Soil Studies
Geo Costa Rica conducts soil studies to characterize site geotechnical conditions and provide useful information for the design of foundations, excavations, fills and other works associated with construction projects.
Understand how the ground will behave beneath your project
A soil study investigates the characteristics and properties of the ground to develop a geotechnical model that helps explain subsurface conditions within the project area.
Obtain information before determining foundation solutions
Surface observations do not always reveal how subsurface materials vary with depth or how they will respond to structural loads.
Through field investigation, data analysis and geotechnical interpretation, we can identify stratigraphy, recognize changes in materials and obtain parameters relevant to the project.
The soil study is the technical deliverable. SPT, DPL, geophysical methods and exploratory drilling are tools that may be included in the investigation according to the project's characteristics.
We investigate the site to understand its geotechnical conditions
The investigation aims to identify the distribution of materials and obtain information about their properties and behavior.
How ground conditions vary with depth
We identify the sequence of materials and changes that may occur below the surface.
Material behavior
Tests and observations provide data that help characterize the ground's response to the conditions anticipated for the project.
Variations that must be considered
Soft materials, fills, stratigraphic changes, moisture conditions or other factors may warrant adjustments to the investigation or additional analyses.
Relationship between the ground and the works
Geotechnical interpretation turns field data into information useful for construction design and planning.
Different sites require different investigation methods
The method is selected according to the project type, site conditions, required investigation depth and the information to be obtained.
An investigation should answer a technical question, not follow a fixed recipe
For some projects, penetration testing may provide the necessary information. Others may benefit from supplementary methods or techniques that reach greater depths, recover samples or investigate subsurface variations.
Geo Costa Rica defines the investigation scope based on the project's actual needs and site conditions.
SPT
The Standard Penetration Test is widely used to investigate soils and obtain geotechnical information.
View SPTDPL
A lightweight investigation method that may be useful under certain conditions and at sites with limited access.
View DPLGeophysical Surveys
Methods used to investigate subsurface contrasts and variations without relying exclusively on direct investigation points.
View Geophysical SurveysExploratory Drilling
Allows direct investigation of subsurface materials and conditions at greater depths.
View Exploratory DrillingFrom field data to a geotechnical interpretation of the site
The goal is not merely to collect values during field investigations, but to integrate them to understand the subsurface and identify the information the project needs.
Explore
We collect information using methods selected for the investigation.
Characterize
We organize data and identify materials, stratigraphy and variations.
Interpret
We integrate the results to develop a geotechnical understanding of the site.
Apply
We relate the identified conditions to the project's needs.
Technical information to support construction design
Depending on the investigation scope and project type, a soil study may provide information on:
The required investigation depth, number of test locations, tests and analyses depend on the project and the conditions encountered during the study.
When Might You Need a Soil Study?
Soil studies are particularly relevant when ground conditions must be understood before making design or construction decisions.
We can define the scope before starting the investigation
Share the site's location, the type of construction planned and any available plans or information. Using this background, we can review the project and prepare a soil study proposal.
Request a Soil Study QuoteGeotechnical Data for SETENA Projects
Depending on the proposed works and site characteristics, an environmental assessment submission may require geotechnical information on bearing capacity, subsurface conditions and foundation criteria.
Bearing Capacity and Foundation Conditions
Geotechnical data help characterize relevant ground conditions, assess their behavior under the proposed works and provide foundation-related technical criteria where appropriate.
The scope of the study is defined according to the project type, ground conditions, anticipated loads and the technical information required for the submission.
What Information Can the Study Provide?
Common Questions About Soil Studies
Is a Soil Study the Same as an SPT?
No. A soil study is the complete geotechnical investigation. The SPT is one of the tests that can be used to obtain subsurface information as part of that investigation.
Which Method Does My Project Need?
It depends on the type of works, site conditions, access, investigation depth and required data. SPT, DPL, geophysical surveys, drilling or other methods may be used as appropriate.
How Much Does a Soil Study Cost?
The cost depends on the number and depth of investigation points, required methods, site access, project type and analyses needed. We can provide a quote once the scope is defined.
What Information Does Geo Costa Rica Need for a Quote?
We can start with the property's location, type of works, available plans or designs, and any existing information about the ground.
Request Your Soil Study
Geo Costa Rica conducts soil studies for construction projects in Costa Rica, defining the investigation according to the proposed works and site conditions.