Site Investigation

Site investigation Our highly skilled site crews are able to work either with client engineers to obtain the relevant and required information or autonomously based upon a client specification.

Optera’s site investigation team are ready to react to new claim instructions and we aim to attend site within just a few days’ notification, providing immediate intervention to mitigate further damage. Our understanding of our clients’ needs ensures all relevant and important information is gathered and relayed. We offer quality assurance provided by specialist equipment and stringent in-house quality control.

Optera are able to complete comprehensive investigations in even the most difficult-to-access locations using our portable window sampling equipment and hand augers. The portable window sampling equipment allows us to drive through the most desiccated of clays to a depth of 4.0m, providing samples at intervals of the client’s choosing. The equipment can be conveyed by hand through limited openings allowing us to complete works internally as well as externally. Where internal boreholes are required or where poor access and mechanical equipment cannot be used our hand augers are also invaluable. These typically achieve a depth of between 3.0m and 4.0m.

Where space and access allow, the majority of our investigations are completed with our Premier 110 tracked rig. Window and windowless sampling obtaining undisturbed soil samples at depths of up to 8.0m, together with dynamic probing of up to 20.0m, make this an invaluable member of the site investigation team.

Drainage surveys and pressure testing can be completed as part of a geotechnical site investigation or as a stand-alone service. Our CCTV cameras are able to record in digital format, allowing us to provide the client with a digitised copy of our findings as well as traditional hard copy reports. If repairs to a drainage system are required, we aim to complete these within one week of authorisation.

Soil and root samples are sent to our partner laboratory for analysis and a comprehensive report is provided. In addition, our crews carry shear vanes and mackintosh probe equipment to allow us to give on-site indications of soil strength which, coupled with the laboratory findings, provide the end user with a clearer picture of the cause of the problem. At Optera we understand the importance of collating good evidence to support requests to third parties for mitigation or when pursuing a recovery.

Telephone: 02476 553 776 Email: info@optera.co.uk Our highly skilled staff will be able to help you.