Our highly experienced and qualified engineering geologists are able to assess ground conditions for slope stability and geotechnical stability on site before providing informed recommendations for cost-effective treatment and remediation.
Working collaboratively with appropriately experienced and quality driven contractors, as well as soil and contamination testing laboratories, we provide slope stability site investigation reports that are fully BS5930 and EC7 compliant, as required. We are always mindful of cost, putting clients specific needs and requirements at the forefront, offering free guidance on the necessity for such services along with advice on the most appropriate way forward.
The first stage of any slope stability assessment is to undertake a comprehensive desk study of the site using our extensive in-house resource database. This allows us to investigate the risk or causal factors of slope instability, providing an understanding of the nature and state of the site, the topography, geology, hydrology and hydrogeology of the site which we can then interpret before we can identify why a slope failure has occurred, or whether a site is at risk of slope failure. We will then look at the history of the site – our records stretch back to the mid 1800’s! – so we truly can appreciate how land usage has changed and the structural development of the site has occurred. If the site lies within a coastal area we can determine the rate and extent of coastal erosion and regression in the vicinity, and we use aerial and satellite imagery, including LiDar datasets to identify recent changes to the ground surface.
Every slope stability assessment will include a site visit and a comprehensive walkover assessment of the site, undertaken by Chartered engineers and geologists. The walkover is an essential component in any assessment, to visually assess the nature and state of the site, and any causal or risk factors that may be associated with soil or rock slope instability.
Finally we can undertake comprehensive modelling of a site or a proposed development to assess how a sloping site will adapt to proposed structural development over the design life of a new development. Whether the slope is soil or rock, we can carry out finite element analysis to provide assurance and recommendations to ensure the slope face stays safe and secure into the future. Quarry faces, sea cliffs and other rock slopes are modelled slightly differently thus we use a method of scanline assessment for the fractures, faults and other discontinuities in the rock mass. We then use a stereonet to project this information in three dimensions, and, if required, we can undertake a process of kinematic analysis to understand how and why a rock slope is likely to fail.
Once this is complete, we provide simple and concise reports, designed to provide the assurance required for property conveyance, mortgageability or insurance, or to simply provide peace of mind to home owners and residents.
Our slope stability assessment work is generally comprised of three stages, as outlined below;
Priced from £995, our Slope Stability Appraisal report provides a cost effective appraisal of soil or rock slope stability on your site. An engineering geologist will attend the site to undertake a detailed walkover inspection of the soil or rock slope, before compiling the findings into a short and concise letter report. This report offers recommendations which may extend to the need for further investigation and a full stability assessment, but in many cases will suggest basic remedial works which may avoid the requirement for costly further investigative works.
We can undertake a numerical quantitative slope stability assessment on all types of slope, both soil and rock. These Slope Stability Assessments can be made to relate to both permanent and temporary states. Soil slope stability is assessed using analytical software, whereas rock slope stability assessment is undertaken through a combination of stereographic projection and kinematic analysis to assess both likelihood (risk) and mechanism of failure. Please contact us to discuss this in more detail or to request a Slope Stability Assessment.
Following on from the result of a Slope Stability Assessment, we are well-placed and able to advise on a range of engineering methods that can be applied if unstable slopes and cliff faces need to be secured. We are always happy to liaise with civil and structural engineering contractors to aid the design and implementation of an appropriate remediation scheme. Please contact us to discuss slope stabilisation options in more detail.
To find out more or to discuss our requirements in more detail please fill in our online enquiry form or contact our friendly team.