Geotechnical & Environmental Expertise Across Edinburgh
Edinburgh and the surrounding area have varied geology, a long history of urban development and, in parts of the wider region, a legacy of historic mining. These factors can influence foundation design, ground stability, contamination risk and the type of site investigation required before development.
Previously developed sites may contain made ground or contamination associated with former industrial, railway, commercial or other historic land uses. A Phase 1 Desk Study can help identify these potential risks before intrusive investigation is undertaken.
Historic coal mining can also be an important consideration on some development sites in and around Edinburgh. Where a site falls within an area potentially affected by former mining activity, further assessment may be needed to understand risks associated with mine workings, entries, ground stability or mine gas.
Key areas of expertise include:
- Phase 1 Desk Studies: Desktop assessment of site history, geology, hydrogeology, environmental records and potential sources of contamination to identify constraints before development.
- Phase 2 Site Investigations: Intrusive investigation, sampling and testing used to establish actual ground conditions and investigate potential risks identified during the preliminary assessment.
- Trial Pits: Useful for examining shallow soil conditions, made ground, existing foundations and potential obstructions while obtaining samples for further analysis.
- Window Sampling: A relatively compact investigation technique suited to many urban sites, providing soil profiles and samples and allowing monitoring installations where required.
- Borehole & Drilling Investigations: Used where deeper information is required to assess geology, groundwater, foundation conditions or potential mining-related risks.
- Geotechnical & Environmental Testing: Laboratory and in-situ testing used to establish engineering properties and investigate potential contamination affecting soil or groundwater.
We support projects across Edinburgh city centre and surrounding areas, as well as developments throughout the wider Edinburgh and Lothians region.
