Instability
Investigation of slopes, cuttings and embankments to understand ground movement, assess risk and inform stabilisation measures.
Ground instability can arise from a number of causes. Geotech Nicholls Ltd have experience of dealing with slope instability, unstable retaining walls, sinkholes caused by the collapse of buried infrastructure, poorly performing drains and soft soils. The starting point for any assessment is a thorough Desk Study based on published documents to identify the likely culprits arising from the Conceptual Ground Model. Is there peat present? Has there been any history of movement prior to the present time?
A site inspection is key to assist in understanding the cause of the problem. Has there been any recent work in the area that may have disturbed the ground or changed the loading regime? What buried infrastructure is present and what is its condition? Is there any evidence of ongoing movement (structural cracking or displacement, tension cracks)?
We also fly a small drone with camera image capture which adds a useful perspective to our site inspections where weather conditions and any relevant air-space restrictions allow.
Having gathered the required information we can prepare clear and concise reports which outline the nature of the instability apparent and identify probable causal factors and potential engineering solutions.
