Geotechnical and geology investigations are performed by one of our highly trained geotechnical engineers to obtain information on the physical properties of soil and rock around a site to design foundations for proposed structures and for repair of distressed structures caused by subsurface conditions.

A percolation test is a test to determine the water absorption rate of soil in preparation for the building of a septic drain field or infiltration basin. Percolation testing is simply observing how quickly a known volume of water dissipates into the subsoil of a drilled hole of a known surface area.

An infiltration report shows the rate of infiltration of liquid (typically water) into soils. Infiltration is defined as the downward entry of water into the soil or rock surface whereas percolation is the flow of water through soil and porous or fractured rock.

In geotechnical engineering, soil compaction is the process in which stress is applied to soil to cause densification as air is displaced from the pores between the soil grains. Soils that have been affected become less able to absorb rainfall, increasing the chances of runoff and erosion.

A geotechnical investigation will include surface and subsurface exploration of a site. Geophysical methods are used to obtain information and data about sites. Subsurface exploration usually involves soil sampling and laboratory tests of the soil samples retrieved.