Geotechnical Engineering

Our work helps to form the foundations of planning, design, construction and maintenance choices from the outset.

Our geotechnical engineering expertise underpins projects in construction, renewables, development and industrial environments. Our team helps prevent project delays and overspends by providing pragmatic solutions and technical advice.

Engineering Design Solutions

Geotechnical engineering design: includes bearing capacity, stress and settlement calculations.
Ground modelling and detailed interpretation: of geotechnical investigation data, including preparation of Eurocode 7 compliant GIR and GDR
Foundation design: shallow ground bearing foundation design, including pad footings and rafts. Deep pile foundation design, including driven piles and cast in-situ piles.
Crane pad design and assessments: such as ground bearing capacity checks and assisting with outrigger spreader mats selection to suit site conditions and expected loads.
Temporary works design and certification: temporary works design including open-cut and shored excavation design, cantilever sheet pile walls, geogrid reinforced haul roads, working platforms and category 3 checks of designs undertaken by others.
Investigation Supervisor: we undertake the role of investigation Supervisor to ensure the quality of the ground investigation.
Tank settlement analysis: interpretation of geotechnical site investigations to determine ground parameters used to predict the settlement of the tank over its lifespan.
Riverbank erosion assessment and remediation: assessment of riverbank failures adjacent to site infrastructure and loading facilities.
Slope stability assessment: including the design of new cut and/or fill soil slopes and assessment of failed soil slopes.
Construction phase geotechnical support: such as inspecting formation level prior to the construction of ground bearing foundations.
Coal Mining Risk Assessment (CMRA)
Peat Surveys and Stability Assessments

Cost Effective Geotechnical Services

Phase 1 Desk Study

What is Phase 1 Desk Study?

A Phase 1 Desk Study is the basis for creating a robust Site Investigation. Also sometimes referred to as a Preliminary Risk Assessment, the Desk Study is a critical component in developing a preliminary Conceptual Site Model (CSM) to identify potential pollutant linkages.

During the desk study process, we meticulously compile site-specific data, encompassing geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, site history, mining & quarrying, landfill & waste, any potential land contamination and regulatory concerns from entities like the Local Authority and the Environment Agency. This comprehensive approach enables our Geo-Environmental Consultants to construct a detailed environmental profile of the site. By identifying potential contamination sources, pathways, and receptors, we establish ‘pollutant linkages’—a prerequisite for further investigation (refer to our Phase II Site Investigations page).

Phase 1 Site Investigations can also help identify the anticipated ground conditions beneath proposed structures for geotechnical purposes.

What’s included in a Phase 1 Desk Study?

Site Walkover Survey

Conducting a site walkover survey is crucial for comprehensively documenting key features on your site. Our focus includes identifying potential geohazards like land contamination, hazardous ground, and documented subsidence areas. Additionally, we evaluate ecological and environmental factors, addressing issues like invasive weeds and relevant on-site and neighbouring features.

Historical & Geological Site Review

We analyze your site’s history to uncover potential hazards from previous uses. If risks are identified, we conduct a targeted soil investigation, utilizing the latest British Geological Survey techniques. This thorough investigation assesses soil, rock, and minerals beneath your project, ensuring the integrity of structures and safety for future use. Phase 2 Ground Investigations are tailored based on the finding from the Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment/Desk Study.

Coal Mining Risk Assessment

Mining and mineral extraction was once prevalent across the UK and can cause potential risks like ground instability, especially in coal, chalk, and gypsum extraction areas. Our preliminary mining and coal risk assessments examine historical plans and records and ensures thorough site scrutiny. If your development is located in a high-risk area where mining was previously conducted, the Coal Mining Risk Assessment will contribute to the targeted intrusive Ground Investigation that is undertaken in the Phase 2 Site Investigation.

Preliminary Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Assessment

Your Phase 1 Desk Study includes a preliminary Geotechnical Assessment pinpointing potential geological constraints. Early detection of hazards like poor ground conditions is vital. If risks are identified we will ensure your Phase 2 Ground Investigation is tailored to provide a thorough assessment so that we can develop pragmatic solutions. Our Geoenvironmental Assessment will also assesses early-stage contamination hazards to manage any risks from past activities near your site.

Conceptual Site Model (CSM)

We’ll provide an assessment of your geotechnical and geoenvironmental risks and provide tailored advice for your project. We may recommend a Phase 2 Site Investigation – but only where we identify potential risks. Our geotechnical and land contamination specialists identify constraints and develop effective, minimally disruptive solutions. We collaborate with regulatory authorities for safe, robust, and acceptable technical recommendations.

Phase 2 Site Investigation

Phase 2 Site Investigation Reports provide insight into ground-related risks for your project. This report not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also ensures accurate information is used for the design of your projects foundations.

Environmental concerns, including land contamination, controlled waters, and ground gas, are also addressed within the findings.

The output from Phase 1 and Phase 2 assessment and ground investigation allow our team to design effective solutions, ensuring your build proceeds as planned.

Phase 2 Site Investigations are often required for the following:

Environmental Monitoring
Slope Stability Assessments
Site Pre-Purchase Due Diligence Studies
Contaminated Land Assessments
Foundation Design
Subsidence Surveys
Asset Surveys
Mining Survey
Remediation Design and Validation
Asbestos Soil Risk Assessment
Environmental Management Audit

Ground Investigation Techniques

Trial Pits

Utilized for sub-surface site investigations, Trial Pits play a crucial role in examining soil, rocks, and groundwater. Conducted prior to construction, these pits provide insights into the site’s geology and water table. Ranging from 1 to 4 meters in depth, Trial Pits are essential for comprehensive assessments.

Rotary Drilling

In order to collect soil. rock strata samples, and create deep observation boreholes, rotary drilling is used. This technique is particularly effective in dense soils and rock, allowing in-depth analysis of sub-surface ground conditions up to a depth of 100 meters.

Boreholes

Boreholes offer in-depth soil profile investigations up to 50 meters deep. Cutting heads are chosen for particular soil types, while chisel heads are used for rock and hard layers. Shell heads are used for granular soils, and clay cutters for softer cohesive soils.

Geotechnical Interpretive Report

A Geotechnical Interpretive Report (GIR) provides a concise overview of ground conditions within the proposed development area, offering design advice and recommendations based on factual and/or interpreted information. It serves as a foundation for the civil and structural design of the development, emphasizing any potential challenges. Addressing these concerns early in the design process or planning for mitigation during construction is a key focus.

Aligned with Eurocode 7, we cater to a spectrum of projects, from small slope stability endeavors to large-scale onshore renewable and development projects across the UK.

Dependant upon the requirements of the client and project, the Geotechnical Interpretive Report (GIR) may include:

Objectives and agreed scope
Location and description of the site and its history (Phase 1 Desk Study)
Investigation locations
Description of the site and regional geology
Methods and results from field work
Summary of laboratory testing results
Interpretation of the site geology and the development of the geotechnical model
Summary of the geotechnical properties of the ground relevant to the project
Interpretation of the implications of the ground conditions for the project
Assessment of potential risks to the project
Recommendations for further work where required

To find out more about how Arthian can work with you, please get in touch.

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