Geotechnical Investigation

Incomplete or low-quality geotechnical investigation can lead to the use of inadequate data in the design process. As a result, this may cause uneven settlement of the foundations, potentially leading to cracks in the building’s foundation and walls. Therefore, an attempt to save money in the early stages of construction may result in significantly higher costs or even losses later on.

Geotechnical investigation determines the geological structure and geotechnical conditions of the study area:

• soil composition,
• sequence of soil layers,
• soil bearing capacity parameters,
• presence of groundwater and its impact on foundations.

Potential risks before construction are identified, such as the presence of weak soils or a high groundwater level. First, a work plan is developed – the number of investigation points, their depth, the applied methods, and the geotechnical parameters to be included in the report are coordinated with the client.

The work can be divided into four stages:

• analysis of previous geotechnical investigation data;
• fieldwork (in-situ investigation);
• laboratory analyses;
• preparation of the geotechnical report.

The collected samples are tested in a LATAK-accredited laboratory. During the preparation of the geotechnical investigation report, fieldwork data and results are compiled, methods used are described, the number and depth of investigation points are presented, soil and groundwater laboratory test results are summarized, conclusions are drawn regarding suitability for construction purposes, and recommendations are provided.

Appropriate software is used for the preparation of graphical documentation. The work is carried out by certified geotechnical engineers in accordance with the design standard series LVS EN 1997 “Eurocode 7: Geotechnical Design” and other regulatory requirements.

We have our own technical base, including four drilling rigs and a pontoon (4.5 x 12 m) for geotechnical investigations in water areas, which we have used to carry out work throughout the Baltic region, as well as all the necessary equipment and expertise required for conducting investigations.