Common Ground Investigation Techniques 

Ground investigation is not a single process, but instead it involves a wide range of methods depending on site conditions, risks, and project size. Some of the most widely used techniques in ground investigation include: 

• Cable Percussive Boreholes 
• Window Sample Drilling 
• Rock Coring 
• Rotary Boreholes 
• Rotary Core Drilling 
• Dynamic Probing 
• Trial Pitting 
• Soakaway Testing 
• Plate Bearing testing 
• California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Testing 

Learn more about our Ground Investigation Services and see how we can support your project from start to finish. 

What Problems Can Ground Investigations Identify? 

A thorough investigation often highlights risks that would otherwise remain hidden until construction starts. These can include: 

• Contaminated land from historic industrial use or landfills. 
• Weak or compressible soils are unable to bear structural loads. 
• Groundwater flooding or perched water tables. 
• Mine workings, voids, or sinkholes in former coalfield areas. 
• Radon and methane gases pose health and safety risks. 
• Unstable slopes leading to landslides or ground movement. 

Identifying these issues early allows engineers to adapt designs, select appropriate foundations, or implement remediation strategies before construction begins, ultimately preventing costly additions. 

Health & Safety and Best Practice Standards 

All ground investigations must also comply with strict health and safety protocols. This includes site-specific method statements, risk assessments, and, where necessary, utility tracing to ensure safe drilling and excavation. These precautions are just as essential as the technical data itself, as without them, they would not protect workers, the public, and the environment. 

How Ground Investigations Support Planning and Design 

In many cases, planning authorities will require ground investigations as part of the approval process. Without their permission, it may be delayed or refused. A well-prepared investigation report can therefore speed up planning applications and avoid costly back-and-forth with regulators. 

By providing robust data, investigations save time, reduce uncertainty, and ensure projects are safe, cost-efficient, and on time.