Mackoy services spotlight: Site Investigations

At Mackoy, Site investigations (also called Ground Investigations) are just one of many Civil Engineering and Groundworks services we offer to our clients. Working, as we do, with some of the UK’s largest housing developers, it’s vital that any land earmarked for construction undergoes thorough testing. To establish its suitability before work on the proposed project begins.

What is a Site Investigation?

Just like a house survey highlights any potential risk factors within a building’s structure, site inspections analyse soil conditions to assess if the ground in question is suitable to be built on. They’re an integral part of the development process. So much so, in fact, that the findings they reveal can ultimately influence whether or not a planned development goes ahead.

Our clients invest upwards of thousands to millions of pounds into a single development. And with such high stakes no one wants to discover down the line that the land they’re building on isn’t fit for purpose. That’s why commissioning a comprehensive ground investigation from a trained expert at the outset of a build is so important to action.

What happens in a Site Investigation?

The investigation process itself is split over multiple stages. With each stage revealing a little more about the land’s compatibility in relation to the intended use. So as a report, site investigations are incredibly thorough and meticulous. Taking into account a multitude of factors, such as environmental impact and geology.

The insight they reveal is paramount to determining whether a stretch of land, is right for your project – and can actually be developed. Something that’s increasingly important to establish early on, considering 90% of land in Britain can’t actually be built on. Not to mention purchasing the plot itself will take a significant amount of capital. So it goes without saying you want to ensure your money is well invested.

Discover what you can and can’t build

In fact, site investigations and ground investigations don’t only identify where you can build, but also what you can build too. The tests and checks we conduct look at soil structure and composition, to make an assessment of its suitability for foundations and groundworks infrastructure. Determining if any additional structural engineering would be required (all of which would add additional costs to a build’s budget).

And, our site investigations aren’t ‘one size fits all’ either. Because every project, budget, and plot of land is unique, we tailor our ground inspections so you only pay for the searches you need. Starting with a simple desktop investigation. And extending all the way through to detailed site inspections. During which time excavation samples are taken and sent away for chemical analysis to determine their geotechnical makeup. We can even go as far as to dig a trial pit using our Volvo Crawler excavators. Investigating ground conditions deeper down to gain an extensive profile of the soil conditions.

Monitor surface water & identify contaminated land

Site investigations are also useful in identifying contaminated land that’s unsuitable for residential development because of risks to posed to public health. As well as carrying out any necessary groundwater and surface water monitoring. To determine the water quality, conductivity and levels, using a combination of spot sampling and remote monitoring techniques.

These types of surveys and inspections are integral to put into effect, before negotiating a price for the land, and especially prior to progressing any works. Fail to make the proper assessments and not only do you risk acquiring a plot that’s unsuitable for your proposed development. You could end up with a piece of land that isn’t suitable for any kind of construction project whatsoever.

Expert site investigations in the south of England

Commissioning a site investigation by a qualified professional is the only way to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the suitability of a site for development. Many risk factors are impossible to identify with a visual inspection alone, and with the cost of land at a premium in Britain, a site investigation is the only failsafe way to protect your investment.

If you’re thinking about developing a plot of land in the South of the UK, for a large-scale house build or similar, talk to us today about the site investigation services we provide at Mackoy groundworks and civil engineering.

Categories: Civil Engineering , Groundworks , Services , Site Investigations