I used to think quick soil samples were enough, but not anymore

Last season, a project got held up because we missed a thick clay layer. Now I take extra core samples before starting. What's your way to find tricky soils?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray_flores1mo ago

Is it really that big a deal? I've seen jobs where clay was found but it didn't slow anything down. Core samples take time and money. Maybe you just got unlucky that one time. Over-sampling can make projects cost more for no reason. Not every hidden layer is a disaster.

joelfoster1mo ago

Yeah but that's the thing, it's not just about slowing the work down. A thick clay layer you don't know about can mess up drainage for good or cause settling later. That turns into a way bigger bill than a few extra core samples. I'd rather spend a little time and money up front than get a nasty surprise when a wall starts cracking.

elizabethhart19d ago

Come on, you can't test every square inch. Most of the time the soil is close enough to what you expect. I've pushed through plenty of jobs with just the basic check and they're fine years later. You start digging extra holes for every little thing and you're just burning daylight and fuel for maybe a problem.