Geotechnical testing services

We provide expert geotechnical testing services to support safe, compliant, and cost-effective development. From pre-planning through to construction, our geotechnical investigations deliver the critical data needed to understand ground behaviour and reduce risk on your site.

What is geotechnical testing?

Geotechnical testing involves the analysis of soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to assess their strength, stability, and suitability for construction. This essential step helps inform decisions about foundation design, slope stability, drainage, earthworks, and site remediation.

We support a wide range of projects including:

  • Residential and commercial developments
  • Infrastructure and transport schemes
  • Energy and utility installations
  • Brownfield site assessments

Types of Geotechnical Tests in the UK

Geotechnical testing includes both in-situ and laboratory-based methods. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Laboratory Testing

  • Moisture content
  • Linear shrinkage
  • Particle size distribution
  • Shear strength (small shear box tests)
  • pH and sulphate content
  • California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests
  • Contaminant testing
  • Shrinkage and swelling potential

 

In-Situ Testing

  • Dynamic Cone Penetration Testing (DCPT) – used to identify potential ground issues early
  • Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) – measures soil resistance to penetration
  • Plate Bearing Tests – determines bearing capacity and CBR values
  • Soakaway testing – assesses natural drainage potential
  • Ground Water Level Monitoring – Manual or Automatic Real-Time, depending on project needs and access restrictions.

Why choose Vision Survey?

  • Multidisciplinary team with geotechnical and site investigation expertise
  • Modern equipment and efficient field operations
  • Clear, actionable reporting for design and regulatory compliance
  • Strong track record across construction and infrastructure sectors
  • Fully accredited for health, safety, and environmental standards

Our geotechnical services help reduce uncertainty, optimise design, and keep your project on track from the ground up.

Get in touch​

Need reliable geotechnical data for your next project? Contact Vision Survey today to discuss your site investigation requirements and how we can help.

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