Understanding Ground Conditions for Safe and Sustainable Buildings
Our foundation and geotechnical investigations provide comprehensive assessments of soil, substructure, and ground conditions to support the design, maintenance, refurbishment, or redevelopment of residential buildings, including high-rise blocks and non-traditional construction types.
These investigations help landlords, councils, and housing associations understand structural risks, prevent settlement issues, and ensure compliance with building regulations and safety standards.
What Are Foundation and Geotechnical Investigations?
A foundation and geotechnical investigation is a detailed examination of the ground and substructure to determine its suitability for supporting a building. Investigations typically include:
- Soil sampling and testing – to determine composition, strength, and load-bearing capacity
- Site inspections and boreholes – to identify groundwater levels, contamination, or weak soils
- Foundation condition assessment – including shallow foundations, raft slabs, and piled foundations
- Subsurface risk evaluation – including settlement, heave, or subsidence potential
- Recommendations for design or remediation – advising on safe and cost-effective solutions
These investigations provide the critical data needed to inform structural design, refurbishment, or repair programmes, reducing risk and avoiding costly surprises.
Why Foundation and Geotechnical Investigations Matter
Proper understanding of substructure and ground conditions is essential to:
- Ensure structural safety and stability for residential buildings, including high-rise blocks
- Identify risks of subsidence, settlement, or ground movement
- Support design, refurbishment, or strengthening works
- Comply with building regulations, fire safety, and local authority standards
- Protect asset value and resident safety
Early investigations enable cost-effective planning, risk management, and long-term sustainability for housing stock.
Our Investigation Approach
We follow a structured, evidence-led methodology to deliver actionable insights:
- Desktop Study – review of site history, previous investigations, geotechnical data, and structural records.
- Site Investigation – boreholes, trial pits, soil sampling, and ground probing to assess subsoil and groundwater conditions.
- Laboratory Testing – analysis of soil samples for strength, composition, and suitability for foundations.
- Foundation Assessment – evaluation of existing foundations for wear, settlement, or structural compromise.
- Reporting and Recommendations – detailed reports including site findings, geotechnical analysis, and options for design, remediation, or monitoring.
Our approach ensures investigations are safe, comprehensive, and aligned with regulatory and structural requirements.
Deliverables
Clients receive:
- Comprehensive geotechnical and foundation investigation reports
- Soil and substructure analysis, including borehole logs and laboratory test results
- Assessment of existing foundations and recommendations for repair, strengthening, or redevelopment
- Clear options for remediation, monitoring, or design adaptation
- Reports suitable for design teams, boards, regulators, and funding applications
All deliverables are presented in plain English with technical clarity, ensuring findings are actionable and easy to communicate.
Why Work With Us?
We have extensive experience delivering foundation and geotechnical investigations for residential buildings, including high-rise blocks, non-traditional homes, and traditional housing stock.
Our expertise helps councils, housing associations, and private landlords identify ground and foundation risks early, plan safe interventions, and ensure long-term structural stability, protecting both residents and assets.