Offering expert foundation design and pile system investigations.
Foundation Design Services
Our Focus
Hunter Geotechnical Services provides customised foundation design solutions to ensure structural stability, safety, and compliance with relevant codes and standards.
At Hunter Geotechnical Services, we specialise in developing foundation designs that ensure structures are properly supported by the underlying soil or rock. Every project is unique, and our solutions are tailored to the specific conditions of each site. We begin with a thorough geotechnical investigation to understand the subsurface conditions, which helps inform whether a shallow or deep foundation system is most appropriate for your project.
Shallow foundation systems, such as pad or strip footings, are typically used when the soil near the surface can safely support the load of the structure. When shallow foundations cannot meet the required load-bearing or settlement criteria, deep foundation systems, such as pile foundations, may be necessary to transfer loads to more stable, deeper strata. Our team of experienced engineers ensures that every foundation design is aligned with the relevant codes and standards.
Key Foundation Design Services
- Subsurface Investigation
Our foundation design process begins with a comprehensive geotechnical investigation to create a detailed geotechnical ground model. We use our in-house geotechnical drill rigs or externally sourced specialist rigs to collect soil and rock samples and monitor groundwater levels. These samples are tested in our NATA-accredited laboratory to determine the properties of the subsurface materials, such as soil density, strength, compressibility, and the characteristics of the rock mass, including strength and weathering. - In-Situ Testing
For sites with deep alluvial soils or other challenging subsurface conditions, we often conduct in-situ testing, such as Cone Penetration Testing (CPT). This provides continuous electronic data on soil behaviour and strength, which is essential for assessing load-bearing capacity and determining the most appropriate foundation type, whether shallow or deep. - Design and Analysis
Using data gathered from subsurface investigations and in-situ tests, our geotechnical engineers design foundation systems tailored to the specific conditions of your site. For sites that meet settlement criteria, we may recommend shallow footings such as pad or strip foundations, or a stiffened raft system. Where shallow foundations are not feasible, we design deep foundation systems, such as piles, based on the geotechnical parameters to handle the structural loads effectively. For more complex foundation designs, we collaborate with civil and structural engineers, employing advanced soil-structure interaction models and finite element software to develop optimised solutions.
Compliance with AS 2159
For projects that require deep foundation systems, we ensure that geotechnical investigations and foundation designs comply with AS 2159, the Australian Standard for piling design. This guarantees that all pile systems are designed and installed to meet the highest safety and quality standards.
Benefits of Foundation Design
- Tailored Solutions: We provide customised foundation design solutions based on site-specific conditions, ensuring the structure is stable and compliant with all relevant regulations.
- Improved Stability: By accurately assessing soil and rock conditions, we ensure that foundation designs maximise long-term stability and structural safety.
- Collaboration with Engineers: Our geotechnical team works closely with structural and civil engineers to deliver integrated, optimised solutions for complex foundation projects.
- Regulatory Compliance: Where applicable, our designs fully comply with AS 2159, ensuring all projects meet the required safety and engineering standards.
Our Services
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is pile system investigation important?
Pile system investigations provide crucial data on subsurface conditions, ensuring that the foundation design is safe and capable of supporting the loads from the structure. Without proper investigation, there’s a higher risk of foundation failure.
2. What type of testing is involved in foundation design?
Foundation design typically involves drilling, soil and rock sampling, laboratory testing, and in-situ tests such as cone penetration testing (CPT). These tests provide detailed information about the soil’s and rock’s strength, density, and compressibility.
3. How do you ensure compliance with Australian Standards?
All our foundation design and pile systems are developed in strict accordance with AS 2159 to ensure compliance with national safety and quality standards.
4. What software do you use for foundation design?
For complex foundation projects, we use finite element software to simulate soil-structure interaction and optimise the foundation design. This allows us to fine-tune pile system configurations to achieve the best results.
Contact Us Today About Our Foundation Design Services
Ensure the stability and safety of your structure with expert Foundation Design services from Hunter Geotechnical Services. Contact us today to discuss your project needs, or fill out our online form, and we’ll be in touch shortly.
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