Trial pits

We offers professional trial pit investigations to assess ground conditions quickly and effectively. As a simple yet powerful method of shallow ground investigation, trial pits are commonly used for geotechnical assessments, foundation design, and contamination studies.

What are trial pits?

Trial pits are small excavations made using either mechanical diggers or by hand. They allow direct visual inspection of soil layers and the collection of undisturbed samples from depths typically up to 4 metres. This method is ideal for:

  • Foundation assessments for extensions or small builds
  • Site characterisation on brownfield or greenfield sites
  • Soil sampling for geotechnical or contamination testing
  • Confirming services and existing structures below ground

Fast and flexible site investigation

Our team can carry out trial pits using tracked excavators or hand tools depending on site access, ground conditions, and the scope of the investigation. All work is carried out in full compliance with health and safety requirements, with pits properly supported or battered as needed.

We provide:

  • Clear soil profiling and logging
  • Targeted sampling for lab analysis
  • On-site engineers to record data and guide investigations
  • Fast mobilisation and efficient on-site execution

Why choose Vision Survey?

  • Experienced in both mechanical and hand-dug trial pits
  • Minimal disruption with clear, actionable data
  • Fully qualified and safety-conscious operatives
  • Clear reporting to inform design, planning, or remediation
  • Trusted across construction, development, and environmental sectors

Whether you’re carrying out a pre-construction assessment or need soil samples for laboratory testing, trial pits offer a cost-effective and reliable solution.

Get in touch

Need experienced support for your ground investigation? Contact Vision Survey today to discuss trial pits and how they can support your project.

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