Geotechnical Engineering
Ground investigation and soil testing, foundation and retaining wall design across Christchurch and Canterbury. We establish what lies beneath the site, so every design is based on measured ground conditions — not ASSUMPTIONS!!
The ground decides what the building can do.
Many building problems start below the surface. Soft or variable ground can lead to foundation settlement, slab cracking, consent delays and costly repairs. Our Christchurch geotechnical engineers provide ground investigations, soil testing and geotechnical assessments to identify bearing capacity, settlement and liquefaction risks before construction begins. We investigate first, then provide foundation and retaining wall design based on what the testing actually shows — measured, not assumed.
What a geotechnical report containsThe ground, top to bottom.
Geotechnical engineering is about understanding what lies beneath the surface — the soil layers, their strength, and how much load they can safely support. The sequence and depth of these layers can be just as important as the soil itself. The ground profile shown below is indicative only and will vary from site to site.
What we investigate and design.
From ground investigation through to foundation design, we provide coordinated geotechnical and structural engineering for one consent-ready package.
- 01Geotechnical Investigation & Reports
One ground investigation. One coordinated engineering approach. From soil testing and geotechnical reporting through to foundation and retaining wall design.
- 02Foundation Design
Foundation design based on tested ground conditions, site hazards and building loads.
- 03Retaining Wall & Slo[e Stabilisation Design
Retaining wall and slope stabilisation design for site-specific ground conditions and loads, including building consent documentation, earthworks specifications, construction monitoring, completion reporting and final engineering certification.
- 04Soil Testing & Site Investigations
On-site soil testing to establish ground conditions, soil strength, bearing capacity and foundation requirements.
Chartered engineering. From investigation to certification.
Over 15 years of engineering experience across New Zealand, with Chartered Professional Engineer oversight from site investigation and design through to producer statements and final certification.
15
Years in New Zealand
Geotechnical and structural Engineering Practice
500+
Jobs completed
Residential and commercial sites
IntPE(NZ)
APEC Engineer
International recognition few New Zealand firms hold
15m
Cone Penetration Testing (CPT)
Deep soil profiling for liquefaction, settlement and foundation assessment, combined with shallow hand auger and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing.
One engineer, from site investigation to sign-off.
Work directly with the Chartered Professional Engineer responsible for your project, from site investigation and geotechnical assessment through design, building consent, construction monitoring and final certification. Geotechnical and structural engineering are coordinated in the same office, giving you clear communication, faster decisions and one point of responsibility throughout the project, so nothing about your job waits on an introduction between consultants.
Structural EngineeringStart with the ground.
Send us your site address and concept plans. We’ll review the proposed development and recommend the right level of geotechnical investigation and soil testing for your site, no more than you need.