Groundwater is a significant consideration for any construction or engineering undertaking. Water tables can affect both the settling of a structure’s foundation and the action of the soil surrounding the building. Since natural groundwater reserves are a valuable resource to many public and private concerns, the preliminary analysis of any land development project must include a thorough examination of the groundwater systems present in the prospective build site. Our team has worked on many important engineering projects throughout Sonoma County.
Consequences of Poor Groundwater Studies
A thorough analysis of a potential build site is an essential part of project development. In addition to studying the character of soil and other geologic features, groundwater systems must also be carefully inspected. Failing to do so can have some complex outcomes that are potentially expensive and difficult to fix. For example:
Groundwater Does Not Have to Be a Problem
Traditionally, groundwater has been regarded as an obstacle that engineering solutions were required to solve. While strategies such as the creation of aquifer cut-off walls and the use of water removal pumps are still important, early identification of the presence of groundwater and the potential obstacles presented by it allow for more effective problem solving.
Your Engineering Partner
Atterbury & Associates excels at developing the reports required for effective build planning. Contact us today to discuss your next project.
Consequences of Poor Groundwater Studies
A thorough analysis of a potential build site is an essential part of project development. In addition to studying the character of soil and other geologic features, groundwater systems must also be carefully inspected. Failing to do so can have some complex outcomes that are potentially expensive and difficult to fix. For example:
- Individual sources of groundwater can be contaminated when disrupted by build activities.
- Aquifers already affected by abstraction are further disrupted.
- The contamination or disruption of groundwater resources affects agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities.
- Environmental features that rely on the presence and action of ground water systems are significantly disturbed.
- Structure foundations placed below the water table may require basement drainage systems and other solutions to cope with the presence of water.
Groundwater Does Not Have to Be a Problem
Traditionally, groundwater has been regarded as an obstacle that engineering solutions were required to solve. While strategies such as the creation of aquifer cut-off walls and the use of water removal pumps are still important, early identification of the presence of groundwater and the potential obstacles presented by it allow for more effective problem solving.
Your Engineering Partner
Atterbury & Associates excels at developing the reports required for effective build planning. Contact us today to discuss your next project.