Geotechnical Engineering

Tetra Tech offers comprehensive geotechnical engineering solutions, combining rigorous scientific analysis with deep local knowledge. Our teams across Europe—including our colleagues at Coffey Geotechnics—support projects from initial feasibility through to design, construction, and operational phases.

We help clients make informed decisions about ground conditions and geohazards, using our expertise to improve safety, reduce costs, and enhance performance through sustainable design solutions. Our integrated approach draws on geotechnical, geomorphological, and hydrogeological capabilities, with services tailored to sectors including transport, energy, water, waste, and infrastructure.

Ground Investigation and Reporting

We conduct a phased approach to the assessment of geotechnical risk, informed by detailed site investigations to produce robust, interpretative Ground Investigation Reports (GIRs)—compliant with BS EN 1997-1, CD622, and industry standards—to inform project planning and design.

• Site reconnaissance and desk studies
• Due diligence appraisals and identification of geotechnical risk to inform site identification and land promotion/purchase
• Geotechnical and geoenvironmental investigations
• Laboratory and in-situ testing programmes
• Coal Mining Risk Assessments
• Minerals safeguarding assessments
• Foundation and earthworks appraisals
• Ground stability and ground movement risk modelling and assessment
• Inputs to environmental impact assessments (EIA)

Geotechnical Design and Risk Management

Our geotechnical specialists provide innovative, safe, and cost-effective design solutions across a wide range of development settings. We produce geotechnical design reports to BS EN 1997-1 and CD622 industry standards and have deep experience in developing quantitative risk assessments for brownfield and challenging sites.

• Foundation, zoning reviews, and outline design
• Earthworks, materials, and ground engineering specs
• Temporary, foundation, and pile design
• Waste landfill and geosynthetic lining design
• Construction monitoring, verification, and reporting
• Settlement and basement impact assessments
• Geohazard (mining/cavity) assessment and remediation
• Slope, rock-face stability and ground-improvement design

Geomorphology and Site Characterisation

Understanding landscape evolution and geomorphological processes is central to long-term site resilience and sustainability.

• Geomorphological mapping and terrain analysis
• Identification of geohazards (landslides, erosion, etc.)
• Inputs to environmental impact assessments (EIA)
• Design guidance for resilient infrastructure