If you are constructing a new building, having the correct site preparation is crucial to the success of your project. From surveying the property and getting the permits to hiring qualified professionals and ensuring their backgrounds are impeccable, there are many factors that can determine whether or not your home will stay standing and safe during natural disasters and otherwise.
One of these factors, particularly important in areas that get heavy rainfall, is hydrology studies for residential and commercial construction. A hydrologist or water resources engineer will consider all pertinent factors to ensure your home isn’t impacting the surrounding areas.
Read on to learn more about what you need to know from a hydrology engineer working with a civil engineering company.
What is Hydrology and What is its Importance in Construction?
Hydrology is a branch of civil engineering concerned with water resources. It includes the study of water quality, quantity, flow, and distribution (hydrogeology) but most commonly refers to flood safety and prevention. Hydrology engineering in the construction industry refers to identifying and understanding how water from different sources can affect a building.
In construction, it’s vital to know whether what you’re building will be sitting on top of a water-saturated or water-impermeable foundation. If there’s too much groundwater, your building’s durability could be compromised as water seeps into the building’s foundation. Groundwater can also wreak havoc by eating away at a structure over time, costing homeowners even more money. Water seepage can also cause delays during the construction stage.
Why Should You Invest in Hydrology Engineering Services?
A hydrology engineer is a specialized civil engineer who collects, measures, and manages water resources. They are responsible for protecting the quality of water resources in an area, which can include streams, lakes, ponds, rivers, and aquifers. They might also be responsible for figuring out ways to make water resources more easily accessible, such as digging wells or building reservoirs to store water in when it’s abundant and then releasing it when it’s needed most.
In order for any new structure—home or business—to stand up safely for years to come, every architect and engineer needs complete knowledge of local hydrology. Without hydrology studies, residential and commercial construction could never happen in most places of the world as they ensure safe foundations for all kinds of building projects.
A hydrology engineer will be in charge of studies that will assess local soil conditions, groundwater levels, ground contamination levels, water erosion levels, the possibility of floods or erosion, and drainage patterns in the area. They may also determine if construction can be safely undertaken in that location or not. The role of a hydrology engineer is especially important in hydraulic projects like dams, where the knowledge and understanding of potential flooding are crucial. These engineers are responsible for making sure our lives are safe, comfortable, and healthy.
Hiring a hydrologist early will ensure all necessary permits and inspections are done properly to complete construction without any unforeseen problems cropping up down the road. From commercial buildings to residential homes, water supply is an important part of any building project. A hydrologist can help identify if there are local water resources for use on your construction site, and they can also check water quality for use in buildings. A good hydrology engineer will be able to work with other engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure all needs are met during a build.
Design Everest’s team of experienced civil engineers can help you with the hydrology studies needed for both commercial and residential projects throughout California.
Water resources are all around us, but even small changes in their course can lead to major consequences. Changing rainfall patterns or heavy rains can overwhelm nearby drainage systems while failing to account for nearby bodies of water can result in disaster if your new home floods. Professional hydrologists use specialized equipment and scientific methods to understand local water flow; they’ll inform you of seasonal changes or note potential problems ahead of time so you can make informed decisions about planning and construction.
A hydrologist can do everything from helping you identify contaminants in your soil to helping you map out how much water is in your watershed. And when it comes time to expand or improve your home later, you’ll already have a blueprint of how much impact any changes could have on local waterways.
Water quality and water resources are important components of the construction and civil engineering industry. It can be severely impacted by poor construction and engineering practices, so it’s important to work with a licensed professional who knows what they’re doing. If you’re planning on starting a hydrology study, contact us today! We’re your one-stop solution for the best in civil engineering solutions. Our teams of licensed engineers have helped hundreds of residential and commercial projects. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation for your project.
