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What is the purpose of a soil report?

  1. To provide a cost estimate for excavation

  2. To furnish data necessary for foundation design

  3. To outline safety measures at the site

  4. To list potential contractors

The correct answer is: To furnish data necessary for foundation design

The purpose of a soil report is primarily to furnish data necessary for foundation design. Soil reports contain crucial information about soil properties, including its type, bearing capacity, moisture content, and potential problems such as expansive clay or high water tables. This data is essential for engineers and architects when designing foundations to ensure that they can adequately support the structure being built. A correctly designed foundation takes into account the specific conditions of the soil, which can significantly impact the stability and longevity of the structure. While a soil report may influence excavation costs and inform safety measures at a construction site, its main objective is to provide the foundational data needed for structural design. This role is critical, as inadequate understanding of soil conditions can lead to significant structural failures.