Deep geotechnical investigation

Overview

Support safer, smarter project outcomes with reliable ground data at any remote or restricted site.

RIX Ground Engineering (RGE) delivers geotechnical investigation services on restricted and remote sites, bringing proven expertise to dams, tunnels, mountain terrain, deserts, and mine sites. Our capabilities span soil analysis, vertical and inclined rock coring, and advanced downhole testing, including permeability, modulus, in-situ stress, and borehole geophysics.

We operate a diverse fleet of rigs, ranging from hand-portable units for confined spaces to heliportable equipment and large rigs capable of coring depths of up to 1000 metres. Discover turnkey solutions with RGE.

The importance of a geotechnical investigation

Superior safety

Gain a clear understanding of subsurface conditions before the construction phase of your project. By identifying soil strength, rock quality, and groundwater behaviour, geotechnical investigations facilitate a dependable foundation for safe design.

Cost savings

Early investigation helps uncover hidden ground issues that could lead to structural failure, unexpected settlement, and costly delays. With accurate data in hand, you can avoid potential problems and expensive remedial works later.

Flexibility for any site

From coastal zones to remote mines and steep mountain terrain, geotechnical investigations adapt to almost any ground conditions. Portable, heliportable, and large-scale rigs enable access to confined and hard-to-reach areas.

Our geotechnical investigation process

1. Site preparation

Before the investigation begins, we set up safe access to the drilling location. This may involve establishing work platforms, positioning rigs, and ensuring environmental and safety controls are in place.

2. Drilling & sampling

Using the appropriate rig for site conditions, boreholes are drilled to the required depth. Soil and rock samples are carefully collected at different intervals to capture the full ground profile.

3. In-situ testing

While drilling, our team carries out downhole and in-situ tests such as Standard Penetration Tests (SPT), permeability tests, and stress measurements. These provide real-time data on soil and rock strength, stiffness, and groundwater behaviour.

4. Laboratory testing

Samples are transported to accredited laboratories for detailed analysis. This stage confirms soil classification, rock properties, and engineering parameters needed for design.

5. Borehole geophysics (where required)

Specialised borehole geophysical methods may be used to measure subsurface conditions in greater detail, such as fracture spacing, material density, or stress distribution.

6. Data interpretation & modelling

Our geotechnical engineers analyse the field and laboratory results to build an accurate picture of ground conditions. This step highlights any potential risks, such as weak soils, groundwater pressures, or unstable rock layers.

7. Reporting & recommendations

A comprehensive geotechnical report is prepared, including borehole logs, test results, and engineering recommendations. This provides a reliable basis for foundation design, slope stability analysis, or ground improvement works.

FAQs

What is a geotechnical investigation?

A geotechnical investigation is the process of assessing soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at a site to understand how the ground will perform under load. It involves drilling, sampling, and testing to identify factors such as soil strength, rock stability, and groundwater behaviour.

The results help engineers design safe and cost-effective foundations, retaining structures, and earthworks.

Contact RIX Ground Engineering

Our excellent technical and operational knowledge allows us to tailor make solutions that give our clients the combination of cost, time and quality that best fits their requirements.

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Services We Offer

Our Speciality Services

Improve ground conditions with RGE

RGE is part of The RIX Group, offering specialist geotechnical services across Australia and New Zealand. Our resources include over 50 major items of plant and 400 employees.

We are unique in the comprehensive range of services we provide, including ground engineering, ground improvement, shotcrete, retaining walls, piling, slope stabilisation, rope access asset maintenance, mining, tunnelling, demolition, and earthworks.

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