Can over 5m filling cause future issues

Discussion in 'Development' started by Samj, 14th Feb, 2018.

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  1. Samj

    Samj Well-Known Member

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    I am just wondering if anyone has any building experience with over 5m filled land?

    We have found a land in an estate and requested a soil test before the purchase. Turns out that there are fillings from 1.5m to 6m in the block. It has got level 1 compaction certificate. Soil testing company is looking into Long Term and Differential Fill Settlement Report and I am still waiting for the report.

    I have been reading online stories about over filled lands and saw some nasty experiences. We like the land and looks like the developer has done a good job with filling and compacting. But don't want to take a risk if there can be long term issues. I am just wondering what your opinion on buying a land with over 5m filling?
     
    Samj, 14th Feb, 2018
    #1
  2. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    How deep are your pocket/how long are your arms?

    Sounds like deep bored piles will be required - consult a geotech engineer to Interpret the report and to advise if you can build where you want on the land.
     
    Scott No Mates, 14th Feb, 2018
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  3. Paul@PAS

    Paul@PAS Tax, Accounting + SMSF + All things Property Tax Business Plus Member

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    Builders site cost clause is the issue. Fill is reason to add costs. Pretty flat land doesnt mean no site costs
     
    Paul@PAS, 14th Feb, 2018
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  4. Rolf Latham

    Rolf Latham Inciteful (sic) Staff Member Business Plus Member

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    depends on the level of compaction

    if done properly less of an issue, but thats what you are getting the test for : )

    while in old times, the man who builds his house on sand is foolish building on rock int much fun either : )

    ta

    rolf
     
    Rolf Latham, 14th Feb, 2018
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  5. Westminster

    Westminster Tigress at Tiger Developments Business Member

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    So the block is now flat but it's had significant fill in the past as part of a large land estate?

    It's not uncommon. Especially where a site may have had contamination or there was peat. If there was peat then it needs to be all dug out (reduces the risk of Acid Sulphate Soils) and then new clean fill is placed in.

    If the whole estate is like that, the tests come back fine - check for contanimated fill that might have been used - then it's not a huge issue.
     
    Westminster, 14th Feb, 2018
    #5
    thydzik likes this.
  6. Rolf Latham

    Rolf Latham Inciteful (sic) Staff Member Business Plus Member

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    swamp :)

    ta
    rolf
     
    Rolf Latham, 15th Feb, 2018
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  7. Westminster

    Westminster Tigress at Tiger Developments Business Member

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    Yup plenty of swamp land that was market gardens etc converted into land estates. Acid sulphate soils and swamps go hand in hand so plenty of fill and dewatering required there.

    There was a developer in Perth that dug all the peat out of some swamp area and filled it back up again and was ready to sell when they found asbestos in the fill. There must have been some contamination in the fill that was used at around 2m deep. They had to dig it all out again and fill again.

    Subdivision 'poses asbestos risks'
     
    Westminster, 15th Feb, 2018
    #7