Sometimes called a Phase 1 Report, the desk study is the most cost effective and important part of a ground investigation. A good desk study will identify the recorded history of the site, the possibility of the presence of geotechnical hazards and will anticipate the ground conditions that can be expected at the site. It can also investigate potential sources of contamination so that these can be investigated during the fieldworks.
The desk study often allows the discovery of potential hazards such as poor ground, mine workings, underground cavities, or unexploded ordnance.
At Nova Ground Engineering we understand that a ground investigation is a vital part of the design process. It should be a well-designed targeted investigation aimed at getting the correct information to inform the design. We will want to know about the works you intend to construct so that we can provide an accurate and cost-effective ground investigation that provides the right information to inform the design. We can provide factual or interpretive reports based on the requirements of the project.
A Conceptual Ground Model is an important aspect in ground engineering as it is our understanding of the strata within the zone of influence of the project. An initial Conceptual Ground Model is created during the desk study. This model is then validated during the ground investigation with boreholes, in-situ testing and laboratory testing. An accurate ground model allows the economic design of foundations, retaining walls and slopes and enables us to predict how the ground will respond during and after construction.
A Mining Risk Assessment is required when your project could be affected by the presence of mine workings or mine entries. Our risk assessment will collate and review the available information and provide clear guidance on the potential risks associated with mine workings and will make recommendations for any further works if necessary.
A Mining Risk Assessment can indicate the presence of shallow mine workings or mine entries that could affect the proposed development. This often requires further investigation to determine the level of risk and the potential remediation solutions. We can undertake an intrusive investigation to determine the potential risks to the development more accurately. We can manage the application process to the Mining Remediation Authority that is usually required to undertake a mining investigation.
Where mine workings or mine entries are present with the zone of influence of your project, we can provide a design solution to treat the mine workings or mine entries.
We can design foundation solutions for both shallow and deep foundations to the appropriate design standards. Our Geotechnical Design Reports explain the process we follow to demonstrate a proposed foundation is provided with the appropriate safety factor. We can design foundations for complex ground conditions where geotechnical hazards make the foundation design particularly challenging.
We can determine the bearing capacity at a site for particular foundation proposals to investigation potential foundation solutions. We can undertake the assessment of ground movements for a range of structures and earthworks to predict the likely ground response to engineering works.
We can assess the stability of existing slopes and investigate the causes of slope failures. Where slopes have failed or are at risk of failure we can design a suitable remediation.
We have significant experience in the design of soil nails and ground anchors. We can design retaining solutions for both temporary and permanent works. Our designs are compliant with the requirements of BS EN 1997. We can advise on the appropriate testing requirements for all types of soil nails and ground anchors.
We can design all types of retaining walls including gravity walls, cantilever sheet piles walls and embedded king post and bored piled walls. We can advise on the most appropriate retaining solution for your project.
We can undertake the design and specification and testing of all type of piles. We can design for both axial and lateral loads. If you want to use a specialist piling contractor to design and install the piles, we can prepare a specification and pile schedule for the works. Our designs can be undertaken in accordance with Eurocodes and British Standards.
We undertake the design of working platforms for tracked plant and the assessment of crane outrigger loading. Our working platform designs follow the principles of BRE 470. We can advise on the use of geogrids to provide more efficient working platforms where appropriate. For the assessment of crane outrigger loads we can determine the safe bearing pressure that can be applied to the ground so that appropriate outrigger mats are used for the crane lift.
Where earthworks are required on a project we can provide a specification for the selection, placement and compaction of the earthworks to meet your project requirements. We can undertake on-site testing during the placing of earthworks to confirm that the works are being undertaken in accordance with the project specification.
We can undertake Basement Impact Assessment (BIA) for small residential developments to meet the requirements of Local Planning Authorities. Our BIA’s include ground movement and building damage assessments.
We can undertake routine Flood Risk Assessments for small to medium sized developments.
