Site Investigation
At GCL we offer a full range of site investigation services
Site Investigation Services in the Southwest & Beyond
At Ground Consultants, we provide comprehensive site investigation services across the Southwest and beyond, helping clients make informed decisions about their land and construction projects. With years of experience in geotechnical and environmental assessments, we deliver accurate data and expert recommendations tailored to your site’s unique conditions.
Why Choose Our Site Investigation Services?
- Regional Expertise – Our team has extensive knowledge of ground conditions across the Southwest, including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, and beyond.
- Comprehensive Solutions – From soil testing, ground condition surveys, and contaminated land assessments, we offer a full range of services.
- Advanced Techniques – We employ state-of-the-art dynamic sampling, borehole drilling, and in-situ testing methods.
- Regulatory Compliance – We ensure all investigations adhere to British Standards (BS5930, BS10175, and Eurocode 7) and local planning requirements.
- Tailored Reports – Clear, concise, and practical reports to support planning applications, risk assessments, and foundation design.
- Fast Turnaround & Cost-Effective Solutions – We deliver high-quality insights efficiently to help keep your project on schedule and within budget.
Our Site Investigation Services
Geotechnical Investigations
We provide detailed analysis of soil and rock properties to assess site suitability for construction. Our services include:
- Dynamic Sampling (Formerly Windowless Sampling) – Effective for soil profiling, contamination testing, and geotechnical assessments.
- Cable Percussion Boreholes – For deeper investigations up to 50m to assess soil strength and stability.
- Rotary Boreholes – Ideal for rock strata assessment, groundwater analysis, and deeper ground conditions.
- Trial Pitting – Manual or machine-dug pits for shallow site characterisation and soil classification.
- Plate Bearing Tests – On-site strength and load-bearing capacity assessment for foundation design.
Environmental Site Assessments
Understanding environmental risks is crucial for safe development. We offer:
- Phase 1 Desk Study – Historical research, site walkovers, and risk assessment for potential contamination.
- Phase 2 Intrusive Investigations – Ground sampling, soil testing, and lab analysis for contamination.
- Gas & Groundwater Monitoring – Long-term assessment of hazardous ground gases and water quality.
- Contaminated Land Remediation – Expert strategies for soil decontamination and risk mitigation.
- Waste Classification & Soil Testing – Ensuring proper handling and disposal of excavated materials.
In-Situ Testing & Monitoring
We conduct on-site soil and groundwater testing to provide real-time data for project planning:
- Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) – Measures soil strength, density, and stratigraphy.
- BRE365 Soakaway Testing – Determines water infiltration rates for sustainable drainage solutions.
- Percolation Testing – Assesses suitability for drainage fields and sewage treatment systems.
- Groundwater Sampling & Analysis – Evaluates chemical composition, pollution levels, and hydrogeological conditions.
Areas We Serve
We have successfully delivered site investigation services in locations including Plymouth, Exeter, Truro, Newquay, Barnstaple, Torquay, St Austell, Penzance, Bristol, Bath, Taunton, Bournemouth, Swindon, Reading, Gloucester, and surrounding areas. Whether you need a pre-purchase assessment, foundation design investigation, or contaminated land assessment, we have the expertise to help.



