Ground Investigation
& Geotechnical Engineering for Water & Infrastructure
Reducing geotechnical risk before it becomes a design change, construction delay or cost overrun.
Ground investigation and geotechnical engineering
We provide integrated ground investigation and geotechnical engineering services that support confident decision-making from feasibility through to construction. Our work helps clients understand the opportunities and constraints below ground, reduce uncertainty and develop practical, buildable solutions for complex sites.
Each service area below is delivered as part of one joined-up ground engineering offering. Working alongside our civil, structural, environmental and asset-delivery teams, we combine field data, engineering judgement and project context to develop clear, proportionate geotechnical advice that supports programme certainty and whole-life performance.
Ground Engineering Offering
Ground Investigation Planning & Specification
We plan and specify ground investigations that are targeted to the project stage, site conditions and design requirements. This includes desk studies, investigation scopes, risk-based intrusive works planning and coordination of field activities so that ground data is relevant, reliable and aligned with the decisions the project team needs to make.
By designing investigations around actual project risks rather than generic sampling, we help clients avoid unnecessary cost, reduce uncertainty and obtain the information needed to move design forward with confidence.
Key capabilities:
- Desk studies, site reconnaissance and conceptual ground models
- Investigation specifications, borehole and trial pit schedules
- Investigation procurement, supervision and contractor coordination
Geotechnical Assessment & Ground Modelling
We interpret ground investigation data to develop geotechnical models that inform design, construction planning and risk management. Our assessments consider made ground, weak strata, groundwater, variability and geohazards, translating field and laboratory data into clear engineering parameters and practical recommendations.
A strong ground model improves the quality of design decisions, reduces surprises during construction and creates a clear basis for communicating risk across the wider project team.
Key capabilities:
- Geotechnical interpretation and parameter derivation
- Ground models, geotechnical constraints and risk registers
- Factual and interpretative geotechnical reporting
Foundations & Substructure Advice
We provide geotechnical input into the selection and development of foundation solutions for buildings, process structures, tanks, pipe supports and ancillary infrastructure. Our advice considers loadings, settlement, groundwater, constructability and site constraints to help clients identify foundation options that are technically appropriate and commercially sensible.
Early foundation input reduces redesign, supports more efficient structural solutions and helps avoid costly issues emerging later in the project.
Key capabilities:
- Shallow and deep foundation option appraisal
- Bearing capacity, settlement and groundwater considerations
- Foundation design input for water and infrastructure assets
Earthworks, Slopes & Embankments
We assess earthworks and slope-related challenges to support safe, durable and practical designs. This includes cut and fill strategies, embankment performance, regrading, slope stability and the geotechnical considerations that affect construction sequencing and long-term asset resilience.
By addressing earthworks and slope issues early, we help clients reduce material movement, manage instability risk and improve construction planning across constrained or variable sites.
Key capabilities:
- Earthworks strategy and material re-use assessment
- Slope stability, embankment and cutting reviews
- Buildability advice for phased and constrained sites
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Retaining Structures & Below-Ground Interfaces
We support the design and review of retaining walls, below-ground structures and geotechnical interfaces where civil and structural solutions depend on reliable ground engineering input. Our role is to help project teams select practical solutions that respond to site geometry, loading conditions, groundwater and neighbouring assets.
Coordinated design at these interfaces reduces construction risk, improves integration across disciplines and supports more efficient delivery on site.
Key capabilities:
- Retaining wall and below-ground structure input
- Temporary and permanent works geotechnical considerations
- Interface coordination with civil and structural design
Groundwater, Drainage & Dewatering Considerations
Groundwater conditions can have a major influence on excavation, construction methodology, asset durability and programme risk. We assess groundwater behaviour and related geotechnical issues so that design teams can make informed decisions about drainage, dewatering, uplift risk and below-ground construction.
Understanding groundwater early helps avoid delays, improves safety during excavation and supports better control of temporary and permanent works.
Key capabilities:
- Groundwater interpretation and excavation constraints
- Dewatering and uplift risk considerations
- Geotechnical input to drainage and below-ground design
Geotechnical Risk & Buildability Reviews
We identify and communicate the geotechnical risks that affect feasibility, design development and construction delivery. Our reviews focus on uncertainty, constructability, sequencing and interfaces, helping project teams understand what could affect programme, cost or site safety and what action is needed to manage those risks.
A clear view of geotechnical risk supports better project governance and allows issues to be addressed while they are still manageable and cost-effective.
Key capabilities:
- Geotechnical risk identification and mitigation planning
- Buildability and construction-sequence reviews
- Input to design risk registers and assurance processes
Contaminated Land & Ground Condition Interfaces
Where ground conditions overlap with contamination, waste classification or environmental constraints, we work alongside environmental specialists to provide coordinated advice. This helps clients understand how geotechnical and geo-environmental issues interact, particularly on brownfield, industrial and operational sites.
Joined-up thinking across ground and environmental disciplines improves decision-making, supports permitting and waste strategies, and reduces the risk of fragmented site advice.
Key capabilities:
- Coordination of geotechnical and geo-environmental constraints
- Re-use, excavation and ground condition considerations
- Brownfield and operational site ground-risk support
Construction Support & Geotechnical Input During Delivery
Ground conditions do not stop mattering once design is complete. We provide ongoing support during delivery, helping project teams respond to unforeseen conditions, review contractor queries and adapt geotechnical advice when site realities differ from initial assumptions.
Responsive support during construction helps protect programme, manage change and keep engineering decisions properly evidenced as the project progresses.
Key capabilities:
- Technical support during construction and excavation
- Review of unforeseen ground conditions and changes
- Geotechnical input to site queries and delivery decisions
Rehabilitation, Existing Assets & Infrastructure Upgrades
Working in and around existing infrastructure often brings added uncertainty, restricted access and heightened construction risk. We provide geotechnical support for upgrades, refurbishments and capacity improvements, helping clients understand legacy ground conditions and develop practical solutions around operational constraints.
This is particularly important in live water and infrastructure environments, where design decisions need to balance engineering performance, constructability and continuity of service.
Key capabilities:
- Ground-risk support for existing assets and upgrades
- Geotechnical advice for constrained and live sites
- Investigation and design input for refurbishment projects
Contact us
Ground engineering advice that's technically robust, commercially aware and built around project delivery.
