Service

Ground Investigations

Understanding environmental and geotechnical ground conditions to inform risk assessments, detailed design, development delivery and transactional decisions.

Service Lead Adam Cheers

The collation of site specific and scheme appropriate field data is a critical part of the geo-environmental and geotechnical process.

It prepares a site for development and informs the risk profile as part of a due diligence exercise ahead of site acquisition or disposal.

Integration of environmental and geotechnical workstreams within a combined ground investigation enables a cost-effective approach for the collation of factual site specific data.

By sampling soils, groundwater and ground gas/vapour, we can determine the range and concentration of potentially harmful substances. In-situ sampling establishes geotechnical soil parameters that helps facilitate the detailed geotechnical design.

With a highly experienced team, our track record includes the intricacies of chalk logging, rock drilling and the logistical considerations of working in constrained urban environments. We employ techniques such as Cone Penetration Testing to supplement more traditional borehole and trial pit methods to deliver a comprehensive geotechnical understanding of a site and its constraints.

To ensure we capture quality data, our team manage and supervise all aspects of a ground investigation (GI). We adapt the investigation strategy based on real time results and field observations. We are fully independent and select and sub-contract the required plant to achieve the ground investigation objectives. This ensures the most appropriate ground investigation techniques are used for the site and data required. Real time continuous monitoring, Lidar surveying and geophysical surveying are all used where the specifics of the site merit the works.

Site and client specific detailed interpretive Ground Investigation Reports (GIRs) are produced which meet all relevant reporting standards.

We present conclusions and recommendations for next steps in concise tables and drawings using digital GIS and geological visualisation software to detail the environmental and geotechnical constraints and risks.

Features and benefits of our service include:

Ground investigations to inform risk profile and geotechnical designs.
Real-time continuous monitoring.
Interpretive reports and recommendations for action.
Experienced at working in constrained urban sites.
Track record of managing sites with asbestos.
Highest standards of site-based health and safety processes.

What you can expect from our ground investigation specialists

Our expertise includes:

Desk-top information is reviewed using digital data sources and tools and can be supported by a site walkover survey. We will be looking at the geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, and other environmental information, and the former usage of the site.

This information is integrated to form a preliminary conceptual site model which identifies potential geotechnical and geo-environmental risks and constraints. If there are concerns, it will result in recommendations for further investigation and monitoring.

Our team design and manage Phase 2 investigations using the best combination of intrusive and non-intrusive techniques to provide the robust information necessary to complete an assessment of a site.

This can include the use of geophysics, drone surveys, trial pits, boreholes and/or use of dynamic probes with specific sensors to obtain continuous data through the ground. We also take samples of soil, ground and surface water, and ground gases and vapour for geotechnical or geo-environmental testing.

We take responsibility for the procurement of all plant and equipment used on-site for ground investigations. Health and safety standards are of paramount importance to us, and all works are preceded by preparation of a Risk Assessment and Method Statement and supervised by highly qualified and experienced staff.

Geotechnical and environmental samples will be laboratory tested and we will deliver a quantitative risk assessment for geotechnical and environmental risk. Further detailed assessments will be commissioned as necessary to evaluate specific risks that will ultimately determine what remedial action is required.