Geotechnical Design
Foundation Design
Foundation designs for various structural foundations based on reliable data obtained through in-depth analysis, in house testing and industry leading software.
Soil and Rock Strength Characteristics
Characteristic strength for varying soil types is evaluated to ensure adequate material is used to support structures, foundations, and achieve desired durability.
Borehole Investigations
Borehole investigations are essential in order to discover the underground subsoil conditions and bearing capability through SPT testing and full analysis of borehole arisings.
If phreatic lines are present the effect on bearing capacity is calculated for both drained and undrained solutions.
Slope Stability
Slope failure is caused by a number of variables, adequate testing and design is needed when cutting or loading a slope. If deemed unstable, drainage, mechanical stabilisation, benching or revegetating can be considered to allow work to proceed.
Material Testing
Triaxial Testing
The most widely used testing apparatus for investigating the stress strain behaviour and the strength parameters of soils is the triaxial apparatus. Digital readings allow for greater accuracy and data interpolation.
Used in the following applications:
1. Excavations
2. Shallow foundations
3. Piles and deep foundations
4. Earth retaining structures, diaphragm walls, anchors
5. Slope stability
6. Ground improvement
7. Design of embankments, earth dams
Consolidation
The one-dimensional consolidation test of a soil sample enables the engineer to ascertain the settlement characteristic over a given period. This gives information on the relationship the soil has between rate of compression and load applied. The soil specimen under test is axially loaded and laterally contained. The most current software allows for accurate and real time data collection/ processing, giving a range of results and parameters.
Plate Load Test
A field test for determining the ultimate bearing capacity of soil and the likely settlement of a foundation under a given load. This is particularly beneficial to accurately select and design the correct foundation, ensure the current platform is suitable for the designed load, calculate safe bearing capacities and suitable factors of safety.
CBR
This method has been developed by the California State Highway Department, and is now accepted by almost all the international standards. The test is aimed at the evaluation of the mechanical strength of natural ground, subgrades and basecourses.
Concrete Specialists
Concrete Mix Design
Selection of concrete proportions involves a balance between economy and requirements for placeability, strength, durability, density, and appearance. Finding the right balance to achieve all these requirements comes mainly from experience.
Digital Press for Cubes and Rock Core Samples
The digital press allows results to be collected the instant material reaches failure, inputting the results directly onto a computer allows a real-time graph showing the load imposed on the specimen up until the moment of failure.
The press and software can be used for rock core samples and concrete cubes.