Geotechnical Engineering
Robust. Insightful. Foundational.
Decisions are only as robust as the advice and land they’re built on. Which is why we look at your project’s success from the ground up. Our geotechnical team bridge the gap between geology and engineering, transforming raw data into actionable insights and design that form the foundations of successful commercial, industrial and residential construction projects.
We work closely with you to determine what level of investigation, analysis, design and reporting is required for a successful outcome. We help you understand how geotechnical conditions influence your development; and by leveraging the knowledge of our wider team, we advise on the most practical, innovative, and effective solutions to reduce or eliminate risk.
Geotechnical Engineering Services
- Soil testing
- Geotechnical report
- Construction support and consulting
- Foundation design, repair and assessments
- Liquefaction mitigation and assessment
- Slope stability and retaining walls
- Geological accretion investigation and assessment
- Cliff collapse and rockfall investigation and mitigation
- Temporary excavations
- Shallow and deep piled foundations for residential, industrial and commercial buildings
- Pavement design
- Groundwater monitoring
- Infiltration testing for proposed stormwater disposal systems
- Erosion, sediment and dust control
- Construction monitoring of bulk earthworks in accordance with NZS4431:1989
- Forensic investigation and reporting (ie. land or foundation damage, settlement, etc.)
- Geotechnical reporting for Private Plan Changes
- Geotechnical reporting for proposed land development projects (Private Plan Change or Application for Subdivision Consent)
- Peer review
- Expert evidence
What is Geotechnical Engineering?
Geotechnical engineering is a subset of civil engineering that focuses on how earth materials like soil, rock and groundwater interact with man-made structures, such as buildings, bridges, roads, and dams. It involves analysing soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to determine their suitability for supporting whatever is built on top. Through analysing the site and conducting soil tests, geotechnical engineers design foundations, slopes and retaining structures to strengthen the subsurface, ensuring stability and safety.
Geotechnical engineering at Eliot Sinclair focuses on ensuring the safety, strength and longevity of a construction by ensuring it is built on the most solid of foundations. The expertise we provide is essential in mitigating risks related to landslides, earthquakes and foundation failures. By understanding the ground beneath our feet, geotechnical engineers play a vital role in shaping our built environment.
Testimonial | Natural Hazards Commission
“Eliot Sinclair’s attention to detail and problem-solving skills have been invaluable”
“Luke and the team at Eliot Sinclair’s attention to detail and problem-solving skills have been invaluable in optimising our processes and ensuring that our operations are efficient and effective. Throughout the year, they have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for what they do.”
Todd Niccol | Operations Manager - Natural Hazards
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is geotechnical engineering?
Geotechnical engineering is a civil engineering discipline aimed at testing, assessing and designing solutions for structures which interact with the soil.
Why is geotechnical engineering important for construction?
Everything that does not fly, ultimately rests on the soil. Having a solid footing is critical to any structure.
What are the most common geotechnical engineering services?
The basis of geotechnical engineering are the soil tests we conduct in order to determine the strength of the foundation ground. These findings, together with our recommendations form a Geotechnical Report. Alongside foundations, geotechnical engineering also deals with slope stability, retaining structures, rock fall assessments, tunnels, etc.
What does a geotechnical report include?
The report includes a summary of the known data about a site from a geological point of view, the results of the tests carried out on site, the interpretation of these results and the final recommendations of the geotechnical engineer for the proposed structure.
Can geotechnical engineering prevent landslides?
By studying a slope’s conditions, like geometry, hazards and soil composition, a series of actions can be designed and implemented so landslides probability lessens, its effects are mitigated, or damage is diverted in a controlled fashion.
What is liquefaction, and how can it be mitigated?
Ever been to the beach on the sand near the water and observed that if we hit the wet sand multiple times, it becomes very soft and ‘giggly’. That is liquefaction!
It happens when a saturated sand is subjected to dynamic loads, leading it to transitioning from a solid to a liquid. This occurs because the water is trapped between the sand particles and cannot escape easily, so the sand and the water mix into a new material. One way to stop this from happening is to allow the water an easy escape route, or by ensuring that the sand is so dense it cannot hold the amount of water that is critical for the formation of liquefied material.
What is the difference between geotechnical and structural engineering?
At a fundamental level, they are different parts of the same coin. However, while structural engineering mostly deals with manmade materials, geotechnical engineering has to work with what nature provided on a given site.
Geotechnical engineering careers
Shaping a better tomorrow for you.
A career in geotechnical engineering at Eliot Sinclair is rewarding with a great team behind you. If you are interested in joining our team, you can browse through our current vacancies and apply for a role with us through our careers page.
