Ground investigation is fundamental to geoenvironmental design. Wherever possible we like to design, procure, and supervise the ground investigation ourselves.

We use specialist sub-contract site investigation companies who are fully accredited including Accreditation for working in the rail environment where we have particular experience in this difficult access and programme critical environment.

We have established a reliable network of specialist site investigation contractors and UKAS/MCERTS accredited testing laboratories that enable us to be very responsive and competitive with many of our projects requiring bespoke investigations in difficult access areas.

HBPW undertake geotechnical design for a wide range of structures from complicated bridge foundations, retaining walls, reinforced soil and all types piles. We can also design simple trench fill footings to a new dwelling. We use specialist software where necessary, such as for pile group analysis, and generate accurate and economic designs in 2D or 3D as required.

We undertake slope stability modelling and the design of stabilisation measures.

HBPW perform temporary and permanent works design to Eurocodes and all other relevant standards. We design and undertake reporting for compliance with Network Rail and Highways Standards amongst others.

HBPW excel in building and integrating detailed ground models to drive innovation and limit conservatism in design.

Phased investigations are required when land is being developed or as part of the planning or due-diligence process. Procedures for these investigations are outlined in the Environment Agency document 'Model procedures for managing contaminated land' (CLR 11) and other guidance.

Phase I Desk Study (the Preliminary Risk Assessment)

A desk study is the first stage in the site investigation process and is used to establish the geology, hydrology, history and environmental setting and sensitivity of the site and to identify potential sources, pathways and receptors to establish a robust Preliminary Conceptual Site Model (PCSM).

Phase II (Intrusive) Site Investigation

Intrusive investigations could involve digging trial pits, sinking boreholes and obtaining samples for laboratory analysis. The observations made during the works and the data collected then enable an assessment against accepted and prescribed guidance values for contamination in soils and controlled waters such that the need for further investigations or risks assessments can be made.

Where a requirement for Remediation is identified an Options Report and Remediation Method Statement (RMS) are produced for agreement with the Regulators.

Our investigations aim to comply with best practice and standards including BS5930:2015, BS10175:2011 and NHBC Standards amongst others.

HBPW are particularly experienced in managing asbestos sin soil risks.

An understanding of groundwater levels and flow are fundamental to construction process

particularly the design of temporary works.

Groundwater and surface waters are designated as Controlled Waters under the Water Resources

Act (1991) and it is an offence to cause Controlled Waters to become polluted. The sites

hydrogeological setting is thus a fundamental consideration when assessing the potential risk of any

existing soil or groundwater contamination.

If groundwater contamination is identified during ground investigation, a detailed site-specific soil

and groundwater risk assessment may be required. This is usually y achieved via the use of The

Environment Agency’s remedial targets risk assessment methodology (P20 model), and other

approved software packages.

HBPW partners with a selected remediation contractors to deliver bespoke soil and groundwater

remediation solutions.

An understanding of groundwater levels and flow are fundamental to construction process particularly the design of temporary works.

Groundwater and surface waters are designated as Controlled Waters under the Water Resources Act (1991) and it is an offence to cause Controlled Waters to become polluted. The sites hydrogeological setting is thus a fundamental consideration when assessing the potential risk of any existing soil or groundwater contamination.

If groundwater contamination is identified during ground investigation, a detailed site-specific soil and groundwater risk assessment may be required. This is usually y achieved via the use of The Environment Agency’s remedial targets risk assessment methodology (P20 model), and other approved software packages.

HBPW partners with a selected remediation contractors to deliver bespoke soil and groundwater remediation solutions.

HBPW LLP are proactive in identifying the most cost effective and lowest regulatory risk option for the management of excess soil arisings from developments.

For small quantities of soils the Environment Agency Waste Exemptions provisions can often remain financially and commercially viable but where volumes are large or contamination is present developers can now save time and money by following 'The Definition of Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice' the DICOP! The DICOP allows the sustainable re-use of materials both on the site of origin, and more importantly by direct transfer between sites.

The Code of Practice requires the preparation of Materials Management Plans (MMPs), is an integral part of. These MMPs are reviewed by an independent Qualified Person (a QP) approved by CL:aire.

HBPW routinely prepare MMPs, typically in combination with a Remediation Method Statement (RMS). We then arrange the Qualified Person declaration either in-house or with partnered QPs.

Our Associate Geoenvironmental Engineer, Jay Fox, has been a registered Qualified Person since the schemes inception in 2009.