Ground Investigation Reports
About
What is a Ground Investigation Report?
A ground investigation report is a technical document that provides detailed information about the ground conditions at a specific site. This provides information to a specified standard that can be used to assist the design and construction of foundations, roads, bridges, windfarms and other structures. It can also be used to assess the risk of contamination and to develop remediation strategies if necessary.
Importance
Why is a Ground Investigation Report Important?
A ground investigation report can help to identify potential hazards and challenges that may affect the construction and sustainability of a development. By understanding the ground conditions at a site, engineers can design structures that are safe and durable. They can also avoid costly surprises during construction.
Content
What Does a Typical Igne Ground Investigation Report Include?
Igne’s ground investigation reports follow the specifications laid out in Eurocode EC7:1997 and typically include the following information:
- A description of the site and its surroundings
- A review of the site's history
- A description of the ground investigation methods used
- The factual results of the ground investigation, including strata types, insitu testing, groundwater levels, gas monitoring results and, laboratory testing data (both geotechnical and contamination)
- If requested, an evaluation of the all the available information to derive geotechnical parameters for use in design
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Calculation of design bearing capacities and settlements based on provided loading and structural information for the proposed development
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Suggestions on alternative foundation solutions or ground improvements required to provide solutions to design problems
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Discussions on the suitability of reuse of materials from the site
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Soil Gas remediation measures
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Permeability systems
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Concrete type Assessment
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Road pavement design
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Geoenvironmental risk assessments and provision of remediation strategies
When needed
When is a Ground Investigation Report Required?
Any form of structural development requires a Ground Investigation Report, the size and detail of the report varies with the complexity of the development and the ground conditions at the site.
The Ground Investigation Report normally forms a requirement within the Planning Process. Igne's specialist Geotechnical Engineers can guide you through the process and what is required for your development.
Application
How to Order a Ground Investigation Report
If you need a ground investigation report our qualified Geotechnical and Environmental Engineers can help. Igne Engineers will be able to assess your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate ground investigation methods and reporting requirements.
Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) & Site Surrender Reports
PPC reports are required for sites that operate under a Pollution Prevention and Control permit. PPC reports assess the risk of contamination to the site and the surrounding environment. PPC reports also recommend mitigation measures to reduce the risk of contamination or the impact of contamination if it is discovered.
Site surrender reports are required for sites that are being surrendered at the end of their operating life. Site surrender reports assess the condition of the site and whether it meets the regulatory requirements for surrender. Site surrender reports also recommend any remediation measures that may be required to bring the site up to standard.
Groundwater Studies & Hydrological Modelling
Groundwater studies assess the quality and quantity of groundwater beneath a site. Groundwater studies can be used to identify potential contaminants in groundwater, assess the risk of groundwater contamination, and develop remediation strategies if groundwater contamination is discovered.
Hydrological modelling is used to simulate the flow and movement of water through a catchment. Hydrological modelling can also be used to assess the risk of flooding, design flood defences, and manage water resources.
Mining Risk Assessments
Development on former coal field sites is becoming more common. As such, mining risk assessment are becoming a fundamental part of any planning application. An Igne Mining Risk Assessment considers the risk posed by legacy mining and assesses the risk from both a ground stability assessment and a mine gas assessment.
Igne's reports will include
- Coal Authority Reports.
- Documentary Searches including historical land use, geological maps and geology memoirs.
- Mine Abandonment Plan assessments to consider the potential for mining below the site and methods of mining.
- Investigation of rock and coorelations of strata encountered, creating cross sections.
- Calculation of risks posed from mining instability and mine gas using geomechanical principles.
- Proposals for remediation of legacy mining risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a site investigation and a ground investigation?
A site investigation is a broader term that encompasses both the desk study and the intrusive ground investigation. The desk study involves reviewing historical records and other information to identify potential hazards. The ground investigation involves collecting physical samples of groundwater, soil and rock to assess their properties and for laboratory testing.
What are the different types of ground investigation methods?
There are a variety of ground investigation methods available, including:
- Trial pits
- Boreholes, both of soils and rock
- Dynamic Cone Penetration Testing
- Insitu testing such as resistivity, conductivity, soakaways, permeability testing, plate load testing, California bearing ratio testing
- Peat Probing and Russian Coring
- Cone penetration testing
- Geophysical surveys
The type of ground investigation method used will depend on the specific requirements of the project.
If you need a site investigation ground investigation report, please contact us today for a free consultation. We have a team of experienced Geotechnical and Geo-environmental Engineers who can help you identify the best ground investigation methods for your project and provide you with a comprehensive and informative report.
How long does it take to complete a ground investigation report?
The time it takes to complete a ground investigation report will vary depending on the size and complexity of the site. A typical report can be completed within 2-3 weeks after completion of the laboratory testing..
How much does a ground investigation report cost?
The cost of a site investigation and ground investigation report will also vary depending on the size and complexity of the site.
Additional Information
The ground beneath our feet is a complex and ever-changing environment. It is made up of layers of soil and rock that have been deposited over millions of years.
The ground conditions at a site can vary significantly in strength, compressibility and permiability, even over short distances. This is why it is important to carry out a site investigation before starting any major construction project.
Ground investigations can be used to identify a wide range of potential hazards, including:
Contaminated land
Ground gas
Ground instability and compressibility
High groundwater levels
Aggressive soils
Collapsible soils
By understanding the ground conditions at a site, Engineers can design structures that are safe and durable. They can also avoid costly surprises during construction.
Ground investigations are an essential part of the development process. By investing in a ground investigation, you can save money in the long run and avoid costly problems down the road.
For more information regarding any of our Ground Investigation Reports, contact Igne today
Email: hello@igne.comCall: 0371 789 1000