Architects
Welcome to Eaton Geotechnics Ltd, and thank you for taking the time to visit our site.
This section is designed to give you a quick overview of the type of services we offer for Architects and to point you in the direction of more detailed information available elsewhere on the site.
In general, the earlier that we become involved in a project, the greater the potential value that we can offer to both you and your client.
Pre-Acquisition and Due Diligence
We offer a full pre-acquisition and due diligence service which you can use to protect your clients. This is aimed at ensuring that land is purchased only with a full understanding of its history and that any underlying risks are identified prior to purchase. Prior knowledge of any contamination, groundwater or environmental issues can be a significant factor in negotiating purchase price as well as budgeting for any remediation as part of the overall build cost. In partnership with yourself, we can ensure that your client avoids any hidden costs associated with land purchase, and that once construction starts; there are no unscheduled site related delays.
Desk Studies
The first part of this service typically involves commissioning a desk study as this is an extremely cost effective method of conducting due diligence before purchasing a piece of land. We have access to national databases from which we can build an accurate profile of the land, including its previous history which will highlight any likely areas of concern, whether related to soil type, previous use, mining activity, natural voids / landslip and groundwater or flood risk.
Site Investigation
We provide a detailed report together with recommendations for any further work that may be required. Such recommendations are only based on factual evidence from the desk study, in which case we can design an appropriate ‘intrusive’ site investigation involving the production of trial pits, boreholes, sampling and laboratory testing as required.
Advice on Foundation Design
This will provide further detailed information on both ground characteristics and soil quality, which can then be used to determine the optimum foundation design required. This is another area on which we can advise, and again, an area where innovative solutions using the characteristics of the soil may provide you with additional options to consider. Experience shows that this can help to reduce spend on foundations and free up budget which may be put to beneficial use elsewhere on the project.
Cost Effective
This process is extremely cost effective, being a very small part of the overall expenditure for any development. Furthermore, experience shows that conducting such investigations before purchase can save clients both time and money on their overall project costs. This may result from more cost effective foundation design, reduction in purchase price due to the identification of contaminants, improved drainage being installed prior to building work and so on. A good site investigation can also help speed up planning permission and prevent costly delays later on due to unforeseen problems emerging.
Geotechnical Design
Depending on the type and nature of the build, good geotechnical design can add significant benefits to a project, and we are able to provide a full range of services to help you make the most out of the space available.
These include designs and specifications for ground improvement, slope stability studies and slope remediation, the design, supervision and management of earth retaining structures and earthworks, and the design of retaining walls. Additionally we can advise on the choice and positioning of geo-textiles and geo-membranes, and soil reinforcement through to the use of soil nails and rock anchors.
Ground Modelling
We have wide experience of using CAD technology to improve the analysis and presentation of geotechnical data, and therefore make it more accessible for your clients.
We also have access to sophisticated external and proprietary databases which can accurately locate fixed points within a site, using OS Map coordinates and GPS data. This will relate directly to site set out, so that position of water wells, mineshafts, borehole data etc can be accurately recorded.
Historic maps, topographical survey data and scanned aerial photographs can also be overlaid to show the location of previous buildings or services which may affect the development.
In addition to ground modelling we are also able to use CAD within our geotechnical design services, to facilitate the drafting of slope sections, perform volume calculations and other ground modelling functions.
Interagency Liaison
As part of our commitment to providing a high level of project management, we undertake to liaise where required with regulatory authorities to facilitate a positive outcome for our clients.
This may be directed at achieving regulatory approval from Local Authorities or the Environment Agency or to gain agreement for specific site works or remediation. We always ensure clear and regular communication is maintained with all parties in order to simplify decision making and reduce or eliminate project delays.
Geothermal Assessments
No doubt some of your clients will be actively considering installing Ground Source heat pumps as part of their commitment to sustainable energy, and since not all site conditions are suitable for such installations, it pays to understand the nature of the ground before work commences.We can design and drill an appropriate installation for your chosen system, and if your clients like the idea of sustainable energy but would like more information on these heating systems, we have partnering arrangements in place and can put you in touch with heat pump experts who will be happy to provide advice on the best options for your project.
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