GEOTECHNICAL REPORTING
Soil Consultants will provide a Ground Investigation Report (GIR) as defined in Eurocode 7. This report will outline the scope and methods of investigation used, identify any investigation constraints and present the results of the intrusive investigation and field/laboratory test results. The strata encountered are described in accordance with BS5930:2015 or other codes as required. Groundwater observations and level measurements are also included.
We will also provide a geotechnical interpretative report, which gives a vital link between the factual site investigation/laboratory data and the analyses performed during geotechnical engineering design. Whilst not named in Eurocode 7, our geotechnical report can be viewed as an enhanced GIR, providing invaluable information to consulting/structural engineers and the design team. The ground sequence encountered is described and a ‘ground model’ is provided which identifies appropriate parameters which can be taken into the design. We identify the geotechnical risks to the project and the types of foundation which would be appropriate for the proposed structure. This would include identification of any ground improvement techniques which could be used to provide an economical foundation solution. Where specific risks such as clay desiccation, chalk dissolution and mining are identified, suitable mitigation measures are suggested together with any requirements for additional targeted investigation. Our reports will advise on appropriate characteristic bearing resistances for spread and piled foundations in line with Eurocode 7 requirements.
Our reports are all peer-reviewed by either a chartered geologist or chartered engineer with at least 20 years’ experience.
GROUND MOVEMENT ANALYSIS (GMA)
There is often a requirement for the client to demonstrate the effect of their development on adjacent properties/infrastructure with respect to ground movement. Such movements can be caused by the demolition of existing buildings, basement excavation and of course new foundation loadings. There is often a complex interaction between existing and new foundations and structures and the effects of a new development on adjacent properties/infrastructure needs to be determined. We will undertake appropriate analysis to estimate the ground movements using either in house software or commercially available programs such as PDISP. Our GMA reports include contour drawings of movement beneath structures both within and adjacent to the site as relevant and if required will include Damage Assessment.
BASEMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (BIA)
An increasing number of projects include the construction of basements beneath existing residential properties and many boroughs, particularly in London, now require a formal BIA to determine how the excavation and basement construction will affect adjacent properties/infrastructure and the groundwater regime. A formalised method of providing a BIA was originally provided by the London Borough of Camden and this has since been mirrored by many local authorities. We provide full BIA reports, from the screening and scoping stage through to the impact assessment, which often includes the results of the GMA.
