Geotechnical investigation is the most important phase of construction. It involves various stages namely determining sub-soil conditions, ground water level, in-situ testing, obtaining samples, and preparing bore log reports. A well-planned geotechnical investigation cuts down the cost of construction effectively to a significant extent. Utmost care is to be taken while designing/planning a geotechnical investigation, as it proves to be equally fatal if neglected. The expertise of our Chief Consultant, Doctorate from IIT Bombay has well-versed knowledge in planning and executing a geotechnical investigation.

Piling contract usually involves drilling/installation of piles of required diameter and length at respective locations. The machinery required for installation depends on the material, dimensions of the pile, as well as method of installation. Another important factor influencing machinery requirement is prevailing subsurface conditions at the site. The method of installation further depends on whether the pile is cast-in-situ or precast pile.

The plate load test consists of loading a steel plate placed at the level where the actual load is to be applied, and recording the deformation (settlement) corresponding to successive load increments. The ultimate bearing capacity and settlements can be estimated in the field using plate load tests. It can be conducted in two methods namely gravity loading and reaction truss methods. It is the most reliable method in estimating the bearing capacity of soil. The test is performed in accordance with IS standards. It is also used to determine the modulus of subgrade reaction and strain modulus of soil.

Pile load tests are usually conducted on test piles after 28 days of casting. Testing is usually done in two ways namely initial load tests and routine load tests. Depending on the type of loading tests are classified as compression test, lateral test, pullout test and dynamic pile load test. Tests are carried out in accordance with standards IS:2911. The criteria for determining the load capacities in each of the loads is laid accordingly in codal standards.

Trial pits are usually made in the field for visual examination of soil strata. Typically, a trial pit is excavation of ground in order to study or sample the composition and structure of the subsurface. It is usually dug during a site investigation. They are usually between 1 to 4 m deep, and are dug either by hand or using a mechanical digger.

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is the new branch of civil engineering that is gaining popularity in recent days. The application of SHM is to estimate the life-time of a structure and suggest suitable retrofitting measures or remedial measures to increase its life-time. Non-destructive testing is a method that can be effectively used to assist the process of health monitoring of any structure. Non-destructive tests are used to determine the compressive strength and other properties of concrete from the existing structures. They provide immediate results pertaining to strength and other properties of concrete structure. The most commonly used methods are rebound hammer test, ultrasonic pulse velocity test and half-cell potential difference tests. These tests can be effectively used to determine the integrity as well as estimated lifespan of the structure.

Destructive tests are most commonly adopted tests for visual inspection of concrete/rock samples. The examination and compression testing of cores cut from hardened concrete is a well–established method. It is usually performed when the laboratory results show drastic differences in the actual performance. The dimensions of the core and testing is done in accordance with standards of IS code.

Block Vibration Test (BVT) is an in-situ test used for determination of dynamic properties of soil. The test is usually conducted on the foundation element to analyze the response of the structure under the application of dynamic load. It is basically of two types: Vertical vibration test and Horizontal vibration test. A mechanical oscillator is used as a source of the vibration. The acceleration pickup and the associated vibration meter is attached on top of the block. The block is subjected to vibrations and the corresponding amplitudes were measured at different frequencies for each eccentric setting. Amplitude versus frequency curves are plotted and analyzed for the given eccentricity to determine the natural frequency of the foundation soil system and damping.

Electrical Resistivity Test which is also generally referred as Earth Resistivity Test (ERT) is used to determine the conductivity of soil. The resulting soil resistivity is expressed in ohm-meter or ohm-centimeter. ERT can be used to map geologic variations including: soil lithology i.e., clay versus gravel, presence of groundwater, fracture zones, variations in soil saturation, areas of increased salinity or, in some cases, groundwater contamination.

Axle load survey test is mainly conducted to collect the preliminary information regarding the range of heavy axle loads traversing the selected stretch of roads. This is essential for the designers to develop a more robust road network, without going into frequent maintenance due to poorly designed roads and pavements. A well-planned axle load survey effectively helps in designing a pavement with a longer life period.

The Benkelman beam deflection test is a convenient, cost effective and accurate method used for measuring the deflection of flexible pavements under moving wheel loads. It is widely used for evaluating the structural capacity of existing flexible pavements and also for estimation and design of flexible overlays for the strengthening of any weak pavement for highways. The test is performed in accordance with IS standards.

Basically, soil is a material that is strong in compression and weak in tension. The lateral earth pressure of soil doesn’t allow soil to be placed vertically. Soil reinforcement is a technique used to improve the stiffness and strength of soil using geo-engineering methods. It is a mechanical means of stabilizing weak soils using geosynthetics. The major application of soil reinforcement is in the design of retaining walls. The construction of tall soil-structures in narrow spaces requires utilization of soil reinforcement The design procedures and construction techniques involve various parameters related to soil, in-fill material, and applied loads on the structure.

Total Vehicle Count survey also termed as traffic volume count (TVC) is conducted to calculate Level of Service of the road and related attributes like congestion, carrying capacity, identification of peak hour and extended peak hour. It is mainly used to resolve traffic issues, design the signalized junction and also to suggest any need for flyovers, road over bridges etc.

Land surveying is a method of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them. Surveying is often used to establish land maps and boundaries for ownership. The equipment such as total stations, theodolites, dumpy levels, inclinometers are made use of for the purpose of surveying. Field California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is measurement of relative strength of in–situ soils and some base course materials for use in pavement design. The field test procedure uses a loading jack to force a piston into the soil at the test site and compares the piston load to the depth of penetration. It measures the in-situ CBR value and it is relatively more reliable compared to that of laboratory value as it eliminates the possibility of human error.

Soil testing includes determination of various index and engineering properties. Determination of essential soil properties for design is performed in the laboratory according to standards of IS code. We are well equipped with the NABL accredited laboratory to perform a comprehensive testing on soil specimens. Which facilitates us to plan and execute the soil testing to arrive upto the accurate parameters of the soil. A well-planned and well-executed soil investigation helps in cutting down the cost of construction and materials by a significant extent.

Rock testing is usually performed on rock cores obtained from the field. It includes determination of various properties of rock that helps in comprehending the suitability of rock stratum as foundation and estimating the strength of the rock. We are well equipped with the NABL accredited laboratory to perform a comprehensive testing on all kinds of rock specimens. It facilitates us to plan and execute the testing to arrive upto the accurate parameters. The tests are performed on the rock samples in accordance with standards of IS code.

Mix design of concrete is considered as the most critical factor that influences the performance of a structure. It is the process of determining required quantities of constituent materials of concrete i.e., cement, sand, aggregate, water and any admixture in order to attain target compressive strength. We are well equipped with the NABL accredited laboratory to perform a comprehensive testing on concrete specimens. Well-experienced personnel in testing enables us to provide accurate results promptly. Tests are performed on hardened concrete subjected to a curing period of 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. These tests are conducted to determine the performance/strength of concrete under various load applications. Adopting a proper mix design suitable for the structure helps in estimating the required strength precisely.

Water testing includes determination of pH and other parameters such as chlorides, sulphates, organic solids, inorganic solids, acidity, and alkalinity of water. It is essential in determining the quality of water. The suitability of water for drinking is determined based on standards established according to IS code.

Building materials mainly constitute cement, sand, bricks, reinforcement, concrete, aggregates and soil. Testing of materials is very crucial in estimating the strength and also quantities of each of these materials required for construction. An effective testing program helps an engineer to decide suitable specification, quantity as well as choice of material ideal for the construction practice.

The materials required for construction of highway/pavements are bitumen, aggregates, sand and asphalt. Testing of highway materials is essential in determining the durability of pavement. These tests are performed in accordance with IS standards. Proper execution of material testing phase of highway/pavement construction enhances the life period as well as reduces the maintenance cost of the pavement during its lifetime.

Paver blocks are tested to determine the compressive strength and water absorption. The durability and performance of the paver blocks is a crucial factor in determining the life-time. The cost of maintenance can be significantly reduced by estimating the strength of paver blocks; thereby design can be made more economically.

Bricks are regarded as the most commonly used building material in the Indian scenario. Most of the bricks end-up breaking or damaged prior to construction thus resulting in loss to the consumers. Proper testing of the bricks is essential to determine the suitability of bricks in various climatic conditions. Most commonly tests performed on bricks are compressive strength and water absorption. A well-designed mix adopted for the brick and proper testing ensures the safety of the structure, thus proving to be economically effective for consumers as well as the contractor.

Cement is the most important building material used in concrete as well as mortar. Testing of cement includes determination of various properties i.e., fines, specific gravity, consistency, setting times, compressive strength, and soundness that influence the performance of structure directly/indirectly. These tests are performed in accordance with IS code.

Bitumen is the most important construction material in pavement that defines the intactness of pavement. Various tests on bitumen include softening point, flash point, fire point, and penetration, conducted in accordance with IS code. Determination of these properties is essential is determining the quantities of other constituent materials. Proper execution of the testing phase of bitumen enhances the life-time of the pavement and reduces the maintenance cost.