Know what's below ground, before you commit to the design
Reduce risk before the first spade goes in the ground
Unforeseen ground conditions are one of the biggest single causes of cost overruns on construction projects - and they're entirely avoidable. RED Engineering provides site investigation services that identify the ground conditions and constraints that need to be understood before design starts, helping to reduce project risk and avoid costly surprises later on.
We scope each investigation around the information needed to make confident design decisions, manage the specialist contractors carrying it out, and then translate the findings directly into MEP, structural and civil engineering design.
What is a site investigation?
A site investigation is the process of gathering, assessing and reporting on a site’s ground conditions and constraints before design and construction begin.
At RED, our site investigations vary in scope based on what the project needs to establish at each stage. This can range from desk-based research through to detailed site surveys and intrusive ground investigations, giving the design team the information needed to make confident decisions and reduce uncertainty.
The stages of a site investigation
A site investigation is typically phased, starting with existing information and becoming more detailed where the findings show further investigation is needed.
- Desk study - Reviewing existing records, historical maps, geological information and known ground hazards before any work begins on site.
- Walkover survey - Visiting the site to identify visible features, access considerations and potential issues that may not be apparent from existing records.
- Phase 1 investigation - A preliminary, largely non-intrusive assessment used to identify areas where further investigation may be needed.
- Phase 2 site investigation - Using methods such as trial pits, boreholes and in-situ testing to establish ground conditions in greater detail.
- Laboratory testing - Analysing samples to assess properties such as ground strength and contamination.
- Site investigation report - Bringing the findings together to give the project team a clear understanding of the ground conditions and any implications for design.
RED's site investigation services
Every site brings its own risks, from unknown ground conditions to issues that can affect how a project is designed and delivered. Our site investigation services can be scaled to suit the project, from early assessment through to more detailed ground investigation.
What we offer:
- Site investigation scoping and specification
- Desk studies and preliminary ground risk assessment
- Appointment/management of geotechnical or ground investigation contractors
- Trial pits
- Boreholes
- In-situ ground testing
- Soil and groundwater sampling
- Laboratory testing
- Contamination assessment
- Groundwater assessment
- Buried services investigation
- Review and interpretation of site investigation reports
- Translation of investigation findings into civil and structural design
Why work with RED Engineering Design?
RED brings decades of experience in design, construction and operations to every site investigation. With more than 1,050 projects delivered across 75+ countries, we are also backed by the wider ground engineering and geotechnical expertise of the Tractebel ENGIE group.
What you can expect from RED
- Independent expertise - Unbiased technical advice, with no conflict of interest
- Technical depth - Access to 900+ specialists, supported by Tractebel’s wider expertise and resources
- Global reach - Site investigation experience across 75+ countries and a wide range of climates.
- Deep sector knowledge - Senior Engineers with experience across the full lifecycle of mission-critical facilities
- Proven trust - An 84% repeat business rate and long-standing client relationships.
Need a building construction site investigation for your next project?
Understanding a site before you commit can help avoid costly surprises later. RED’s site investigation services give your project team a clearer picture of what’s below ground, helping you make confident decisions before any work begins.
