Showcasing Industry Excellence in Ground Investigation
Geotechnical Engineering Limited is proud to be contributing to industry knowledge sharing through a recent presentation delivered by Edward Crimp, Principal Engineering Geologist, to the Western Regional Group of the Geological Society.
The presentation focused on a comprehensive ground investigation undertaken in 2025 in support of the proposed Broad Oak Water reservoir in Kent, a major infrastructure project being delivered for South East Water. The investigation formed a critical part of the early‑stage design process, providing essential insight into complex near‑surface ground conditions that will influence the safe and resilient construction of the proposed dam.
As part of the investigation, Geotechnical Engineering Limited designed and constructed a series of large observation pits to directly observe relict periglacial shear surfaces within the shallow geology. These features, formed during Quaternary climatic events, play a significant role in governing ground behaviour and stability, particularly for earthworks and dam engineering.
Edward’s presentation explored the geological history of the site, outlining how Quaternary processes have influenced the current ground conditions and why traditional investigation techniques alone were insufficient to fully characterise the risk. By exposing and logging extensive shear surfaces within the observation pits, the project team was able to develop a far more detailed understanding of ground structure, strength and variability.
The presentation also addressed the practical challenges associated with both undertaking and communicating this level of investigation. The scale and complexity of the observation pits, and the data derived from them, extended well beyond the confines of a standard trial pit log. Edward discussed how careful interpretation, documentation and presentation of the findings were essential to ensure the information could be effectively used by designers and stakeholders.
The work was widely recognised by attendees, with the presentation described as an impressive demonstration of how innovative ground investigation techniques can be applied to better understand complex ground conditions and reduce uncertainty on major infrastructure projects.
Geotechnical Engineering Limited values opportunities to share learning from significant projects and to contribute to the wider geotechnical community. Engagements such as this reflect our commitment to technical excellence, knowledge sharing and the delivery of robust ground investigations that support safe, resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
We are pleased to have worked alongside South East Water on this important project and to have played a role in advancing understanding of complex geological conditions in support of future reservoir development.