Sinkhole investigation reports are long, technical, and usually of limited value to the common property owner. While they are intended to provide comprehensive information, the reports tend to include a lot of generic, boilerplate information completely unrelated to most homes. This is because most geotechnical firms seek to include a lot of information, believing this adds credibility to their opinions. While I will not toil over these motives, I will say that most reports could be half as long, and need not be as obscure in their presentation.
Regional Consideration of Sinkhole Activity
There are some generic categories contained in most of these reports. These include an initial, regional consideration of sinkhole activity by considering the location of the property with other, confirmed sinkhole activity. Because there are particular areas in Florida with a greater likelihood for damage caused by sinkholes, the testing may be altered if the property is located in a particular area.
Geophysics
There should also be a very technical area described as “geophysics,” which includes either a ground penetrating radar survey, or the use of electrical resistivity. These tests are designed to determine where on the property other, drilling should be conducted. This is not to say that these tests are the only basis for these tests. Instead, these tests are an additional tool but are subject to a lot of error caused by metal or other structures located on the property.
Penetration Tests
Lastly, and most importantly, these reports should include the information collected from the drilling conducted on the property. These will usually include standard penetration tests, or cone penetrometer testing. These tests are the most important component, and will usually serve as the basis for opinions provided. Meaning, regardless of whether the previous testing shows sinkhole damage or not, these tests will provide the definitive answer.
Methods of Repairing Sinkholes
If your sinkhole investigation report shows you do have a sinkhole, you may see an additional section regarding the method of repairing the sinkhole. This part of the report is especially subjective, given that many engineering firms take completely different approaches to how to repair the home. As you should always look for the most comprehensive approach to repairs, you may find a deaf ear from your insurance company for certain kinds of repairs.
If you have a situation requiring legal representation for a sinkhole damage claim, contact Corless Zinober FL personal injury lawyers at 866-969-2889
