Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering is an essential feature of any construction project since all subsequent work relies on the accuracy of information obtained from the geotechnical survey. A combined and efficient geo-environmental investigation can therefore save clients’ money and reduce their exposure risk.

REC provides geotechnical consultancy services for all aspects of ground works and applies its expertise to all types of civil engineering structures such as foundations and retaining walls deploying a variety of methods for ground improvement, installation of vertical in-ground barriers, soil stabilisation, piling excavation of cuttings and placement of embankments.

A major factor causing project delays and cost overruns, which is frequently identified during final project reviews, is unforeseen ground conditions. Whilst the cost of a ground investigation may have a major bearing on the likelihood of unforeseen conditions not being identified at an early stage and instead encountered during the construction stage, it is still possible to be cost effective through appropriate deployment of specialist techniques and use of well qualified staff. Solutions to this problem require accurate ground condition data and a thorough understanding of the potential soil, rock and groundwater interactions.

Where intrusive ground investigations are required, REC promotes the concept of maximising the value of the intrusive investigations by combining the geotechnical and contamination assessment. Thus comprehensive data on the ground conditions can be gathered and expert interpretation of the results used to identify the potential risks and solutions identified to overcome them.

REC's geotechnical engineers and consultants provide site remediation strategies to assist designers to minimise foundation costs, with remediation processes being incorporated as part of the foundation systems.