owner’s Checklist’’ to know more about the process and to outline the importance of choosing the right people to work with.
The right start leads to a stronger finish!
Respectful Renovations
