Site sampling and testing services
Structural Soils has a nationwide team of experienced environmental technicians, competent in providing site services such as groundwater sampling, gas and vapour sampling, and cutting-edge continuous data logging.
We use a wide range of techniques, such as low-flow micro-purge, soil gas sampling, passive sampling and bailed or manual purging. We can also tailor sampling strategies to meet your requirements. As we are based across multiple locations nationally, we can reduce site mobilisation costs and the project’s carbon footprint. Our technicians have access to state-of-the art monitoring equipment, calibrated and verified for each site visit; this bracketed dataset improves quality compared with that achieved by relying on the manufacturer’s calibration certificate alone.
Our fully qualified technicians operate according to our ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 accredited SHEQ management system. We work with our clients to reduce site-monitoring costs while maintaining high-quality standards. We have a broad range of experience from working for sole trader consultancies to multinational enterprises such as Shell and Horizon.
Ground movement
One of the simplest techniques to monitor ground movement is installing and monitoring the level of settlement by placing plates into the ground. More sophisticated monitoring includes using extensometers with target magnets placed at multiple levels in boreholes and borehole inclinometers that are monitored using a biaxial probe.
Groundwater
We can install the full range of groundwater and gas monitoring instruments, including standard standpipe piezometers set in sand cells within boreholes and slotted standpipes, with internal diameter of 19–50 mm or larger. Groundwater levels are measured using graduated dipmeters and ground gases are monitored using infrared analysers. If long-term groundwater information is required, divers are installed in the piezometers/standpipes that are later collected and the data downloaded.
In addition to conventional groundwater piezometers, vibrating wire piezometers may be installed. These are particularly useful where monitoring piezometric levels in low-permeability soils are required. The instruments are grouted into the boreholes and may be monitored either manually at discrete times or by data recorders that can record the piezometric data at prescribed intervals over days or months.
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Supplementary services
We offer a range of service options and greater value for money. For example, a client can opt to have samples taken and sent to an independent laboratory. Conversely, the client or contractor can take samples and we can perform the chemical testing. We offer very competitive prices for both options, with an immediate 10% discount when opting for both monitoring and analysis.
Key skills and services
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme
- Safety Pass Alliance petrol retail safety passport
- Shell Health, Safety, Security and the Environment
- Safety Pass Alliance quarry passport
- Basic Electrical Safety Competence (BESC) overhead lines
- BESC substations
Geotechnical
- GPS borehole surveying – using highly accurate equipment to identify coordinates and elevation compared to sea level
- Clegg hammer testing
- Rising/falling head testing – using slug and data loggers for increased accuracy in all ground conditions
- Topsoil (garden) validation
- Gas membrane installation validation
Geoenvironmental
- Low-flow sampling (bladder and peristaltic)
- Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) gas/flow monitoring
- Gas and vapour sample collection
- Landfill gas and leachate monitoring and sampling
- Flux monitoring/surveying
- Dust Frisbee gauges – deployment and monitoring
- Flame-ionisation detector surveys
Geophysics
- Second man support
- Survey area set up
