GROUND CONDITIONS. CONFIDENT DECISIONS.
Soil Investigation & Ground Investigation Services
Plan boreholes, field and laboratory testing, groundwater observations and ground models to inform geotechnical design, construction planning and monitoring scope.
GROUND INVESTIGATION
A Reliable Ground Model Starts with Good Evidence
Borehole logs and test results only become useful when investigation depth, test quality, groundwater observations and design questions fit the project.
GEOUE helps define and coordinate soil investigation and geotechnical site investigation packages for buildings, infrastructure, excavation and ground-improvement projects. Field and laboratory work are arranged to suit the site and relevant local requirements.
PROJECT NEEDS
Why Investigate Before Ground Works?
A targeted programme can reduce uncertainty about the ground conditions affecting design and construction.
Deep Excavation & Basements
Investigate stratigraphy, groundwater, strength and deformation conditions around retaining systems.
Buildings & Foundations
Identify bearing, settlement, weak layers and potential ground improvement needs.
Roads, Bridges & Rail
Characterise changing ground conditions and settlement potential across an alignment.
Ports & Reclamation
Assess compressible deposits, pore-pressure conditions and staged settlement behaviour.
FIELD INVESTIGATION
Choose Methods for the Ground and Design Question
No individual test describes the complete subsurface condition. A sensible programme combines methods and checks their limitations.
| Investigation method | Typical purpose | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary/wash boreholes with sampling | Stratigraphic logs, representative soil/rock sampling, groundwater observations | Sample disturbance, depth control and recovery quality |
| Standard Penetration Test (SPT) | In-situ resistance index in suitable soils | Energy, equipment and soil type affect comparability |
| Cone Penetration Testing (CPT/CPTu) | Continuous resistance profiles and pore pressure in appropriate ground | Obstructions and very dense or cemented layers can prevent penetration |
| Field vane / pressuremeter (where specified) | In-situ strength or deformability in suitable ground | Ground type, execution and interpretation require specialist judgement |
| Rock coring and logging | Rock mass characterisation, discontinuities and recovery | Core disturbance, orientation and recovery affect interpretation |
| Standpipe / piezometer observations | Groundwater levels or pressure response | Short-term readings may not describe seasonal conditions |
LAB TESTING
Link the Laboratory Programme to Design Parameters
Select tests to answer specific questions on classification, compressibility, strength, permeability and durability.
Index & Classification
Moisture content, particle size distribution, density and Atterberg limits where appropriate.
Strength Behaviour
Triaxial, direct shear or unconfined tests where relevant, with stress path and specimen quality considered.
Consolidation & Compressibility
Oedometer and related tests for settlement and time-dependent ground response.
Permeability & Chemistry
Hydraulic and chemical tests when groundwater, dewatering, aggressive ground or compatibility are design concerns.
INVESTIGATION PLANNING
Build a Better SI Scope Before Mobilisation
An SI schedule should be driven by the influence zone, foundation loads, excavation geometry and uncertainty in the interpreted stratigraphy.
Review existing ground information
Identify previous boreholes, maps, utilities and local geological records.
Define design questions
Establish what is needed for foundation, ERSS, tunnel, slope or ground improvement decisions.
Set borehole and testing strategy
Select depth, spacing, methods, hold points and target sample quality.
Manage site interfaces
Plan permits, services clearance, access, contaminated-ground precautions and safety.
Verify factual information
Review logs, test records, locations, elevations, recoveries and lab results.
Develop the ground model
Document uncertainty and recommend any additional investigation or monitoring.
ENGINEERING OUTPUTS
From Field Logs to Decision-Ready Records
A soil investigation deliverable should make the underlying observations auditable.
| Output | What it should make clear |
|---|---|
| Borehole and investigation logs | Coordinates, elevation, depth, strata description, tests and sample identifiers |
| Test data schedules | Method, standard, units, raw observations, result and any qualification |
| Groundwater observations | Location, installation details, reading dates and reference elevations |
| Factual ground investigation report | Recorded data and methods, with traceability to the field and lab records |
| Interpretative assessment when commissioned | Ground model, parameter selection, uncertainty and project-specific recommendations |
GEOUE can discuss factual and interpretative work packages separately. Any sign-off and local professional responsibility are agreed under the project contract.
INTEGRATED GROUND DATA
Use Investigation Results to Design Monitoring
The ground model identifies which movements and hydraulic changes should be measured during excavation or loading.
Inclinometer Placement
Place instruments where significant lateral displacement mechanisms are plausible, considering depth and accessibility.
Piezometer Planning
Select screened or sensor horizons aligned to the actual groundwater question.
Settlement Monitoring
Use investigation and staging to select representative settlement points and baseline frequency.
OFFICIAL TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
Ground Model and Eurocode 7 Context
The European Commission Joint Research Centre publishes guidance explaining how investigation evidence supports ground models and how geotechnical design interfaces with construction.
Ground Model Guidance
Official guidance on the site-specific disposition and character of ground and groundwater.
Eurocode 7
Official overview of geotechnical design and the role of investigation and testing.
SI QUESTIONS
Soil Investigation FAQs
How many boreholes does a project need?
Is CPTu a replacement for boreholes?
Can groundwater be assessed from one reading?
Does GEOUE supply its own drilling crew in every country?
Can soil investigation and monitoring be quoted together?
SOIL INVESTIGATION RFQ
Request an Investigation Scope Review
Send the location, site plan, available ground records and expected construction works. We can discuss an SI scope and associated monitoring needs.
Email: info@geoue.com