CTS Site Investigation Services
At CTS, we provide a full suite of factual reporting and testing services for site investigations. Alongside the following site investigation services, we also support contaminated land site investigation, especially where environmental risks must be evaluated before development.
The 3 Stages of Your Site Investigation
1. Desk Study & Preliminary Investigation
This stage involves reviewing historical records, maps, and environmental data. This enables us to identify early risks and inform planning decisions.
2. Intrusive Ground Investigation
Boreholes, trial pits, and sampling form the main intrusive investigation activities. Data collected during this phase forms the core of the site investigation report.
3. Laboratory Testing & Analysis
Our accredited laboratory analyses all samples. This includes soil composition, contaminants, and site-specific factors. The results support the creation of a comprehensive SI Report. We also carry out specialist testing for contaminated land site investigation, including chemical analysis of soil and water.
Code of Practice for Site Investigations
CTS adheres to the strict Code of Practice for Site Investigations. This ensures all work follows best-practice guidelines and industry standards, delivering accuracy, consistency and high-quality reporting across all UK projects. We comply with BS 5930, BS EN 1997-2 and BS 1377. For contaminated land, we also follow BS 10175.
Talk to the CTS team to find out more about how our Site Investigation Services can support your next project.
What Is Site Investigation (SI)?
Site investigation (SI) assesses ground conditions before construction, remediation, or development begins. It provides reliable, factual data on the physical and environmental characteristics of a site. This supports decision-making, identifies risks, and ensures compliance before work starts.
A site investigation report, or SI report, delivers the factual information needed for planning and design. Our expertise focuses on factual data collection and reporting, supporting further interpretive analysis by our Phenna Group partners, such as CGL and other providers.
Understanding Geotechnical Investigation for SI
A geotechnical investigation forms the foundation of an effective site investigation. It assesses soil and rock strength, composition, and structure. This data is key to determining load-bearing capacity and highlights issues such as subsidence. All findings are presented in an SI report, which forms a key part of the wider procedure of site investigation.
Our geotechnical investigation methods are tailored to each project, but may include:
- Trial pits
- Borehole drilling
- In-situ testing
- Sampling
Qualified professionals undertake all work in line with recognised standards and the Code of Practice for Site Investigations.
What Is Ground Investigation?
Ground investigation is a broad term used alongside site investigation. It often includes both intrusive and non-intrusive methods. These methods help build an accurate understanding of site conditions.
Typical ground investigation techniques include:
- Rotary drilling
- Cable percussion boring
- Cone penetration testing (CPT)
- Geophysical surveys
These techniques help form a detailed picture of subsurface conditions and support safe, sustainable design decisions.
The Role of Ground Investigation in Site Development
Engineers rely on ground investigation data to make informed design and planning decisions.
The structured procedure of site investigation identifies hazards early and supports risk management throughout the project. Where environmental concerns arise, a contaminated land site investigation may also be required.
Choose CTS for Trusted Site Investigations & Reporting
With more than 30 years of experience, CTS delivers a complete range of site investigation and geotechnical services to the highest standards of quality, safety, and convenience. Contact our team about your project requirements today.
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Site Investigation FAQs
What is an SI Report?
An SI Report contains factual data from a site investigation, including soil profiles, contamination results, and site observations used in design and planning.
What does “geotech” mean?
It refers to a Geotechnical Engineer or professional working in geotechnical investigation, data collection, and reporting.
Why is site investigation essential?
A site investigation identifies ground conditions, assesses risk, and provides essential data before design decisions or construction begins.
What is a preliminary site investigation?
A preliminary site investigation is the desk study stage that reviews existing site records, historical information and environmental factors before intrusive work.
How does site investigation differ from ground investigation?
A site investigation focuses on defined testing and factual reporting. A ground investigation may include a broader range of exploration techniques depending on project requirements.