AS 2870 · soil test for your slab
Residential Site Classification
The soil test that sets your footing design. A NATA-accredited borehole investigation and engineer-signed AS 2870 report, so your builder can price the slab with confidence.
What a site classification tells you
Classifying the site is one of the most important steps for owners and builders before a new home. The classification depends on a range of factors, so it is crucial it is undertaken by a suitably qualified person.
Our qualified geotechnical engineers have been preparing AS 2870 reports across NSW, ACT and Victoria for over 25 years.
What every ARTL soil test includes
Comparing prices? These six things separate a usable report from a cheap one.
- Reports prepared by qualified geotechnical engineers
- Trailer-mounted rig boreholes to 3–4m, not hand augers
- NATA-accredited lab testing to AS 1289.3.4.1 and 7.1.1
- Bearing capacity by DCP testing to AS 1289.6.3.2
- Full-depth soil modelling for ys and yt movement
- Options for problem sites, to minimise construction delays
Soil test prices
Local pricing for a standard residential lot. Sloping sites, fill, restricted access and acreage are quoted individually.
| Soil test prices | Wagga | Griffith | Albury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drilling depth required | 3.0m | 4.0m | 3.0m |
| Boreholes required | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) test | Included | Included | Included |
| Site Classification (soil test)Local price | $1,100 +GST | $1,350 +GST | $1,100 +GST |
| Land Capability AssessmentSeptic assessment · local price | $1,100 +GST | $1,100 +GST | $1,100 +GST |
How it works
- 01Book the testSend the lot and suburb, we quote the same day.
- 02Drill and sampleOur own rig bores to 3–4m with DCP testing on site.
- 03Laboratory testingSamples tested in our NATA-accredited laboratory.
- 04Engineer's reportSigned AS 2870 classification, ready for your builder.
Common questions
How much does a soil test cost?
A standard residential site classification is $1,100 +GST from our Wagga Wagga and Albury laboratories, and $1,350 +GST from Griffith, where the required drilling depth is 4.0m rather than 3.0m. That covers two boreholes, DCP testing, NATA-accredited laboratory testing and the engineer's report. Sloping sites, fill and restricted access are quoted individually — see the price table above.
How long does it take?
Typically 5–7 business days from site attendance to report, because the drilling and the laboratory are both ours. Urgent jobs can often be prioritised.
What do the classes A, S, M, H and P mean?
They describe how much the ground is expected to move with moisture. A is stable sand or rock, S slight, M moderate, H high, and P problem sites needing specific engineering. The class drives your footing design and therefore your slab cost.
My block has no sewer connection — do I need anything else?
Yes. You will also need a Land Capability Assessment, sometimes called an Effluent Disposal Assessment, so your septic system is designed for the site. We can do both in the one visit.
Discuss your project
Speak to one of our geotechnical engineers — no call centre, no sales script.
Contact details