Geotechnical Engineering
Understanding the makeup of the soil below your project is essential to many design and safety-related decisions. Identifying geotechnical stratification is what we do.
Ground Profile Modelling
Below the Surface
A fundamental consideration in the design of small, medium, large, exceptionally heavy, or vibrating installations is the ground that will support it. Tanks and industrial plant often require analysis and modeling of the deeper in-situ strata (>20 m) before structural design can commence.
Being a seismically active country, ground liquefaction modeling is an essential consideration for construction planning in most areas where relatively high water tables are encountered. The industrial zones of Mount Maunganui are a prime example; being listed as at risk for ‘widespread liquefaction.’
Another common need for ground profile modeling is to confirm the stability of embankments, cuttings, and existing slopes in civil engineering or land development projects. This confirmation is required to ensure public safety and access to facilities.
Notable Project: Whakatane Mill Tank Foundations Seismic Design
In mid-2022, Tiaki completed a geotechnical investigation at the Whakatane Paper Mill for a new 350,000L wood pulp slurry tank.
The fieldwork included three shallow hand augers, three cone penetration tests to 25m (one with geophysical logging of soil properties), and a machine borehole to 26 m depth. The data was analysed and adopted to design the tank foundations for predictable behavior during a seismic event.
Fieldwork
The commissioning of a ground profile model as part of a geotechnical report requires reliable and accurate data. TECL has a highly-experienced, dedicated team to fulfill these needs.
The ground composition and strength data that we use in our analysis are informed by our fieldwork. We first check the existing property files, council records, and service provider records for any features or hazards that may be present. This includes an investigation into underground pipes, cables, or other services in the area. Our team then carries out the physical site investigation, which can involve anything from a few, shallow, hand augers to multiple, deep, machine boreholes and in-situ testing.
- Use of available records
- Hand augers
- Machine boreholes
- Cone Penetrometer Testing
- Shear vane testing
- Cone penetrometer testing (CPT)
- Standard penetration test (SPT)
- Scala penetrometer testing (DCP)
Modelling Services
A quality ground profile model informs structural designers and other stakeholders about slope stability, foundation settlement, liquefaction risk, and much more.
TECL will undertake a review of the regional geology, site-specific test data, and any other relevant records to conclude the best recommendations for your project. These recommendations will be formalised in report format for ease of reference and use throughout the various design stages of your project.
Where appropriate, we will engage Category 1 or 2 geo-professional for peer review services. We have existing relationships with peer reviewers to fast-track your project, or can work alongside your chosen service provider for peace of mind.
- Geotechnical & numerical analysis
- Expert, professional interpretation
- New or existing data
- In-house reporting & recommendations
- External peer-review where required
Contact Us
Get In Touch
Our breadth of specialised knowledge has allowed us to provide and oversee unique and practical design solutions for a wide range of projects across the North Island, and as far as Scott Base, Antarctica.
Let’s discuss what Tiaki Engineering Consulting can do for your civil, geotechnical or structural engineering project.
Email Us
Email TECL directly and we’ll forward your enquiry to the most appropriate person.
Email Us
Email TECL directly and we’ll forward your enquiry to the most appropriate person.