Dealing with Soft Ground Conditions

At Butler Partners, we are frequently called upon to assist with various challenges in construction which occur at sites where our clients are working. One of the most prevalent of these challenges usually involves unsuitable subgrade conditions. This can be where the natural ground is in a state where it cannot support the proposed construction and calls for practical, cost-effective solutions in a timely manner.

Invariably the poor subgrade or natural ground conditions will involve excessive moisture or unsuitable soil materials and sometimes a combination of both. Excessive moisture conditions are often the result of poor site drainage, years of steady run-off from adjacent sites or in some cases subsurface groundwater movement and seepage from areas of higher elevation. Unsuitable soils would typically involve highly plastic clays, silts and topsoil with vegetation for instance.

Regardless of the underlying causes, the existing ground surface will be soft and weak and not support construction traffic nor the loads about to be imposed by the proposed construction. This calls for the type of action for which the highly experienced team at Butler Partners is renowned for.

Quick Response to requests to assess the nature and extent of the problem.

Sensible and well-directed investigation to determine the cause of the unsuitable conditions (this may be as simple as a visual assessment of existing excavations or a more extensive programme including bores, test pits, field and laboratory testing, groundwater monitoring)

Initial verbal advice pending follow-up reporting which defines the issues and delivers practical, cost-effective solutions. This may involve the removal and replacement of unsuitable soils with select fill, placement of geofabric, installation of coarse rock bridging layers, de-watering systems, stabilisation of weak areas or a combination of treatments as appropriate. We always work with our clients to best utilise what is available and commercially palatable.

Subsequent inspection and onsite advice to assist with any remediation of the unsuitable conditions.

Any one of our eight office locations is available to take your call whenever the site conditions appear to be challenging. We have the widely experienced people available to help with your site and usually aim to be there within 24 hours of taking your call.