Smarter soil insights: Transforming brownfield assessments with real-time data

Traditional methods for contaminated land investigations, such as borehole drilling, often expose site staff to harmful substances and generate waste that must be transported, tested, and safely disposed of. This process can unintentionally spread contamination, even with strict protective measures in place. It's a method that is not only slow and costly but also misaligned with the goals of minimising environmental impact and protecting human health.

The power of dynamic investigation methods

The focus is shifting toward dynamic investigation methods that prioritise speed, safety, and data quality. For decades, cone penetration testing (CPT) has been a trusted method in this field, but its true potential is unlocked when combined with advanced tools like the membrane interface probe (MIP) and laser-induced fluorescence. This fusion of technologies allows us to quickly and accurately detect different types of hydrocarbon contamination with unprecedented precision.

 The latest developments in our approach, using MIP, mean we can identify contaminants down to a single species and apply these high-resolution methods to areas that are typically harder to characterise, such as plume edges and low-contamination zones. This level of detail is crucial for developing targeted and effective remediation strategies.

The acquisition process is quick, quiet, and non-invasive, reaching depths of around 50 to 60 metres. Continuous data profiling eliminates the risk of missing anomalies. With traditional methods, soil samples are collected and sent to a laboratory for chemical and geotechnical analysis, a process that can take weeks. Our advanced CPT methods, in contrast, provide immediate, high-resolution data. Clients can even see the site structure in real time, on-screen, as the probe advances downwards. This shift from a passive, post-fieldwork analysis to an active, real-time collaboration fundamentally changes how decisions are made.

When an investigation also includes an innovative cone like Fugro’s Aquisense®, clients gain an even deeper insight into the hydraulic properties of the underground. It helps us understand how groundwater moves through the soil and how easily it flows. This is a critical factor in predicting contaminant migration and designing effective containment or treatment systems.

These investigation methods deliver high-resolution data, meaning the readings are taken every centimetre, giving a very detailed image of the vertical profile of the ground. And because the data is available in real time, our teams and clients can make informed decisions onsite to adjust and improve the investigation as it happens.

Real-time data, 3D site modelling

One of the biggest advantages of this approach is the ability to build a 3D model of the site. These models help us pinpoint where contamination is coming from and how it's spreading underground. They also show the relationship between the source and the surrounding area in a clear, visual way. This makes it easier to understand complex site conditions and supports better decision-making when planning clean-up strategies or meeting regulatory requirements.

The implications of this technology for project timelines and costs are profound. While traditional drilling methods may produce only 10 to 15 metres of material a day, our CPT methods are up to 10 times faster. This dramatic increase in speed allows for a more comprehensive investigation within the same timeframe, or a faster turnaround for time-sensitive projects.

The resulting 3D site models can be delivered in a day or two, compared to the six to eight weeks often required for traditional methods that involve collecting, logging, and laboratory testing samples.

A more adaptable, comprehensive and cost-effective approach

Having access to more real-time data means clients can decide how to adapt their investigation plans at pace based on preliminary findings. This not only makes the process more cost-effective but also allows for a more thorough investigation, focusing on specific risks that could otherwise result in costly issues down the line. Because these methods are more economical, it's possible to have more investigative locations per project, allowing for denser data grids or wider coverage to track contaminant plumes. Both options provide a reliable basis to decrease risks.

This move toward more adaptable, comprehensive, and cost-effective approaches is not just about efficiency, it's about raising the standard of environmental protection.

An even better future

The next frontier is automation. This isn't just an improvement, it redefines what's possible in terms of safety, speed, and accuracy. We have recently launched a more hands-off approach to CPT with our electric, coil-based rig, Electric Deep Drive®. Instead of manually connecting rods one by one, this system uses a continuous coil, up to 80 metres long, that can be deployed without direct handling. Where sites require testing to be conducted remotely, such as in hazardous or contaminated areas, conversion for remote operations is possible. This innovation pushes the boundaries of safe and efficient site investigation even further.

Conclusion

As an industry, we have an opportunity to redefine what's possible in environmental and geotechnical assessment by embracing new technologies. Our goal should be to move beyond traditional methods and adopt solutions that combine high-resolution, real-time data collection with advanced modelling and automation. This transformation in how we understand and manage subsurface conditions will help clients reduce uncertainty, accelerate timelines, and make smarter, more cost-effective decisions, ultimately leading to a safer, more sustainable future.