Geotechnical Investigation Services
Moniterra carries out geotechnical investigations for foundations, dams, roads, slopes and retaining structures across South Africa, combining field investigation with in-house SANAS-accredited laboratory testing under one team.
Get in TouchWhat a geotechnical investigation involves
A geotechnical investigation establishes the soil and rock conditions beneath a site so that foundations, earthworks and structures can be designed safely and cost-effectively. Our investigations typically include:
- —A desk study of available geological, historical and site information
- —Subsurface investigation by drilling, test pitting or in-situ testing
- —Sampling for laboratory testing of soil and rock properties
- —Interpretation of ground conditions relative to the proposed structure
- —A geotechnical report with findings, classification and design recommendations
Investigation methods we use
Near-Field Studies and Desk Assessment
Reviewing existing geological and geotechnical information before mobilising to site.
Core Drilling
Recovering continuous rock and soil core for logging and laboratory testing.
Percussion Drilling
Rapid subsurface profiling in overburden and weathered material.
Standard Penetration Testing (SPT)
In-situ strength and density measurement at depth.
Dynamic Probe Super Heavy (DPSH)
Continuous penetration resistance profiling.
CPTu (Piezocone Testing)
Continuous, high-resolution profiling of strength, stratigraphy and pore pressure.
Recovered samples go straight to our own SANAS-accredited laboratory, Geo Civilab, for testing — Proctor, CBR, UCS, ITS, Atterberg limits, oedometer, and particle-size/hydrometer analysis — so there's no handoff delay or QA gap between field and lab.
Projects we investigate for
- —Building and structure foundations — shallow and deep
- —Dams and agricultural water storage (including Category 2 dam investigations)
- —Roads, pavements and centreline/borrow pit material investigations
- —Slopes and retaining structures
- —Bridges and civil infrastructure
- —Failure and forensic investigations
- —NHBRC Phase 1 and 2 investigations
Our process
Scoping
Desk study, site walkover, and an investigation plan matched to the structure and ground risk.
Field Investigation
Drilling, sampling and in-situ testing using the methods above.
Laboratory Testing
In-house, SANAS-accredited testing at Geo Civilab.
Interpretation and Reporting
Geotechnical classification, parameters and design recommendations, referenced against SANS, AASHTO, ASTM, EN, DIN, NHBRC and COLTO as applicable.
Design Support
Findings carried directly into foundation, retaining wall, slope or pavement design (including PLAXIS and GeoStudio analysis where required).
Why Moniterra
Field and Lab Under One Roof
Geo Civilab is SANAS-accredited (ISO/IEC 17025), so testing, quality management and measurement uncertainty are handled to a documented standard, in-house.
Full Life-Cycle Offering
Investigate, test, analyse, design and monitor, without switching consultants between phases.
Standards-Led Reporting
Investigations and designs referenced against SANS, AASHTO, ASTM, EN, DIN, NHBRC and COLTO.
Instrumentation and Monitoring
Available as a follow-on service where long-term performance tracking is required.
Frequently asked questions
What is a geotechnical investigation?
A geotechnical investigation is a field and laboratory study of the soil and rock beneath a site, carried out to characterise ground conditions and support safe, cost-effective foundation, earthworks or structural design.
When do I need a geotechnical investigation?
Before design of any new foundation, dam, road, slope or retaining structure, or when assessing an existing structure's performance or a suspected failure.
What's included in the report?
Field logs, laboratory test results, ground classification, geotechnical parameters, and design recommendations referenced against the relevant standards for your project type.
Do you test samples in-house?
Yes — samples go directly to Geo Civilab, our own SANAS-accredited laboratory, rather than to a third party.
Have a project in mind?
Get in Touch