Services
Site / Ground Investigations
GeoInvestigations carries out investigations to determine the ground conditions for all types of developments. The information is used to provide the design parameters for foundations and where appropriate to determine where any contamination, remediation or ground gas protection to the buildings is required.
We use trial pits (holes dug by excavator) and boreholes to obtain ground samples which, from a combination of our experience and laboratory testing, provide the results, which are summarised in clear, concise reports.
These investigations are commonly referred to as site investigations, ground investigations, geo-environmental investigations and ground contamination surveys and are fundamentally the same, with perhaps the extent of works reflecting the anticipated ground conditions.
We work on all types of sites from greenfield to highly contaminated, from open sites to those with restricted access and even within existing buildings. Whatever your ground investigation requirements contact GeoInvestigations for helpful advice and cost effective quotations.
Housing Developments
From a single house to a large development, GeoInvestigations can provide a ground investigation specifically tailored to your needs. Many investigations require consideration of the contamination aspects, as well as the geotechnical and we can undertake this in conjunction with any gas and water monitoring. We can also advise on the extent of any investigation for planning applications.
Industrial and Commercial Developments
GeoInvestigations are ideal for small commercial and industrial developments or extensions especially on existing sites where disruption needs to be kept to a minimum. Where a site is operational we can generally either arrange the investigation to be located around working areas or in small areas within production areas so work can continue during the investigation work.
Extensions to Existing Buildings
Both the foundations to the existing house and the new foundations need to be considered when planning an extension. GeoInvestigations can advise on the extent of the investigation and using specialist equipment can access virtually any area. For rear extensions, if there is no side access, the equipment could be taken through the house.
Subsidence
GeoInvestigations have substantial experience in the investigation of ground conditions where subsidence is suspected. Our knowledge and expertise can assist in determining the extent of any subsidence to provide a cost effective ground investigation solution.
Restricted Access Ground Investigations
Access restrictions are generally not a problem and we will tailor a solution to suit you.
Contamination Investigations due to Past Site Uses
Many sites are contaminated due to past industrial processes. Our environmental investigations will take samples from the ground to be tested in a laboratory to determine the extent of any contamination. From this information we can propose any necessary remedial works appropriate for the site.
Investigations within Existing Buildings
We can carry out investigations within existing buildings using specialist equipment. Investigations are commonly carried out to determine ground conditions prior to demolition or for contamination due to chemical spills.
Commercial Due Diligence Surveys
Our commercial clients buying a new building often want to check out the ground conditions prior to purchase. We undertake these investigations with the minimum of disruption and mess leaving little trace of the investigation.
Contamination Investigations such as Hydrocarbon Spills and Leaking Oil Tanks
GeoInvestigations carry out investigations to determine the extent of ground contamination whether this is from a recent leak or spillage or from past industrial processes. Our system is ideal to minimise the disruption of a ground investigation and can be used to determine the extent of contamination as well as its presence.
Retaining Walls
Walls to retain the ground are commonly required on sites and there are numerous types of wall from which to choose. GeoInvestigations can investigate the ground conditions to provide technical information for the design of an appropriate type of retaining wall for the site.
Slope Stability
GeoInvestigations have substantial experience in the investigation of ground conditions where subsidence is suspected. Our knowledge and expertise can assist in determining the extent of any subsidence investigation to provide a cost effective ground investigation solution.
Load Testing of Existing Floor Slabs for Mezzanine Floors, Racking or New Equipment
GeoInvestigations have the experience and expertise to investigate and advise on the strength of ground bearing floor slabs. Where mezzanine floors, racking or machinery need to be supported directly on a floor slab we can investigate the construction of the floor slab and the ground below and provide clear recommendations for the capacity of the floor slab. Where the investigation indicates that the slab is not as strong as required we can also assist with options and cost effective solutions. The investigation involves drilling small boreholes through the slab which is reinstated on completion and the work is completed with one day.
Piling Mat Design
In order to ensure the stability of piling rigs all sites need to have a designed stone mat of a thickness appropriate to the ground conditions. GeoInvestigations will design the piling mat thickness based on the strengh of the underlying ground.
Gas Barrier Verification
Many buildings require barriers at ground floor level to protect them from land gas ingress. GeoInvestigations can attend site, check the installation and provide a verification report.
Desiccation Testing
In clay soils building foundations need to be extended down to below the influence of trees in accordance with Chapter 4.2 of the NHBC Guidelines. Where trees are being removed under or close to a building, foundations still need to be extended down as the trees may have caused desiccation of the ground before they were removed. However, the actual extent of desiccation may not be as great as suggested by the tables and sometimes substantial savings in foundation depths can be made by determining the depth of the ground actually affected by the trees.
Clean Capping Verification
Contaminated sites, particularly residential developments require the original ground to be covered in a clean capping material, usually topsoil or subsoil. Planning conditions often require independent checking of the capping thickness. GeoInvestigations will check the depth and provide a verification report.
Infiltration Testing to BRE 365
It is a requirement for new developments that if possible all surface water is discharged directly into the ground by means of a soakaway. This is generally only possible in sandy ground. However, an infiltration test will determine the properties of the ground to allow the soakaways to be designed. Soakaways must store the immediate stormwater run-off and allow for its efficient infiltration into the adjacent soil. The time taken for discharge depends upon the soakaway’s shape and size, and the surrounding soil’s infiltration characteristics. GeoInvestigations will carry out tests of the soil permeability and calculate the infiltration rate to allow the design of soakaways in accordance with the guidance in BRE Digest 365.
For a quotation or advice please contact us.