Ground Investigation Completed at Springfields Extra Care, Bristol
Ground Consultants Limited (GCL) recently completed a comprehensive ground investigation at the Springfields Extra Care development in Filton, Bristol. The project required robust geotechnical and geo-environmental data to inform the design of a new ground-bearing slab and retaining wall.
Our scope included a full range of site investigation techniques:
- Trial Pitting – excavated using a 2.5-tonne excavator to expose soil profiles, assess foundation depths and facilitate soakaway testing.
- Soakaway Testing (BRE 365) – carried out using a dedicated water bowser to establish infiltration rates and the viability of sustainable drainage (SuDS).
- Dynamic Sampling – a window sample borehole was advanced to 5m depth, with Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) at regular intervals to assess soil strength and bearing capacity.
- Geotechnical & Environmental Laboratory Testing – including Atterberg Limits, PSD, sulphate testing, and a full Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) suite for off-site disposal classification.
The investigation required careful planning due to restricted access at the rear of the site. To overcome this, sections of fencing were temporarily removed, allowing our excavator and equipment to be safely positioned within the working area.
The results were consolidated into a Ground Investigation Report, produced in accordance with BS5930 and Eurocode 7. This report provided:
- Allowable bearing pressures for the proposed slab.
- Foundation depth and design recommendations, considering shrinkable soils and groundwater conditions.
- Retaining wall design parameters.
- Drainage feasibility, including infiltration potential and groundwater buffer requirements.
This successful Bristol project demonstrates GCL’s ability to deliver high-quality geotechnical investigations under complex site constraints, giving developers and design teams the reliable data needed to progress with confidence.
If you’re planning a development in Bristol, Bath, or the wider South West, contact Ground Consultants Limited to discuss your ground investigation, soakaway testing, or dynamic sampling requirements.
