Site Investigation and Characterisation
Geotechnical investigations, ground characterisation and reporting for commercial, infrastructure and energy projects across Melbourne and Victoria.
Request a quoteGround information for better engineering decisions
An effective investigation starts with the decisions the project team needs to make. The location of a foundation, the depth of an excavation or the proposed construction sequence can each change what needs to be understood about the ground.
Yarra Geotechnics plans and delivers site investigations that connect field evidence with design and construction requirements. We work with engineers, contractors, developers and asset owners across commercial development, transport, water, power and renewable energy.
An investigation shaped around the project
We review available reports, geological information, proposed works and site constraints before defining the additional information required. The scope considers material variability, the depth of influence of the works, groundwater observations and the engineering questions at the current design stage.
Fieldwork locations, depths and testing are selected for those questions. On constrained sites, we coordinate the investigation with access, buried services, permits and traffic arrangements. Where uncertainty remains, a staged investigation can target the next decision as the design develops.
Fieldwork and testing
We combine engineering supervision, logging and interpretation with specialist drilling, excavation and laboratory services appropriate to the commission.
Drilling and sampling
Boreholes, diamond rock coring, test pits and hand augers; disturbed and undisturbed soil sampling; and recovery of rock for logging and testing.
In-situ observations and testing
Standard Penetration Testing (SPT), Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing, soil and rock logging, and groundwater observations made during the investigation.
Laboratory assessment
Coordination of soil classification, strength, shrink–swell, compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) testing, together with soil aggressivity and rock-strength assessment.
Specialist project requirements
Thermal resistivity information for cable-related assessments and coordination of electrical resistivity testing for earthing design, where these form part of the brief.
From site evidence to a usable ground model
The engineering value lies in bringing the observations together, explaining variability and identifying what the available evidence can support.
Factual reporting
A traceable record of investigation locations, methods and depths, engineering logs, sample photographs, in-situ results and laboratory certificates. This can be issued as a standalone deliverable for the appointed designers.
Interpretation and recommendations
An assessment of the ground profile, relevant geotechnical parameters and implications for the proposed works. Depending on the brief, this may address foundations, settlement, earthworks, retaining structures, pavement subgrades and excavation conditions.
A clear basis for use
Reporting sets out the adopted assumptions, limits of the investigation and any further assessment needed. Factual and interpretive reporting can be provided separately or together; detailed design is scoped to suit the project.
Information that can be carried into delivery
Ground conditions can change between investigation locations, and a groundwater observation records conditions at a particular time. We make those qualifications visible so the team can account for them in design, tendering and construction planning.
Where the project progresses to geotechnical design or construction phase support, the investigation provides a documented starting point. Further work can then focus on the remaining questions rather than repeat information already available.
Selected investigation experience
Golden Plains Wind Farm OHL
Supplementary soil and rock investigation and interpretation supporting foundation assessment at selected overhead transmission-line locations.
Point Cook intersection upgrade
Night drilling, soil and basalt logging, sampling and laboratory coordination, brought together in a factual report for BMD and its designers.
Related geotechnical services
Discuss your investigation requirements
Send the project location, proposed works, available drawings and reports, and your programme. We can work to an existing brief or develop an investigation and reporting scope with your team.