What are ground investigation surveys?
A Ground Investigation Survey, also known as a Site Investigation, is essential for assessing soil and rock properties, their interaction with development, and site features. Geotechnical ground investigation surveys assess ground quality and density at your site, analyzing soil properties for contamination, underground structures, water sources, stability, and durability. Conducting these surveys early in the project planning phase is crucial to address potential issues and risks. Subsurface site investigations are performed to evaluate the ground conditions and composition below a development site prior to the commencement of construction.
Removing Risk, Reducing Cost and Adding Value
Investing in top-notch geotechnical surveys and information at the outset of your project is crucial for making informed design decisions, leading to significant time and cost savings in the long run.
Empower your projects with our team of expert geotechnical consultants and engineers who deliver top-notch reports to offer you superior design options. From new structures to slope stability, foundations, ground improvements, and remedial works, we've got you covered with innovative solutions tailored to your needs.
Site Investigation Services Process
Site investigation is a comprehensive process that encompasses both desktop research and extensive field studies, all of which are specifically designed to address the individual requirements of the project at hand. Embarking on a thorough site investigation is paramount in the preliminary design phase of any construction project, as it plays a pivotal role in uncovering the geological, engineering, and contamination features of the site.
Trust our highly qualified team of engineers and scientists, under the direction of a Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC), to conduct your site investigation. With their wealth of experience in technical requirements, they will expertly guide you through each stage of the process, delivering a robust and cost-effective solution.
Stage 1: Desktop Study
Prior to conducting a ground investigation, it is crucial to carry out a desktop study. This research, based on our expertise, offers a cost-effective way to gain insight into ground conditions by reviewing maps, historical records, and publicly available information to evaluate likely site conditions, determine expected ground and groundwater conditions, and assess potential contamination risks.
Stage 2: Factual Report
Subsequent to the ground investigation, our engineers physically examine the ground and gather samples for testing. Samples are acquired through boreholes, window sample holes, probing, and trial pits, with the investigation methodology and testing tailored to each specific site. The outcomes of the ground investigation – site records, logs, and laboratory results – are compiled to create a Factual Report.
Stage 3: Interpretative Report
Once the Factual Report details the current site conditions, our skilled engineers interpret the data, analyze it against specific criteria for the proposed development scheme, and provide site-specific recommendations, including suitable foundation types, contamination remediation measures, and project support.
Stage 4: Detailed Assessment
Advancing to the final stage, the interpretive report provides a detailed evaluation of site conditions tailored to a specific scenario. This includes a site-specific geotechnical analysis to assess potential impacts on basements or slopes in relation to proposed structures, neighboring properties, and infrastructure. A geoenvironmental assessment may address contamination concerns unique to the site.
Considering the unique specifications of your project and tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs, we will leverage a variety of methods and services to provide:
- Geotechnical reports
- Contamination assessment reports
- Expert recommendations and innovative designs for critical aspects such as; robust foundations, durable highways/pavements, stable slopes, secure underground structures, effective ground movement solutions, reliable retaining systems, efficient earthworks, and thorough contamination remediation strategies.
Techniques we use to Investigate
Borehole drilling
Drilling a borehole into the ground is necessary to extract soil and rock samples. The specifications of the hole will be tailored to meet the project's needs.
Cone penetration testing
Another approach is to insert a cone-shaped probe into the ground and measure the resistance to penetration. This method can yield valuable information on soil strength and compaction.
Standard penetration testing
Using a dynamic cone penetrometer can help assess soil resistance and compaction, providing valuable insights into soil strength.
Plate load testing
This involves placing a steel plate on the ground and measuring the deformation under a known load. This test can provide information on soil-bearing capacity.
Ground-penetrating radar
Using radar for subsurface imaging and detecting buried objects or anomalies, providing insights on soil layers and underground features.
In-situ testing
Assessing soil and rock properties in situ is essential. Techniques like pressuremeter testing and seismic testing are commonly used for this purpose.
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