Ground investigation is key to any project. It helps you identify site conditions, risks and remediation designs. This will explain what ground investigation is and introduce you to the best companies in the UK.
What is Ground Investigation?
Ground investigation is part of any project. It’s assessing the ground where you’re going to build. This is to understand the soil, rock and groundwater conditions.
Objective
The purpose of ground investigation is to get site information. This data will help engineers design safe and cost-effective foundations and structures. Knowing the ground conditions will save you from problems and extra costs later on.
Site Conditions
Site conditions can be very different. For example you might find soft alluvial soil that will make buildings sink. Or you might find old mine workings that will collapse. By knowing these conditions upfront you can plan.
Risks
Ground investigation will help you identify risks such as:
- Faults: Cracks in the earth that will cause structural issues.
- Mine Workings: Old mines that will collapse.
- Soft Alluvial Material: Soft soil that will make buildings sink.
- Underground Obstructions: Hidden objects that will interfere with construction.
- Groundwater: Water that will flood the site or corrode materials.
Knowing these risks early will prevent delays and extra costs. For example RSK’s investigations will help you foresee risks caused by natural or human induced changes which will save you time and costs.
Remediation Designs
Once you know the site conditions and risks you can create remediation designs. These are plans to fix the problems you find. For example if you find soft soil you might need to stabilise the ground before you build. If you find groundwater issues you might need to design drainage systems.
RSK and other top companies use their expertise to develop these remediation designs. They offer a range of services from desk studies to detailed site investigations to get your project safe and on track.
In short ground investigation is key to understanding site conditions, identifying risks and creating remediation designs so your construction project is safe, efficient and cost effective.
Best Ground Investigation Companies in the UK
At Ibex Consulting Engineers we provide best in class ground investigation services. Our team has the expertise and technology to carry out thorough investigations so your construction projects are built on firm ground. We follow the highest standards and are known for our reliability and innovation in ground investigation.
We offer desk studies to full site investigations using the latest technology and equipment to assess and mitigate risks. With our focus on quality and client satisfaction, Ibex Consulting Engineers is the industry leader and ready to support your projects with accuracy and expertise.
Ground Investigation Methods
Ground investigation is part of construction and development projects and at Ibex Consulting Engineers we use a range of methods to get site information. Here are the methods we use:
Desk Study
Phase 1 Desk Study is the first stage, gathering and reviewing existing information about the site. This includes historical maps, geological data and environmental records to identify risks.
Site Investigation
After the desk study a Phase 2 Site Investigation is carried out which includes drilling, sampling and testing the soil and groundwater to get site information.
Remediation
If issues are found a Phase 3 Remediation strategy is developed to mitigate the risks so the site is safe to develop.
Verification
The final stage Phase 4 Verification confirms the remediation has been successful and the site is fit for purpose and all work meets regulatory requirements.
By following these stages Ibex Consulting Engineers ensure all aspects of ground investigation are covered and our clients get accurate results.
Cost of Ground Investigation
Knowing the cost of ground investigation is key to any construction project budget. The costs can vary greatly depending on many factors including type of investigation, site size and specific issues like contamination. Here’s a breakdown:
Basic Investigation
For a basic ground investigation the costs are typically £1,000 to £3,000. This includes:
- Desk Study: Review of existing records and maps.
- Site Walkover: Visual site inspection.
- Trial Pits or Boreholes: Limited to a few locations to get soil information.
Residential Plot
Investigating a residential plot costs between £3,000 and £5,000. This includes:
- Detailed Boreholes: More drilling to get soil samples.
- Laboratory Testing: Testing soil properties like strength and contamination.
- Reporting: Report of findings and recommendations.
Large Developments
For large developments the costs can go up to £10,000 to £50,000 or more. These investigations are detailed and include:
- Extensive Boreholes and Trial Pits: Covering more areas to get full soil information.
- Advanced Testing: In-situ testing for soil strength, permeability and other parameters.
- Geophysical Surveys: Non-intrusive methods to detect underground features.
- Monitoring: Long term monitoring of groundwater and gas levels.
Contaminated Sites
Contaminated sites are more complex and can cost £20,000 to £100,000 or more. This includes:
- Contamination Assessments: Types and levels of contaminants.
- Risk Assessments: Impact on human health and environment.
- Remediation Planning: Remediation strategy.
Ground investigation costs can vary greatly but investing in a full investigation can save you money in the long run by avoiding unexpected issues and delays.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Investigation Companies in the UK
How much does it cost?
- Residential Plot: For a basic investigation of a single residential plot the costs are typically £1,000 to £3,000.
- Large Developments: For larger developments the costs are £10,000 to £100,000 or more depending on the site complexity and size.
- Contaminated Sites: Investigations on contaminated sites are more expensive, £5,000 and up depending on the level of contamination and required remediation.
Who does ground investigation?
Ground investigation involves a multi-disciplinary team of:
- Engineers: They design and manage the investigation to meet the required standards.
- Geologists: They analyse soil and rock samples to understand the site geology.
- Environmental Scientists: They assess environmental impacts and contamination.
- Drillers and Technicians: They do the on-site drilling and sampling.
What is the British standard for ground investigation?
The British standard for ground investigation is BS 5930. This Code of Practice covers everything from desk studies and fieldwork to laboratory testing and reporting for construction and civil engineering projects.
Following BS 5930 means investigations are thorough, reliable and meet industry standards to mitigate risks and avoid delays.
Conclusion
At Ibex Consulting Engineers we deliver cost effective and robust solutions to our clients specific needs. Whether you’re involved in residential developments or large projects our team can handle all aspects of ground investigation.
Our services give you full and accurate information about your site conditions so you can make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls. We follow industry standards like BS 5930 to ensure our investigations are the best and most reliable.
With Ibex Consulting Engineers you can be sure your project is in good hands. We don’t just provide solutions we provide peace of mind so your development runs smoothly.
