Engineering geology for informed design decisions
Investigation of soils, groundwater and site geology before design and construction.
Request an investigation
- Boreholesfield investigation of the ground profile
- Samplesassessment of soil and groundwater properties
- Reportfindings and recommendations for design
A coordinated investigation of ground and hydrogeological conditions to support foundation selection, structural design and the reduction of deformation risk for buildings and civil structures.
When an investigation is required
Before designing a new asset, extension or reconstruction, selecting a foundation concept, assessing a challenging site, or investigating deformation affecting an existing structure.
What engineering geology provides
Ground data
Composition, condition, sequence and physical-mechanical parameters of the investigated soil layers.
Groundwater assessment
Recorded groundwater levels and factors that may affect foundations, earthworks and operation.
Design basis
Consolidated findings and recommendations for designers and structural engineers within the agreed brief.
How the investigation is delivered
- 01
Investigation brief
We confirm the asset type, design stage, site boundary, available records and required investigation depth.
- 02
Work programme
We define the number and position of investigation points, field observations, sampling and required tests.
- 03
Field investigation
We drill boreholes, log the ground profile, record groundwater observations and collect representative samples.
- 04
Testing and interpretation
We assess field records and agreed laboratory results and identify the relevant engineering-geological units.
- 05
Reporting
We prepare drawings, site-condition findings and recommendations to inform the next design stage.
Service scope
- Engineering-geology boreholesWe expose the soil sequence and collect soil and groundwater samples from depths defined by the investigation programme.
- Laboratory soil testingCollected samples are submitted for the required determination of density, moisture, porosity, internal friction angle, deformation modulus and other physical-mechanical parameters.
- Hydrogeological assessmentWe establish recorded groundwater levels and assess indicators of flooding, settlement and slope-instability risk.
- Site geology analysisWe interpret the composition, condition, thickness and sequence of soil layers at the investigated locations.
- Engineering-geology reportWe consolidate field and laboratory data and prepare findings and recommendations for designers and structural engineers.
What the client receives
a description of site geology and hydrogeological conditions · borehole logs and a plan of the investigated locations · results of the agreed laboratory testing · design parameters for the identified soil layers · an engineering-geology report with findings and project recommendations
What we need from you
- site address, boundary or location plan
- information about the proposed asset, storeys and indicative loads
- available survey, geological and design records
- drilling-rig access arrangements and a responsible site contact
What to consider
borehole number, location and depth are defined by the work programme and asset characteristics · laboratory methods and test scope are agreed against the investigation brief · groundwater levels are recorded during the investigation and may vary seasonally · findings describe the investigated locations and are not an absolute guarantee of ground behaviour between or beyond them
Need reliable ground information for your site?
Send the site plan and a short description of the proposed asset, and ABB will help define the appropriate engineering-geology programme.