Soil Boring & Helical Piles

[dewdrop74]

In order to design Piles, would an engineer need a soil boring report direct from the exact property?

we have one, but it was piggy-backed from our neighbors (corner of their lot up against ours). It was our contractors way of trying to save us money.

[stevo6]

Originally Posted by dewdrop74

In order to design Piles, would an engineer need a soil boring report direct from the exact property?

we have one, but it was piggy-backed from our neighbors (corner of their lot up against ours). It was our contractors way of trying to save us money.

Sorry to say it but this is a bad idea. You need the borings from your site and an adequate number. Underground geologies can change rather abruptly, but most of all you want to cover yourself if something goes wrong. Imagine if something did. The contractor would simply say that you , the Owner, said it was OK to use your neighbors data, and you would be stuck. If there is reason to think that piles will be needed, then get a structural engineer on board to advise you.

[Archguy]

I'm surprised you could get the job permitted that way. I've done a few structures on helical piers and we took many, many core samples. Better safe than sorry, particularly when you consider what's riding on it.

[dewdrop74]

i should have updated earlier. we haven't gone as far as permits yet, but you are both correct in what you say. so we are not taking any chances. we will get new soil boring results for our property, proper.
thanks for your input!