Geotechnical Consultancy

Practical Solutions for Complex Ground Conditions

Specialists in complex and disturbed ground conditions — integrating geotechnical and contaminated land expertise for practical, buildable outcomes across South Australia.

Our Geotechnical Services

Ground Investigation to Design

Desktop Study & Risk Assessment

Early identification of ground constraints through geological review, historical land use assessment and geotechnical hazard identification.

  • Engineering geomorphology assessment
  • Historical mapping and aerial imagery review
  • Geotechnical hazard identification
  • Legacy ground disturbance assessment
  • Pughole and made ground identification
  • Investigation program development

Geotechnical Site Investigation

Targeted intrusive ground investigations using advanced techniques to characterise subsurface conditions reliably and efficiently.

  • Borehole, test pit and CPT programs
  • Variable energy DCP (Panda Probe) testing
  • In-situ testing and laboratory analysis
  • AS 1726 and BS 5930 compliant programs
  • Digital field data capture — entered once
  • Real-time data interpretation in the field

Foundation Design & Assessment

Site-specific foundation solutions developed with consideration of ground conditions, structural loading and constructability.

  • Shallow and deep foundation options
  • Residential site classification (AS 2870)
  • Geotechnical specifications (AS 3798)
  • Settlement analysis and performance evaluation
  • Retaining wall and buried infrastructure design
  • Constructability and risk-based advice

Settlement Analysis

Evaluation of settlement behaviour using engineering assessment and finite element modelling to support long-term asset performance.

  • Foundation and slab settlement prediction
  • Embankment settlement analysis
  • PLAXIS finite element modelling
  • Differential settlement assessment
  • Staged construction analysis
  • Performance monitoring advice

Slope Stability & Numerical Modelling

Limit equilibrium and finite element slope stability assessment for natural and engineered slopes in challenging ground conditions.

  • Limit equilibrium analysis (Slope/W)
  • Finite element modelling (PLAXIS 3D)
  • Natural and engineered slope assessment
  • Cut and fill slope design
  • Ground reinforcement and remediation advice
  • Owner's Engineer and peer review

Project Integration & Construction Support

Collaboration with civil, structural, environmental and construction teams throughout investigation, design and delivery phases.

  • Multidisciplinary project coordination
  • Construction phase geotechnical supervision
  • QA/QC oversight and validation
  • SWMS and HSE Management Plans
  • Integrated geotech-contamination risk assessment
  • Real-time ground model updates during construction
Case Study

Identifying Legacy Ground at Concept Stage

At a Thebarton development site, a desktop review identified the potential presence of a former clay pit (pughole) that had not been delineated during previous investigations. If not identified early, design teams risked developing foundation solutions based on incomplete ground understanding.

The investigation strategy was adjusted to specifically target the suspected area. Incoming field data was interpreted progressively, allowing the ground model to be refined in real time and communicated to the project team as understanding developed.

Thebarton · Urban Development

Legacy Ground Disturbance — Early Identification

Pughole geometry and material characteristics fully delineated during the field program

Design team able to adapt concept at early stage — avoiding costly redesign

Foundation solutions aligned with actual ground conditions from concept stage

Programme risk reduced — no additional investigation phases required months later

Tight access ground investigation drilling at active industrial site South Australia
Numerical Modelling in Action

PLAXIS & Ground Modelling Outputs

Finite element models built directly from field investigation data — settlement analysis, foundation stress and geological cross-sections delivered as design-ready outputs.

PLAXIS finite element foundation stress analysis mesh South Australia
PLAXIS finite element mesh — foundation stress and deformation analysis
PLAXIS settlement analysis tank wet well groundwater model
PLAXIS settlement model — tank and wet well interaction with groundwater
Geological cross-section uncontrolled fill controlled fill alluvium AHD
Geological cross-section — Uncontrolled Fill (red), Controlled Fill (blue), Alluvium (green) — metres AHD
Resources

Download Our Capability Statement & Case Studies

Geotechnical capability statement and case studies — ready to share with your project team.

View Resources →

Complex Ground? Let's Talk.

Our geotechnical team brings senior expertise to every project — from desktop study through to construction sign-off.

Get a Quote → Our Technology