GEOTECHNICAL OPINION
Geotechnical opinion
The purpose of the geotechnical opinion is to specify the geotechnical category of the object in relation to the expected degree of complexity of the ground conditions and to determine the range (range) of necessary geotechnical research in the area of the planned construction investment. The geotechnical opinion usually includes a descriptive part and a graphic part.
The descriptive part - should contain information about the groundwater level, description of individual layers of soil with the specified depth of their deposition and thickness as well as density, plasticity, moisture, density and cohesion.
The graphic part - should contain a documentation map and a map of the location of the area, cross-sections, as well as geotechnical profiles, explanations of symbols and signs used on the cross-sections.
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Legal basis
The legal basis for the preparation of geotechnical opinions is the Regulation of the Minister on determining the geotechnical conditions for the foundation of buildings. This regulation obliges to perform geotechnical opinions for building structures. (Geotechnical categories - § 4. of the above-mentioned regulation.)
The geotechnical category is determined in a geotechnical opinion depending on the complexity of the ground conditions and the structure of the building. These data allow us to determine the characteristics of the ability to transfer deformations and vibrations, the degree of complexity of impacts, the degree of threat to life and property due to a structure failure, as well as the historic or technical value of a building and the possibility of a relatively significant impact of this facility on the environment.
The first geotechnical category
- It includes the foundation of small buildings with a statically determinable calculation scheme in simple ground conditions, when it is possible to ensure minimum requirements based on experience and qualitative geotechnical tests, such as:
- 1- or 2-storey residential and utility buildings;
- retaining walls and excavation struts, if the difference in levels does not exceed 2 m;
- excavations to a depth of 1,2 m and embankments to a height of 3 m; performed especially in road construction, drainage works and laying pipelines.
The second geotechnical category
- It includes constructions erected in simple and complex ground conditions, requiring quantitative and qualitative assessment of geotechnical data and their analysis, such as:
- direct or deep foundations;
- retaining walls or other retaining structures, subject to (XNUMXst category, point b), holding soil or water;
- excavations and embankments, subject to (I category, point c), and earthworks;
- bridge abutments and piers and quays;
- ground anchors and other anchoring systems.
The third geotechnical category
- constructions erected in complex ground conditions;
- non-standard construction objects, regardless of the complexity of the ground conditions, the construction or use of which may pose a serious threat to users, such as: power engineering facilities, refineries, chemical plants, water dams and others; hydrotechnical structures with an impoundment height above 5,0 m, shipyard structures, sea islands and drilling rigs and other complex marine structures, or whose construction designs contain new technical solutions that have not been proven in national practice.
Important to remember!
§ 7.
1. For buildings of all geotechnical categories, a geotechnical opinion is prepared.
2. In the case of construction works of the second and third geotechnical category, documentation of the subsoil tests and a geotechnical project shall be additionally developed.
3. In the case of construction objects of the third geotechnical category and in complex ground conditions of the second category, geological and engineering documentation is additionally prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Geological and Mining Law (ORDERING OF THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, CONSTRUCTION AND MARITIME ECONOMY on determining the geotechnical conditions for the foundation of building objects).
- constructions classified as investments that may always have a significant impact on the environment, as defined in the regulation on projects that may have a significant impact on the environment;
- high-rise buildings designed in the existing urban development;
- tall structures with a direct foundation depth of more than 5,0 m or with more than one storey sunk into the ground;
- tunnels in hard and uncracked rocks, in conditions that do not require special tightness;
- critical infrastructure facilities;
- historic and monumental buildings.
The material is for information purposes only and is not an interpretation of the law. Due to possible changes in applicable law, all information provided should be verified and checked for validity.