Ground Investigation - Buildings

Ground Investigation

Accurate knowledge of ground conditions is essential for designing safe and cost-effective building foundations. VSL provides comprehensive ground investigation services to assess geotechnical risks, optimize foundation systems, and support informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. From site characterization to advanced in-situ testing, VSL ensures reliable data and actionable insights for building construction. 

The Role of Ground Investigation in Building Construction

Ground investigation provides the essential data needed to design foundations safely, efficiently, and in alignment with real site conditions.

Understanding subsurface conditions is critical for selecting appropriate foundation types, predicting settlement behavior, and avoiding costly redesigns or failures. Ground investigation reduces uncertainty and enhances structural reliability. 

Detailed geotechnical data allows engineers to tailor solutions to actual site conditions, reducing overdesign and minimizing unforeseen challenges during construction. 

Many jurisdictions require certified geotechnical investigations as part of construction permitting. VSL’s investigations comply with local and international standards and support efficient project approvals. 

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VSL’s Ground Investigation Services

VSL provides comprehensive geotechnical investigation services, delivering accurate ground data and actionable insights to support reliable foundation design. 

Site Characterization

• Borehole drilling, sampling, and geophysical surveys
• Identification of soil and rock stratigraphy
• Groundwater level assessment

In-Situ Testing and Laboratory Analysis

• Cone penetration testing (CPT), pressuremeter testing, vane shear tests
• Laboratory testing of soil and rock properties (e.g., shear strength, consolidation, permeability)

Data Interpretation and Geotechnical Reporting

• Correlation and modeling of test results
• Recommendations for foundation type, bearing capacity, and ground improvement if needed

Horizontal Directional Coring (HDC)

• Advanced non-intrusive coring techniques for complex environments such as tunnels and urban sites
• Minimal disruption and access to difficult or restricted zones

Why Choose VSL for ground investigation?

  • Integrated Expertise from Ground to Structure

    VSL combines ground investigation capabilities with deep knowledge of foundation and structural design, enabling seamless project execution and early value engineering.

  • Advanced Equipment and Techniques

    Our teams use high-performance drilling rigs, digital logging systems, and specialized in-situ testing tools to ensure accurate, repeatable results.

  • Global Reach with Local Adaptation

    From dense urban environments to remote locations, VSL tailors its ground investigation approach to project constraints, logistics, and geologies around the world.

FAQs about ground investigation 

These are some of the most common questions we receive. Got another one? Reach out to us!

In-situ testing measures soil properties directly in the field, while lab testing uses extracted samples under controlled conditions. Both provide complementary data for accurate geotechnical profiling. 

It should begin during the design phase to support site selection, foundation design, and cost estimation before construction begins. 

Yes. VSL frequently performs both investigations and foundation works, streamlining communication and reducing interface risks. 

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Planning a building project?

Contact VSL to discuss ground investigation solutions tailored to your site and performance requirements.