Soil report
Construction activities can have an adverse effect on soils and so its impacts need careful consideration as part of the development process. Local authorities may require a soil report as part of the planning application process.
A soil report is generally prepared by geotechnical engineers or civil engineers following a soil survey. It should provide an indication as to whether the site is suitable for the proposed construction, i.e. whether the soil and geological conditions will be able to provide the required support and stability. Consideration of the allowable soil bearing pressure and the possibilities of settlement is of particular importance.
The report may be incorporated into a Material Management Plan and Site Waste Management Plan. It can also be used by structural engineers to inform the choice of foundation design.
Some of the details that should be included in a soil report are:
- Classification of the various types of soil encountered and a description of the characteristics.
- A discussion of the potential for re-use of soils on site.
- Recommendations for the handling and storage of soils on site.
- Maps showing the locations of soils on site.
- The geological history of the area.
- Details of the sampling (e.g. borehole location, depth, soils encountered at each level).
- Groundwater conditions.
- Bearing capacity of the soil.
- Chemical composition of the soil.
- Seismic conditions prevalent in the area, if appropriate.
- Recommendations for foundation design.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.