Phase 2 Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Ground Investigation
Detailed Ground Investigation for Safe, Compliant and Cost-Effective Developments
Northpoint Geotechnical delivers expert-led Phase 2 Site Investigations and intrusive Ground Investigations to give you a clear understanding of the ground conditions at your development site. Building on the findings of a Phase 1 Desk Study, our Phase 2 Site Investigations use intrusive ground investigation techniques to confirm or clarify any potential risks.
Our investigations support foundation and earthworks design, contamination assessment and regulatory submissions, giving you the reliable data needed for safe, compliant and cost-effective project decisions.
📍 Available nationwide across the UK
📑 Reports in compliance with BS5930, BS10175, and AGS standards
What is a Phase 2 Site Investigation?
A Phase 2 Site Investigation is a targeted intrusive Ground Investigation that confirms or clarifies geotechnical and geoenvironmental risks identified in the Phase 1 Desk Study. Typical works include boreholes, trial pits, in-situ testing (SPT/DPSH), monitoring well installation and laboratory analysis of soil and groundwater samples.
Why it matters
Informs geotechnical design – bearing capacity, settlement, sulphate/concrete class, earthworks and pavement parameters.
Confirm contamination risks – delineate contamination and ground gas; MCERTS-accredited testing to satisfy regulators and protect Controlled Waters.
Discharge planning conditions – evidence aligned with BS 5930, Eurocode 7 and BS 10175/EA LCRM.
Reduce cost and programme uncertainty – robust ground model, foundation option clarity, early waste classification, and defined contamination/gas risks.
Inform remediation and mitigation – practical, buildable recommendations to keep your project moving.
What Our Phase 2 Ground Investigation Includes
Non-Intrusive Ground Investigation: We utilise geophysical surveys, utility mapping, and remote sensing to identify subsurface anomalies—such as voids, obstructions, or Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)—before breaking ground. This de-risks the intrusive phase and targets drilling locations effectively.
Intrusive Ground Investigation: Employing a range of drilling and excavation techniques to obtain in-situ and laboratory data and install monitoring equipment. Depending on the site, methods may include dynamic sampling, rotary, sonic or cable percussion boreholes, cone penetration testing (CPT), excavated trial pits and vacuum excavation. This provides the reliable geotechnical and geoenvironmental information required for design and risk evaluation.
Ground Model Development: We interpret field and laboratory data to produce a clear 2D/3D geological and hydrogeological model, helping visualise subsurface conditions and support geotechnical and geoenvironmental design decisions.
Coal Mining Risk Assessment (CMRA): We assess the historical mining legacy and associated ground instability risks, with recommendations aligned with Mining Risk Remediation Authority (formerly Coal Authority) guidance.
Geotechnical Assessment: Building on the ground model to assess soil, rock and groundwater conditions and provide clear engineering recommendations—including bearing capacity, settlement, and foundation design (shallow and deep). Foundation zone plans and schedules can be provided for large developments. [Link this section or a "Learn More" button to the Design Consultancy page]
Geoenvironmental Assessment: Using the ground model to refine the Conceptual Site Model (CSM), we assess Human Health, Controlled Waters and Ground Gas risks in line with LCRM (2020), BS 10175, and PAN 33. We undertake waste classification to inform soil reuse, disposal routes and cost planning. These outputs support proportionate options appraisal and remediation recommendations.
Why is Phase 2 Necessary?
Provides reliable geotechnical and geoenvironmental data to inform safe, stable, and compliant design.
Reduces construction risks, uncertainty, and unexpected ground-related costs.
Supports the discharge of planning and environmental requirements.
Underpins land transactions, due diligence, and technical feasibility.
The Phase 2 Site Investigation confirms or refines the risks identified in the Preliminary Risk Assessment and provides clear, evidence-based next steps to support design and decision-making.
"You cannot design cost-effective foundations on guesswork. Our Phase 2 Ground Investigations are designed to provide the precise geotechnical data engineers need. We look beyond the soil mechanics to understand the commercial reality, ensuring you avoid unforeseen costs once construction begins."
- Matthew Robson, Northpoint Director
Why Choose Northpoint for Phase 2 Ground Investigations?
Risk-led, targeted scopes – every Ground Investigation is site-specific, designed on the Phase 1 Desk Study findings to target credible risks and avoid unnecessary drilling and testing costs.
Standards-compliant – delivery aligned to BS 5930, Eurocode 7 and BS 10175 / EA LCRM with MCERTS-accredited laboratory testing.
End-to-end delivery – from scoping, traffic management, utilities clearance and non-intrusive geophysics, through intrusive investigation, in-situ testing and monitoring, to full interpretative reporting integrating both geotechnical design considerations and geoenvironmental risk assessment.
Digital, AGS-ready ground data – AGS-compliant logs and monitoring data using industry-leading logging software, alongside advanced geotechnical design and geoenvironmental analysis tools. Our digital ground models and interpretative outputs integrate directly with civil and structural design platforms, reducing re-work, improving coordination and accelerating design programmes.
Clear, actionable outputs – refined ground model, contamination risk assessment and practical recommendations for foundations, pavements and earthworks.
Safe and efficient sitework – robust Safe System of Work (SSoW), utility clearance and permit management, with experienced teams for constrained, urban and live operational sites.
Nationwide mobilisation – trusted local partners and rapid resourcing to keep programmes on track.
Transparent costs – fixed-scope proposals and options to phase works for budget control.
Next Steps
Following our Phase 2 Ground Investigation, you’ll receive a comprehensive interpretive report detailing risks, recommendations, and next actions. If remediation or design adjustments are needed, our in-house experts can manage the process from start to finish.
📞 Call our team today on 0191 917 2310
📧 Email: info@northpointgeotechnical.com
Or complete our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you promptly.
FAQs – Phase 2 Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental
-
Each investigation is site-specific and may include both non-intrusive methods (such as geophysics) and intrusive ground investigation (boreholes, trial pits). The data obtained is used to develop an interpretive geotechnical and geoenvironmental report or a Eurocode-compliant Ground Investigation Report (GIR).
-
Our geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineers design and scope the ground investigation from the Phase 1 Desk Study - focusing on credible risks and proposed use - so you get a risk-led, cost-effective programme rather than blanket drilling.
-
Timelines are project-specific, but generally:
Fieldwork: Variable based on scope.
Preliminary Findings: Issued within 72 hours of fieldwork completion.
Lab Testing: Typically 2 weeks.
Final Reporting: Interpretive or GIR reports take 2–3 weeks following lab results.
Monitoring: Gas/groundwater monitoring takes 1–3 months in line with regulatory guidance.
-
We provide a full ground-related service, handling Safe Systems of Work (SSoW), liaison with local authorities and landowners, traffic management (including rail possessions), and non-intrusive/intrusive utility clearance in accordance with PAS 128.
-
You will receive:
Fieldwork management: Full on-site supervision and quality assurance.
AGS-ready factual data: Engineers' logs, in-situ testing, and monitoring data.
Reporting: A refined ground model, geotechnical design parameters, contamination risk assessment, and clear next steps.
-
Yes - we deliver both traditional Interpretive Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Reports and Eurocode-compliant Ground Investigation Reports (GIR). Both BS 5930 and Eurocode 7 reports align with regulatory standards including BS 10175, EA LCRM, and PAN 33.
-
Only where we identify a risk pathway during the Preliminary Risk Assessment. We specify frequency and duration based on guidance and project risk to avoid unnecessary visits.
-
Risk-led scoping, fixed-scope proposals, staged options, and local supply chain partners. We choose low-impact rigs/methods to keep programmes moving on live sites.
Plan with Confidence Using Expert Phase 2 Site Investigations
From boreholes to lab analysis, our Phase 2 Site Investigations deliver the data you need to design with certainty and manage ground risks effectively.
0191 917 2310 | info@northpointgeotechnical.com