Every strong structure begins with one thing: a solid foundation. And before that foundation is poured, there is one critical step that determines how well your project will stand for years to come, a footing-level soil inspection.
At MR Engineering, we provide accurate footing-level soil inspections and soil bearing capacity evaluations to make sure your project starts on verified ground. Whether you are developing a home, a commercial site, or an infrastructure project, our certified geotechnical team ensures that the soil beneath your foundation meets design requirements and code compliance.
Because in construction, guessing is never an option. Testing is.
Why the Ground Beneath You Matters
Even the most detailed blueprints and strongest materials rely on one thing: stable ground. If the soil beneath your foundation cannot handle the weight of your structure, you risk settlement, cracks, or long-term damage that could have been prevented with proper testing.
Soil bearing capacity tells us how much weight the ground can safely support before it begins to compress or shift. Our geotechnical team evaluates this directly at the footing level to confirm that your soil can safely bear the load of your structure. By analyzing soil strength, density, and moisture content, we verify that your foundation design is appropriate for the site conditions.
If the soil is not suitable, we provide clear and actionable recommendations to adjust your design before construction begins. This proactive approach helps prevent costly redesigns, delays, and compliance issues later on.
What Happens During a Footing-Level Soil Inspection
When MR Engineering is called to inspect a site, our work begins once excavation reaches footing level. We start with a visual assessment, examining the soil layers, colour, and texture to identify the material type and its consistency.In many residential projects, we encounter damp to moist, dark brown to blackish silty clay with traces of sand. This type of clay, which is of medium to high plasticity and stiff to very stiff consistency, is often suitable for supporting standard house footings.
We then conduct field testing and engineering analysis to confirm the soil’s bearing capacity. If the results meet the required standards, we verify that your footing design, such as a 20-inch by 10-inch strip footing with 3-10M rebar and 32 MPa Type 50 sulphate-resistant concrete, is adequate for the site. If adjustments are needed, we provide recommendations that align with safety and building code requirements.
Our final report is written in clear, professional language and provides builders, engineers, and homeowners with the confidence to move forward without uncertainty.
Ground-Tested and Engineer-Approved
Our inspections go beyond a checklist. Each evaluation follows the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition and current geotechnical standards. We take pride in producing accurate data, transparent communication, and practical solutions that help projects stay on track.
Whether you are building a new home, a large-scale development, or a public project, having your soil verified by an experienced geotechnical team ensures that your foundation will perform as intended. It is the kind of confidence that only comes from science, precision, and experience.
At MR Engineering, we believe that strong foundations are not just built, they are proven.
Solid Data. Strong Foundations.
Before the first pour, trust MR Engineering to verify that your soil is ready to bear the load.
Our team provides:
Footing-level soil condition verification
On-site inspections before and during excavation
Field testing for soil bearing capacity
Proactive reporting for structural engineers
Compliance with local building codes
We help you avoid surprises below the surface. Our footing-level soil inspections and bearing capacity tests ensure your foundation is built on verified ground, saving you time, money, and risk in the long run.
Because every great build deserves a strong start, and that begins with solid ground.
Edmonton Office: (780) 807-0016
Calgary Office: (403) 401-3597
info@mrengineering.ca
www.mrengineering.ca
