Ground Investigation Services
Collecting the Data That Drives Confident Design Decisions
Every great design starts with a clear understanding of what lies beneath.
At TILT Engineering & Design, we provide comprehensive ground investigation services — collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to support safe, buildable, and cost-effective design solutions.
Our site investigation teams carry out everything from simple trial pits to deep boreholes and laboratory testing, producing high-quality factual and interpretive reports that inform every stage of your project.
Why Ground Investigation Matters
Ground conditions are the greatest variable — and risk — in any construction or marine project. Our investigations reduce uncertainty by providing the data you need to design confidently and avoid unforeseen costs.
We help clients:
Identify soil and groundwater conditions
Confirm design parameters for foundations and retaining walls
Assess contamination and geotechnical risk
Support planning, design, and tender documentation
Reduce delays and re-design caused by poor site data
Our Ground Investigation Services
Desk Studies & Preliminary Appraisals
Before breaking ground, we conduct background reviews to understand your site’s geology, history, and potential risks.
Geological and hydrogeological desk studies
Review of historical maps and previous investigations
Risk assessment for contamination or geotechnical constraints
Preliminary Conceptual Site Model (CSM)
Trial Pits & Window Sampling
Our teams excavate trial pits and window samples to visually log soil strata, record groundwater, and collect disturbed and undisturbed samples for lab testing.
Hand-dug or machine-excavated trial pits
Dynamic sampling and in-situ density testing
Groundwater observations and permeability checks
Visual soil and contamination logging
Boreholes & In-Situ Testing
We carry out rotary, cable percussion, or windowless sampling boreholes with appropriate instrumentation to characterise deeper strata.
SPT (Standard Penetration Test) and shear vane testing
Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) where required
Installation of gas, groundwater, or piezometer standpipes
Continuous coring for cohesive or granular strata analysis
Factual & Interpretive Reporting
We compile factual data into clear, structured reports that can be used directly for design, tendering, and regulatory approval.
Borehole and trial pit logs
Laboratory test schedules and results
Summary of ground and groundwater conditions
Foundation and design recommendations (if interpretive)
Laboratory Testing
Our accredited partner labs perform a full suite of geotechnical and chemical analyses to characterise the engineering behaviour of the materials.
Particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, moisture content
Shear strength and consolidation tests
Sulphate and pH testing for concrete class assessment
Contamination screening (hydrocarbon, heavy metals, asbestos)
Why Choose TILT
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We combine investigation and design — saving you time and rework.
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Safe, efficient, and adaptable to live, coastal, or constrained environments.
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Clear data presentation and concise engineer commentary.
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Chartered engineers interpret findings to inform real-world design.
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Investigations delivered across ports, rivers, industrial and development sites. Experience with tidal, flood and coastal sites as well as inland developments.
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All works carried out in accordance with BS 5930, BS 10175 and Eurocode 7.
Arrange a Ground Investigation
From small feasibility pits to full-scale multi-rig site campaigns, we’ll tailor an investigation to meet your design, budget, and programme needs.
FAQs
Why do I need a ground investigation?
Ground investigations provide essential data on soil, rock and groundwater conditions, reducing design risk and avoiding costly surprises during construction.
What methods are used in a ground investigation?
Typical methods include trial pits, boreholes, in-situ testing (SPT/CPT), groundwater monitoring and laboratory analysis of soil or rock samples.
How deep should boreholes go?
Depth depends on proposed foundation type and ground conditions, but we typically extend to at least 1.5 × foundation width or to competent strata.
What standards do you follow?
All investigations are carried out to BS 5930, BS 10175 and Eurocode 7, with laboratory testing by UKAS-accredited facilities.
How long does a typical investigation take?
Small sites can be completed in a few days; larger or multi-rig programmes may take several weeks including lab results and reporting.
Can you investigate marine or flood defence structures?
Yes. We specialise in tidal, river and coastal environments, using techniques suited to wet or restricted-access conditions.
What will I receive at the end?
A factual or interpretive report with borehole logs, laboratory results, engineering parameters, and clear design or remediation recommendations.