Which type of evaluation is conducted to approximate costs and determine foundation needs?

Subsurface evaluation is the process used to assess the soil conditions beneath the surface of a construction site. This type of evaluation is crucial for understanding the bearing capacity of the soil, which directly impacts the foundation design. It typically involves drilling, sampling, and testing soil layers to analyze their characteristics and stability. By determining soil properties and moisture content, engineers can estimate the costs associated with foundation construction and identify what type of foundation is required based on the conditions present.

While the other evaluation types may involve aspects of cost estimation and foundation planning, subsurface evaluation is specifically focused on the underground conditions that dictate the appropriate foundation type and related costs. For example, a site evaluation might assess surface conditions and zoning laws but would not provide the detailed insights about soil composition essential for foundation work. Similarly, a structural assessment focuses more on existing structures and their integrity rather than initial foundation requirements based on soil. A foundation survey, while related to existing foundations, does not address the initial cost estimation or ground conditions necessary for new foundations. Thus, subsurface evaluation is the most relevant choice for approximating costs and determining foundation needs.