Comprehensive geotechnical investigations to assess subsurface conditions for construction projects.
Geotechnical Investigations
Our Focus
Hunter Geotechnical Services provides geotechnical investigations in line with AS 1726, offering drilling, sampling, and testing to ensure safe, stable construction projects.
Geotechnical investigations are an essential component of any construction or development project. These investigations provide critical information about subsurface conditions, helping engineers and architects design safe, durable structures. At Hunter Geotechnical Services, we conduct thorough geotechnical investigations in accordance with AS 1726, ensuring reliable data and practical recommendations tailored to your project.
Our experienced geotechnical engineers use advanced methods such as drilling, soil and rock sampling, laboratory testing, and geophysical testing to gather crucial data. This information allows us to determine the most appropriate design and construction parameters for your site, ensuring stability and compliance with regulations.
Overview of Geotechnical Engineering
Hunter Geotechnical Services offers comprehensive geotechnical investigations to assess subsurface conditions for construction projects, ensuring stability, and compliance with AS 1726.
Key Geotechnical Investigation Services
- Drilling
We conduct subsurface drilling to collect soil and rock samples, providing essential information about the ground’s composition, stability, and suitability for construction. This process helps identify important factors such as the depth and composition of bedrock, as well as the presence of soft soils or other ground conditions that may influence foundation design. - Soil and Rock Sampling
Collected samples are tested in our NATA Accredited laboratory to determine their physical and chemical properties, allowing us to assess the suitability of the site for the proposed structure or development. - Laboratory Testing
Our state-of-the-art laboratory performs a range of geotechnical tests, including soil classification, strength analysis, and moisture content assessment. These results inform the design of foundations, retaining structures, and earthworks. - Geophysical Testing
Non-invasive geophysical tests provide additional data on subsurface conditions, helping to identify potential hazards such as voids, groundwater, or buried structures without disturbing the site.
Benefits of Geotechnical Investigations
Geotechnical investigations provide several advantages, including:
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- Accurate Design Parameters: Ensuring the foundations, earthworks, and retaining structures are suited to the specific soil and rock conditions.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Identifying potential issues early allows for practical, cost-effective design changes.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the site and construction methods meet all required Australian standards.
- Improved Safety: Reducing the risk of structural failures by understanding subsurface conditions before construction begins.
Our Services
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are geotechnical investigations important for construction?
Geotechnical investigations provide essential data on soil and rock conditions, which is critical for designing stable, durable foundations and structures. Without this information, there’s a risk of foundation failure or other structural issues.
2. What types of projects require geotechnical investigations?
Any project involving new construction, major renovations, or significant earthworks can benefit from geotechnical investigations. This includes residential buildings, commercial developments, infrastructure projects, and roadworks.
3. How long does a geotechnical investigation take?
The duration of a geotechnical investigation depends on the size and complexity of the site. Smaller projects may only take a few days, while larger, more complex sites could take weeks.
4. Do geotechnical investigations cover environmental factors?
Yes, our investigations often include assessments of environmental factors such as groundwater levels and soil contamination, which can impact both the design and long-term safety of the project.
Soils Explained
In geotechnical engineering terms soil includes every type of uncemented or partially cemented inorganic material found in the ground. In practice, if the material can be remoulded by hand in its field condition or in water it is described as a soil in reference to the Unified Soil Classification system.
The consistency of a cohesive soil (clay) is defined by descriptive terminology such as very soft, soft, firm, stiff, very stiff and hard, and its degree of plasticity (low, medium or high).
Relative density terms such as very loose, loose, medium, dense and very dense are used to describe sand and gravel soils, along with their grain size (fine, medium or coarse grained).
Rocks Explained
In geotechnical engineering terms, rock is any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals or mineraloid matter.
There are three kinds of rock: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Igneous rocks form when molten rock (magma or lava) cools and solidifies.
Sedimentary rocks originate when particles settle out of water or air, or by precipitation of minerals from water. They accumulate in layers.
Metamorphic rocks result when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or reactive fluids, such as hot, mineral-laden water.
Contact Us Today About Our Geotechnical Investigation Services
Hunter Geotechnical Services provides expert geotechnical investigation services across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, the Mid-North Coast, and NSW. Our team is committed to delivering accurate, reliable results that support the success of your project. Contact us today to discuss your geotechnical investigation needs, or complete our online form and we’ll be in touch shortly.
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