Engineering Geology/Geotechnical Engineering is a relatively young profession, which combines the fields of Engineering and Geology. As our slogan states “Where Engineering meets Earth”. It’s a specialist field with many unanswered questions, due to the vast range of influences including geology, geomorphology, topography, climate and vegetation to name but a few.
This stimulating professional environment has a proud heritage, with the likes of Andrew Geddes Bain, Thomas Bain, Jere Jennings, Tony Brink, Tony Williams and Ken Knight, making great advancement in the industry through years of dedication.
These legends have truly paved the way to an industry which has greatly impacted the lives of each individual reading this. How? you might ask…
Did you have drinking water today? Do you sit in an office? Live in a house? Did you drive on a road recently? Used electricity? Spoke on your cell phone recently? Discarded refuse on a landfill? Used any imported goods recently, that came either by air or water or land? Thank the Geo-professional!
Each of these “normal” things we take for granted every day, was made possible by the knowledge and input from an engineering geologist/geotechnical engineer. From determining the most appropriate site for a dam/reservoir to siting risky facilities like landfill sites or cemeteries, providing crucial information on foundation design for high rise buildings or harbours, ensuring safe uncompromised pathways for pipelines or roads. The Geo-professional provides critical information for the safety and long term reliability of any structure above or below surface, taking into account all the geological factors such as faults, earthquakes, flooding, unstable ground, corrosiveness of soil, steep slopes and a lot more! And you thought we only walked around with a little pick and looked cool!
So, who is Terra Geotechnical I hear you ask?
About
Terra Geotechnical is a company with professionals that combine their love for the outdoors, the knowledge of earth sciences and the innovation of engineering, to best model the geotechnical character of your site. Our goal is to use critical thinking and, when needed, out of the box solutions to deal with the geotechnical risk factors that influence your specific development. We have a wide range of experience and expertise and pride ourselves in providing personalized service, putting real emphasis on your specific needs, reducing risk and doing it as cost effective as possible.
The professionals at TerraGeo have applied their skills all across South Africa and in various African Countries, such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zanzibar. We have a wealth of knowledge with a network of professionals throughout Southern Africa to ensure efficient service in whatever your geo-requirements.
At TerraGeo we pride ourselves in being punctual, as we understand, time is really money. Your project is our project, and our success is determined by your success.
We use only trusted Civil Laboratories to ensure the integrity of the results of any sample extracted from your site.
Why do you need a Geotech?
Why do I need a Geotech?
We always hear the questions and comments…why must I do a geotech? Why can’t we just get the Lab to come and do a test? We know this area, it’s always the same!
According to the South African National Standards, competency of persons performing geotechnical investigations are only limited to Geo-Professionals registered at SACNASP or ECSA. As described in detail in the Background section, there is an array of different geological factors that influence the site specific geotechnical character and development potential of every site. It will be reckless to assume this intricate process can be eliminated or performed by unqualified individuals.
The Geo-professional will ensure the following;
• that a basis for design and construction decisions will be provided
• that you minimise the risk of failures and extra costs for over-design
• and lastly, it fulfils your professional duty to use due skill, care and diligence
How much should you pay for an investigation?
Research have shown that on average, the geotechnical investigation should cost 1% of the project cost, with values varying based on complexity of the project. What research have shown, is that if you spend less than this on the geotech, chances are you will be spending it during the construction phase. As the saying goes, you pay for an investigation whether you do one or not!
The most common contributions to structural failures are;
• The lack of any investigation
• Inadequate Investigation performed
• Problem not recognized
• Inadequate design
TerraGeo is not committed to always providing the “cheapest” quote, as this way of thinking does no one any favours! We are however committed to providing you with the most cost effective investigative methodology for your specific structure, to recognise all geotechnical risks, so that the design engineer can provide an adequate design for a safe and reliable structure.