SOILS

As the name "structural" implies, control of compacted fills is extremely important in order to help ensure that the fill will perform as intended. The old adage that "a structure is only good as it's foundation" is certainly appropriate. Soil, being a highly variable material, is subject to further variations with moisture fluctuations. Then add the complexities of energy required for compacting soil types, possibilities of introducing additives such as cement or lime, slope stabilities, keys, long-term or differential settlement, etc., and the need for quality control, becomes evident.

Many factors contribute to the suitability and effective performance of soils used for structural fill. Identifying and properly controlling these factors can generally be divided into two phases. The first involves verification tests of the soils' properties to the quality specified. The second phase involves the enforcement of good construction practices with particular regard to placement and compaction.

Materials engineering laboratories that offer services in this field, provide expertise and equipment to
accomplish the objectives of the design and project specifications. Qualifications and experience are particularly important in this field.

• Moisture-Density Relations
• Compact Testing and Inspection Classification
• Atterberg Limits
• Pile Load Tests
• Pile Placement Inspection
• Contract Drilling Services