Site Investigations
Ground conditions represent the most difficult part of any construction project. In many cases, ground conditions are the biggest cause construction projects both over running time and over running budget. However, ground investigations can help mitigate these risks by assessing the specific geotechnical risks. Through this data the relevant needs can be addressed before they become a timely and costly problem.
A Site Investigation is a series of field and laboratory tests to assess the ground conditions. An investigation is thorough, to allow us to obtain information about the geographical, geological, hydrogological, and environmental conditions.
Site Investigations are be-spoke to measure the ground condition and provide information in connection with foundations, vibroflotation, slope stability, road design, sewer construction, dewatering, tunnelling, retaining walls, earthworks.
We also offer Phase 2 investigations for contamination analysis, landfill gas assessment, waste classification and waste disposal and many other projects.
Site Investigations comprise of obtaining disturbed and undisturbed samples and carrying out in-situ testing (Standard Standard Penetration Test (SPTs) & Cone penetration testing (CPTs) to identify, characterise & map the ground conditions sufficiently. This construction technique allows for safe and cost-effective designs, so the ground conditions can be correctly accounted for and reduce the impact of unforeseen ground conditions. The investigation usually includes both geotechnical and geoenvironmental aspects.
For over 50 years, M2 have provided in-house rigs and resources capable of performing a wide variety of investigative techniques through soft superficial deposits to hard underlying bedrock to suit any size of project.
All our Site Investigations are carried out in accordance with the UK Specification for Ground Investigation. We are also a member of British Drilling Association.
Ground Investigations
We work with our clients to help them understand the engineering and environmental conditions at their sites and develop cost effective, sustainable and practical investigation methods to do this.
With proper planning, a well-thought-out exploration programme for subsurface characterisation can reduce or even eliminate expensive surprises during and after construction. Our expertise in geotechnical ground investigation is built upon knowing what questions to ask as well as where and how to gather pertinent information.
A Ground Investigation is a thorough investigation to figure out the soil and rock profile and parameters for Geotechnical and Environmental purposes.
Our team here at M2 can plan, design & implement a site specific Ground Investigation to satisfy our Client’s project requirements and any regulatory authorities.
We provide a cost effective service worldwide. M2 cater for all project types and sizes from small residential extensions to large corporate/government infrastructure 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.
Our aim in undertaking a Ground Investigation is to obtain information and soil parameters of the ground conditions to allow economic and safe designs to be developed and to reduce, as far as possible, the occurrence and impact of unforeseen conditions. This is achieved by obtaining disturbed and undisturbed samples for geotechnical laboratory testing and Contamination analysis, whilst carrying out in-situ testing such as, SPT’s, CPT’s, hand shear vane tests, etc.
An accurate understanding of the ground conditions is necessary for all construction projects including foundations, vibroflotation, retaining walls, earthworks, slope stability, road design, dewatering, sewer construction site, tunnelling, phase 2 ground investigations for contamination analysis, landfill gas assessment, waste classification and waste disposal, etc.
Our 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.
Cable Percussive Boreholes
Cable percussive boreholes are one of the most common types of boreholes drilled throughout the UK. They are used to provide information and soil parameters at the site, this information is then used to provide advice on the most suitable foundations for new development sites and other geotechnical aspects.
Here at M2 we have 2 x Dando 2000 & a Dando 150 Shell and Auger (Cable Percussion Drilling Rig)
The rig is towed to the site by a 4x4 vehicle then winched into place by our experienced engineers.
Window Sampling
Window Sampling is when we use a small track mounted or handheld hydraulic & dynamic drilling system to provide information and soil parameters where we cannot use the bigger rigs or where more shallow soil sampling is required.
This is particularly useful for carrying out surveys on restricted access sites, shallow contaminated ground narrow gates, sloping ground etc.
Rotary Drilling
Rotary drilling techniques can be used in superficial deposits when the rig is fitted with a dynamic sampling hammer. UT samples can be obtained utilising this method, along with window samples. Also SPT's can be taken using wire line winch.
There are two types of rotary drilling, Core Drilling and Open Hole Drilling. These techniques can be carried out either with air, air mist, water & mud flush drilling techniques. We have recirculation tanks where a clean site is a priority.
Core Drilling - This method is used to obtain continuous samples of the rock, this can be carried out by conventional coring or by wire line geo-bore drilling system. Samples can be obtained to the specified depth depending on the client requirements.
Open Hole Drilling - This method is used through superficial deposits and rock formations, Samples can be to the specified depth depending on the client requirements. Samples can be obtained for visual inspection only.
Dynamic Probing
Dynamic Probing is carried out to estimate soil strength parameters. The information gained is used along side other site investigation methods such as window sampling.
It's a quick method, so we can obtain as much information to determine the extent of the depth of the superficial deposits.
Trial Pits
Trial pitting is a quick and cost effective method of investigating more than one area in a day. A wheeled or tracked excavator is taken to the site then used to excavate through the superficial deposits, while one of our geologists will monitor soil types and ground water. Samples are then taken for laboratory testing. The excavated soil is placed back in the correct order and compacted back to ground level.
Instrumentation
We have installed a wide variety of instrumentation at Hinkley Point C & HS2 this has included: Vibrating Wire Piezometers, Inclinometers, Magnetic Rod Extensometers, Spider Magnets, Settlement Cells, Tilt Sensors etc.
Bore holes have been drilled to 200M deep.
We are able to provide a complete service from drilling of the bore holes, providing the equipment, Installation Engineers & grouting of bore holes. CV's for available upon request.
Modular Drilling
Modular drilling is a portable drilling rig that is used in restriction access areas ie: Basements, Railway cuttings & embankments, low head room environments & can be used to a maximum depth of 10M.