Geotechnical section

It's important to identify any geotechnical risks in a project as early as possible. With access to historical data, we're able to gain a unique understanding of any ground related risks in Leeds and the surrounding areas.                                                                                     

To support the planning and development of your project, we provide the following services:                                                                         

• desk study reports
• design, specification and procurement of ground investigation
• ground investigation reports
• geo-environmental assessments
• contaminated land assessments
• mining risk assessments
• flood risk assessments
• groundwater risk assessments
• abnormal cost assessments
• geomorphological mapping

We manage ground related risks from concept, through to construction and maintenance.                      

At this stage, we interpret ground investigation results to create bespoke geotechnical designs. This includes detailing how any identified risks have been managed, while making sure that solutions are maintainable.                      

Technical advice is bespoke to each project and may include:                      

• slope stability assessment
• contaminated land remediation method statement
• sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) design
• specification to treat mine workings and mine entries
• earthworks including strengthened earthworks
• earth retaining structures
• structural foundations and excavations
• geotechnical design report
• geotechnical risk register
• construction drawings and contract specifications

There are always uncertainties and risks with construction activities, which can be time-consuming and expensive to resolve.                          

We provide practical on-site assistance to help to solve any problems you may have during construction. This minimises impacts on your projects and helps to save you money.                          

We can also provide technical support with contractor compensation events or claims during the execution of construction contracts.

Mining in Yorkshire has been part of our heritage since the 5th century, but many of Yorkshire's historic mines do not appear in national records. This is because before the Coal Mines Regulation Act of 1872, there was no statutory obligation to record plans of mines, meaning the distribution and extent of old workings is largely unknown.                    

Natural cavities form when soluble rocks (limestone and gypsum) are dissolved by surface and ground waters. This can present significant risks to both existing and proposed developments.                    

Our local knowledge and access to extensive archive resources means we can help to reduce your project risks, including:

• historic mining
• natural cavities
• karst features
• swallow holes
• foundered strata

As specialist engineers, we're able to support internal and external managing agents to develop management strategies for geotechnical assets.              

Our advisors are able to act on behalf of other local authorities, taking on the role of Overseeing Organisation Geotechnical Advisor for Leeds City Council.              

Sudden failures or progressive deterioration of structures and other assets are an ongoing concern for asset owners. We provide an emergency call-out service to advise on failures such as:              

• structural issues
• rock-falls
• landslips
• subsidence

This is not an exclusive list and our team do look at other aspects. If needed, we are able to carry out intrusive ground investigations, design effective remedial solutions and provide follow-up construction supervision.