Two terms are often used for ground investigations – geotechnical or environmental soil investigation. A geotechnical investigation will focus on testing the physical properties of the soil to determine the appropriate foundation or civil engineering options for the soil while an environmental investigation focusses on the chemical properties of the soil to see if they pose a risk to human health or the environment.
Many new developers fall into the trap of only doing an environmental investigation to meet planning conditions in their Phase 2 investigations. Planners usually only want to see environmental data in the report; however, your structural engineer is also likely to want to see geotechnical information about the soils to help with foundation design, including laboratory testing. Soilutions can carry out this work in a single soil investigation, saving you money.
Free guide: 'Phase 2 Site Investigations Explained'
This guide explains how a Phase 2 investigation follows on from a Phase 1 investigation and sets out the steps to follow if yoiu're about to embark on one. Download "Phase 2 Site Investigations Explained" now for free!
