Site investigation and DCP testing
What ground will your foundation or pavement rest on? We investigate it on site with trial pits and DCP testing, test the samples in our laboratory and interpret the ground conditions for your design.
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We carry out site investigations for buildings, roads and infrastructure, combining in-situ testing, drilling where needed and laboratory testing of the recovered samples to assess ground conditions. Our work is led by a geological engineer with a PhD in geotechnical engineering, so we interpret ground conditions rather than simply report numbers.
What we test
| Test | Standard | Where | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investigation planning and site reconnaissance | — | Field | Scope, test locations and an assessment of ground and geological conditions |
| Dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) testing | ASTM D6951/D6951M-18(2023) | Field | Penetration profile, layer thicknesses, estimated CBR |
| Description and classification of soils | TS EN ISO 14688-2:2018 | Field + lab | Soil description and soil class |
| Water content | TS EN ISO 17892-1:2014+A1:2022 | Lab | Water content of each sample |
| Grading and Atterberg limits | TS EN ISO 17892-4:2016 TS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022 | Lab | Grading curve, liquid and plastic limits |
| Proctor and CBR | TS EN 13286-2:2013 TS EN 13286-47:2021 | Lab | Compaction characteristics and bearing capacity (CBR) |
| Site investigation report | — | Report | Summary of ground conditions with our recommendations |
Why it matters
Many foundation and pavement problems can be traced back to ground conditions that were not identified early enough. DCP testing gives a rapid profile of penetration resistance through shallow layers, while laboratory tests establish the soil class, compaction characteristics and bearing capacity. Together they provide a sound basis for foundation and pavement design decisions.
What you receive
- DCP penetration profiles (mm per blow against depth) and estimated CBR values
- Laboratory test reports for the samples taken
- Site photographs and a test location plan
- Site investigation report summarising ground conditions and our recommendations
What we need from you
- Site location and drawings of the planned building, road or structure (chainages for roads)
- The design or specification requirements the investigation must answer (foundation or pavement type, target values)
- Safe access to the test locations for our crew and permission to excavate trial pits
- Known underground services (pipes, cables) at or near the test locations
- Any existing ground information for the site, such as previous reports or borehole logs
Frequently asked questions
What does a DCP test tell you?
The DCP gives a rapid profile of penetration resistance through the shallow layers, recorded as millimetres per blow against depth. From it we identify layer thicknesses and estimate CBR values for the subgrade and pavement layers.
When is geotechnical drilling needed?
Trial pits and DCP testing cover the shallow layers. When the design needs a soil profile with depth, we add geotechnical drilling, which we offer as a separate service.
How soon will we receive the results?
DCP readings are available on site. The report follows once the laboratory tests on the samples are complete.
How can we check that a report is genuine?
Every report carries a QR code, a report number and a verification code. Anyone can check it on our Verify a Report page.
Guides for this service
- DCP test: penetration index, layer thickness and CBR
- Cracks in a house: ground or structure?
- Ground in Cyprus: Marl and Expansive Clay
Ask us for a quote for site investigation and DCP testing; we schedule fieldwork on weekdays and weekends to suit your project.