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Ground Science has a diverse range of geotechnical skills and is capable of delivering a professional, detailed and timely geotechnical consulting services to a variety of clients. Performing an investigation requires an intimate knowledge of soil behaviour and the ability to recognise any potential problems that may occur during construction or in the longer term. With vast experience in the small to medium sized projects, we are able to provide the level of personal service we all desire. Ernie has over 27 years of experience in the industry and has been able pass on the skills and knowledge to his team of growing engineering staff.
Our key geotechnical engineering services include:
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please click on a link for further information.
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SITE CLASSIFICATIONS - commonly referred to as a “soil test” are a daily part of Ground Science’s geotechnical capabilities. A Site Classification (residential & commercial) is a common form of geotechnical investigation that investigates the soil profile on a building project. It is used to determine the physical properties of the soil profile and provide specific data to design the footing system for the building. This assessment also provides vital information to the builder/building company who in turn engages a structural engineer to design the footings for your development. A site classification will form a part of your building permit which is forwarded onto the relevant council body.
What is involved in a soil test?: A site classification typically involves a site visit by a geologist, engineer or field technician who will conduct a subsurface soil profile investigation. This may be completed with the use of a Drilling Rig and/or by Hand Augering techniques. On-site logging of soils (in accordance with AS1726) combined with a desktop survey analysis of the subject site is collated and a classification is then assigned. Ground Science prides itself on a prompt response to your queries as well as swift presentation of our report on completion of field work (typically within 2 working days).
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FOOTINGS INSPECTIONS - The scope of work typically involved in a footings inspection applies to many sectors of the industry. A footings inspection is performed on sites for the purpose of:
- installation of strip/pad footings; geotechnical inspections to confirm allowing bearing capacities
- upgrading of existing structures (performed in conjunction with a site classification)
- problematic sites (settlement in building structures, cracking in walls)
Footings inspections are usually conducted via visual inspections and/or a combination of in-situ geotechnical field and laboratory test schedules, dependant on the nature of the project. The reporting process for house structures systematically details data such as depth, type and condition of the footing system and the founding soils type and condition. A forensic application of investigation skills is required on damaged dwellings to determine the potential causes.
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PAVEMENT INVESTIGATION & DESIGN
- Ground Science has a diverse range of geotechnical capabilities of which pavement investigations and design is a key component. Performing the investigation stages requires an intimate knowledge of soil behaviour and ability to foresee potential problems before they occur. This is a highly tune skill achieved by Ernie Gmehling. With his vast experience in this area, he has been able pass on the skills and knowledge to his team of developing engineering staff. Ground Science is capable of delivering a professional, cost effective and timely geotechnical consulting service to clients. Ground Science operates a NATA accredited testing laboratory and are capable of performing all the necessary soil parameter tests to complete a pavement design.
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CRANE HARDSTAND INSPECTION
Having the confidence to lift heavy loads using mobile cranes for a large variety of projects, require a geotechnical engineer to inspect, review and recommend a suitable base platform.
These activities are a common occurrence for lifting bridge deck beams or roof structures in urban areas with poorly structured soils.
Ground Science can complete the site investigation and inspections to assist with project compliance for safe lifting, while providing a safe, cost effective solution for working plant.
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GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS
- A geotechnical investigation is a means to obtain information on the physical properties of soil and rock around a site to design earthworks and foundations for proposed structures and for repair of distress to earthworks and structures.
Investigation may involve a variety of exploration techniques from basic hand tools, backhoe machines, excavators, drilling rigs to observations of road cuttings or other open pits in the earth. The scope of work generally encompasses establishing subsurface soil profiles and material characteristics including reactivity, bearing strength and expansive nature; combined with a series of in-situ strength characteristic tests. Generally soil samples are collected during an investigation and tested in a laboratory to provide specific data on the soils parameters.
Ground Science operates a NATA accredited testing laboratory with a team of ten soil technicians. Based on the results of field and laboratory investigations, suitable parameters are determined which may assist with the design and recommendations are reported in the geotechnical report.
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4WD MOUNTED ATS DRILLING RIG
Specifications |
| Undisturbed sampling |
U50 + U63 |
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| Drilling depths |
up to 6m in residual soils |
| Vehicle dimensions |
head height 2.4m & width 2.0m |
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| RETAINING WALLS
- Retaining walls take the form of many shapes and sizes, whether it is to support a car park or sports field in a confined boundary or is the internal wall of a dwelling with split levels, a geotechnical investigation is required. Ground Science is able to undertake geotechnical assessments and work in conjunction with structural engineers for the design of retaining walls. The ability to utilise our ATS drilling rig on these projects allows us to obtain undisturbed samples at various depths of the proposed retaining wall. |
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LEVEL 1 INSPECTION & TESTING - In accordance with AS3798 “Guidelines for Earthworks on commercial and residential subdivision”. The level one representative is required to ensure works are performed in accordance with the nominated specification or as per the code AS3798. The code requires a fulltime technical representative to be present during the placement of fill and subgrade preparation. The role also includes material approval, base approval by proof rolling or testing, the removal of rocks greater than two thirds of the layer thickness, moisture conditioning, compaction testing, uniform rolling techniques and verification of total fill placed.
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EARTHWORKS & COMPACTION CONTROL - testing is perceived to be the most basic of all the geotechnical testing, but many foreman realise that their job relies on the skills of the tester to provide an educated response to the outcome of the test. Many foreman will continue works in this ever demanding industry to proceed with material placement. Ground Science pride themselves on providing staff that understand materials and knowledge of different quarries products in order to improve their advice to our clients. |
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CLAY LINERS, CAPPING LAYERS, WATER STORAGES OR EFFLUENT LAGOONS
insitu permeability testing by constant head method, materials testing such as clay content analysis by Hydrometer, or dispersive characteristics by Emerson crumb method. Ground Science holds NATA accreditation for all of these tests. |
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DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER (DCP) - Tests are performed to determine the penetration resistance through a material and may be used to give a indication of the soil profiles CBR strength in its current condition. This may be used in conjunction with a test pit or a pavement dipping.
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HAND AUGERING - is another means of determining a soils profile, with measurements taken of layer depths and visual descriptions of soil trimmings. Standpipes may be installed in the augered holes to determine ground water levels and seasonal changes through regular monitoring. |
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ROCK FILL DAMS - Often require some form of compaction determination which is not possible by normal techniques. The use of large 1.0m–1.5m diameter water replacement density testing is an alternative, which also allows the materials excavated from the hole to be graded by sizing.
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