Geotechnical ground investigation

Geotechnical site investigation 

With proper planning, a well-thought-out exploration programme for subsurface characterisation can reduce or even eliminate expensive surprises during and after construction. Fugro’s highly regarded expertise in geotechnical ground investigation is built upon knowing what questions to ask as well as where and how to gather pertinent information.

Our extensive fleet of drilling and support equipment enables us to provide a comprehensive range of field services which include:

• Drilling, coring and sampling of soils and rock
• Cone Penetration Testing (CPT)
• UXO surveys 
• In situ testing     
• Engineering geophysics
• Data management
• Integrated site characterisation

We have conducted thousands of site exploration programmes for a wide variety of projects - from petrochemical and power plants to roads and bridges; public works and commercial structures to healthcare and athletic facilities. With the right equipment, relevant experience and knowledgeable personnel, we develop and conduct effective site exploration programmes for projects of any scope at any location.

Fugro’s geotechnical site investigation services can help you gain insight into the ground conditions at a particular site or over a wide area or corridor. This information is typically used to obtain an understanding of the nature and variability of ground conditions or to determine specific engineering properties of the soil and rock beneath a site. It is also useful in assessing ground risks and to understand the behaviour of the ground in response to planned development activities or natural forces such as seismic shaking.

We have conducted geotechnical site investigations for diverse civil works projects around the world, including:

• Oil & gas facilities on land and offshore
• Coastal structures and port facilities
• Pipelines
• Railways, subways/metros and roads/highways
• Bridges
• Tunnels
• Airports
• Power generating facilities (conventional, nuclear, wind and hydro)
• Dams, levees and water retention structures
• Large buildings and structures
• Intakes and outfalls

Fugro’s site investigation team consists of engineers, geologists and scientists who are supported by advanced technologies and systems, many of which have been developed in-house. These specialist resources mean that we can readily respond to your challenges, whether they are ordinary or extraordinary. We also draw upon experience, equipment and facilities such as:

• Local knowledge of soil conditions, construction practices and supplier networks gained from global projects
• Unique drilling capabilities and paralleled experience in soft soils on all types of terrain
• Large array of drilling/CPT equipment and personnel
• Certified testing laboratories
• Outstanding programmes that ensure safe performance in demanding field conditions