Pre-Construction Geologic Survey

Yes, soil borings are required at various intervals (depending on local codes and ordinances) to ascertain the bearing capacity of the soil, as well as any contaminants.

These usually take the form of cores removed; a few inches in diameter, going down a varying amount depending again on local conditions. Unless something is in the direct path of the drill, it won't be detected.

They are also likely to do a regular survey, with the usual topographic tools, to compare with the official survey. Any discrepency between the official survey (frequently dating back decades) and the new one will likely be investigated, as it could indicate site disruption or undocumented construction.

Noah Body said:

If a construction company was going the build a strip mall, would they do any kind of geological surveys prior to construction? What would those surveys entail, and what might they expose?

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What does your plot NEED? We can come up with a way to delay construction if you want it.

It depends on what building codes say, as well as historical preservation codes. It also depends on what previous surveys were run.

There are parts of the USA where an archaeological survey must be done. In some places you have to check for expansive soil and toxic contamination.

Around here you can run into old mine shafts, smuggler's tunnels, old murder victims, and buried munitions dumps.