Geotechnical Engineering Services UK
We deliver geotechnical engineering services throughout the UK for industrial, commercial & domestic clients.
Specialists in Site & Ground Investigation
We provide complete geotechnical engineering services throughout the United Kingdom. Our expertise in the structure and behaviour of ground conditions helps us develop site-specific recommendations and solutions for safe and highly functional construction. We work with commercial, industrial and domestic clients to ensure cost-effective and enduring solutions capable of withstanding the most challenging environmental conditions.
Our complete site surveying and testing, combined with extensive experience in foundation design, help us define the best approach to successful design.
Geotechnical engineering services - effectively managing challenges and de-risking your development
We strive to create a built environment that is functional but also sustainable and resilient.
Our multi-disciplinary geotechnical surveying services range from the initial desk study and ground investigation to utility surveys and structural monitoring. Wherever ground conditions or a sensitive environment challenges your project, we provide efficient and clever solutions to complex problems.
By leveraging the latest technology, materials, and techniques, we lead the charge to design and develop structures that minimise their environmental impact and withstand the challenges of a changing climate. With a deep understanding of soil and rock mechanics, hydrology, and other critical factors, we provide essential guidance on the most effective foundation systems, retaining structures, excavation support systems, and other geotechnical features for each unique project.
We use the most advanced technologies that support our knowledge and experience to conduct numerous tests, structural analyses and monitoring. Our experience and expertise in geotechnical engineering allow us to deliver the most pragmatic solutions at any stage of your project.
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Geotechnical Engineering Services
Window & Windowless Sampling
Window and windowless sampling are routine soil sampling techniques in our geotechnical engineering services. We use these methods to obtain samples from the subsurface and collect data on soil properties, such as density, moisture content, and strength. We use window and windowless sampling techniques in geotechnical engineering to assess subsurface conditions and provide critical data for the design and construction of infrastructure projects.
The window sampling technique is suitable for collecting samples in relatively stable soils and assessing soil layer thickness and stratigraphy. Windowless sampling, also known as dynamic sampling or standard penetration testing (SPT), allows the collection of soil samples in less stable soils, such as sand or gravel, and for assessing soil strength and resistance to penetration.
Our geotechnical engineers help determine which sampling technique is most appropriate for a given site based on the specific soil conditions and project requirements.
Sonic Drilling Services
We offer a sonic drilling service, which is a high-speed drilling technique used in geotechnical engineering to obtain high-quality soil and rock samples from the subsurface. This technique utilises a sonic drill rig that vibrates a drill string at a high frequency, allowing the drill bit to penetrate the soil or rock with minimal resistance and disturbance.
Sonic drilling is beneficial for geotechnical investigations where high-quality samples are needed, such as detailed soil or rock testing, environmental investigations, or mineral exploration. It is also helpful for sites where traditional drilling methods are not feasible, such as remote or difficult-to-access areas or areas with limited space or noise restrictions.
Our geotechnical engineers can assist you in determining if sonic drilling is appropriate for a given site based on the specific project requirements and site conditions. Sonic drilling can provide valuable information for various engineering projects, including foundation design, environmental site assessments, and geologic mapping.
Containment Testing Services
Containment testing services in geotechnical engineering involve testing and examining soil and water samples from inside and outside containment systems, such as landfill liners, to ensure that they meet regulatory and design requirements.
Containment testing services are critical for ensuring containment systems function correctly and meet regulatory requirements. They are also essential for identifying potential issues in the early planning stages before they become more severe and costly to remediate.
We test soil and water samples for a range of contaminants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and pathogens, to assess the containment system's effectiveness in preventing contaminants' migration.
At CGS, we provide a range of services, including sampling and analysis, site assessments, and regulatory compliance support. These services help us ensure that containment systems are effective and compliant with regulatory requirements, protecting public health and the environment.
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Geotechnical Engineering Services
01What is geotechnical engineering?
Geotechnical engineering focuses on the behaviour and properties of earth materials, such as soil, rock, and groundwater, and studies their interaction with structures and the natural environment. Our geotechnical engineers use their knowledge of soil and rock mechanics and their understanding of the principles of geology and hydrology to design and construct site-specific solutions for your developments.
We work on many projects, from small residential developments to large-scale infrastructure projects. Our services play a critical role in ensuring the safety and stability of structures and in minimising the environmental impact of construction activities.
Our key areas of focus in geotechnical engineering include soil and rock mechanics, foundation engineering, pile foundation design and construction, slope stability analysis, soil improvement techniques, and earthquake engineering.
Our work begins with a site investigation. We collect data about the subsurface conditions at a particular location using the appropriate techniques, like window and windowless sampling or sonic drilling.
We use collected information to determine the suitability of a site for construction and advise on the best practices and solutions for foundation systems and other geotechnical features. Design solutions and advice from our geotechnical engineers are based on thorough examination and years of experience in the field.
02What type of projects will require the services of a geotechnical engineer?
Geotechnical engineering services are required for a wide range of projects that involve the analysis and design of soil, rock, and foundation systems. These include any building construction, transportation projects, mining and resource extraction sites, environmental projects and infrastructure projects. A geotechnical engineer provides valuable expertise and support for these developments, helping to ensure their success and long-term viability.
03 What is included in the site investigation?
Site investigation is critical for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of geotechnical systems and is typically a required step in the design and construction of any type of infrastructure. Our specific approach and scope of the investigation will depend on the characteristics of the site and the requirements of the project.
Site investigations typically involve field tests, laboratory tests, and data analysis. Field tests can include drilling boreholes or excavating test pits to collect soil and rock samples and in-situ tests to measure soil properties such as density, shear strength, and permeability. We then perform laboratory tests on these samples to determine their physical and mechanical properties.
We use the data collected from site investigation to evaluate the risks and challenges that occur on a particular site and to design the appropriate foundation systems and other geotechnical features. For example, the soil and rock properties will help us determine the best type and size of foundations required to support a particular structure. Groundwater conditions will help us with designing the drainage systems and waterproofing measures.
04What kinds of soil tests do you perform?
Soil testing helps us to better understand the characteristics of the soil and to determine its suitability for a particular type of construction or engineering project. The specific tests performed will depend on the nature of your project and the site conditions and may be guided by national and international standards and regulations.
Here are some of the common soil tests we perform:
Particle Size Distribution: This test determines the proportion of soil particles of different sizes in a soil sample. We use this information to classify soils and assess their engineering properties.
Atterberg Limits: This test measures the moisture content of a soil sample at various stages of plasticity to determine its plastic and liquid limits. These properties are important for assessing the workability and stability of soils.
Proctor Compaction Test: This test measures the maximum density of a soil sample by compacting it under standardized conditions. The results of this test help us assess the soil's compaction properties and to determine the optimum moisture content for compaction.
Shear Strength Tests: These tests measure the shear strength of soils under various conditions, such as drained and undrained conditions, to assess their stability and shear resistance.
Permeability Tests: These tests measure the rate at which water flows through a soil sample under different hydraulic conditions, providing information about the soil's ability to allow water to flow through it.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test: This test measures the strength of a soil sample by measuring its resistance to penetration by a standard plunger. We use the CBR test to assess the strength of soils for road and pavement design.
05What is the difference between window and windowless sampling?
Window sampling involves the use of a specially designed drilling rig to create a small, rectangular opening in the ground, typically 0.5m x 0.5m. We create the opening by drilling through the soil and then removing the soil core inside the opening using a soil core barrel. This technique is useful for collecting samples in relatively stable soils and for assessing the thickness and stratigraphy of soil layers.
Windowless sampling, also known as dynamic sampling or standard penetration testing (SPT), involves the use of a drilling rig to drive a hollow steel tube or casing into the ground using a heavy weight dropped from a fixed height. We drive the tube into the soil in 30cm increments and document the number of blows required to achieve each increment. We then collect soil samples from inside the tube using a soil sampler. This technique is useful for examining and sampling less stable soils, such as sand or gravel, and for assessing soil strength and resistance to penetration.
We offer both window and windowless sampling techniques to assess subsurface conditions and provide critical data for the design and construction of infrastructure projects. Our geotechnical engineer will help determine which sampling technique is most suited for your development site based on the specific soil conditions and project requirements.
06Are geotechnical engineering services required in every building development?
Geotechnical engineering services are not necessarily required in every building development, but they are often recommended to ensure the safety and stability of the structure and to minimize the risks associated with unexpected site conditions.
In general, the need for geotechnical engineering services will depend on the specific characteristics of your site, the type of building, and the local building regulations.
Some of the factors that may increase the need for geotechnical engineering services include:
The presence of challenging site conditions: If your development site has challenging subsurface conditions, such as soft or unstable soil, rock formations, groundwater, or seismic threats, then our geotechnical engineering services will be necessary to evaluate the site and determine the most appropriate design and foundation construction methods.
Large or complex structures: Large or complex structures, such as high-rise buildings or bridges, require a thorough and specialised geotechnical examination of the site in the early stages of planning your development. Our services will be necessary to ensure that the foundation system and other geotechnical features are designed and constructed to meet the necessary safety and stability requirements.
Local building codes and regulations: Local building codes and regulations may require geotechnical engineering services to be performed on certain types of projects, depending on the size and complexity of the structure, but also the characteristics of the site.
Liability and risk management: Even if geotechnical engineering services are not required by local building codes or regulations, developers and builders use our services to minimise their liability and manage the risks associated with unexpected site conditions.
We suggest consulting with a geotechnical engineer early in the design and construction process to assess the site and to ensure that the necessary safety and stability requirements are met.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or e-mail us to find out more about our geotechnical engineering services.
