A geotechnical engineer is an experienced professional whose main job is to evaluate the stability of ground beneath buildings. They are aware of the variety of geotechnical challenges, from slope stability to seismic risks. With extensive experience in New Zealand and across the world, these engineers can help you build a safer building or make an existing structure’s foundations more secure. These engineers are a vital part of any construction project, as they can provide a wealth of valuable information for your next construction project.
Detailed Geotechnical Investigation (DGI)
A Detailed Geotechnical Investigation (DGE) is a critical process when building a new residential property in Christchurch. A geotechnical investigation is vital because it determines the most suitable foundation method for a particular site. With so many hills and liquefaction prone areas in Christchurch, it’s almost certain that you’ll need to hire a geotechnical engineer to properly prepare your land.
A Geotechnical Investigation involves hand testing beneath the surface of the ground, which requires supervision and the presence of external contractors. The material excavated during the investigation will be reinstated to its original condition. Detailed Geotechnical Investigations are required by the Resource Management Act (1991) to gain subdivision consent. A Geotechnical Engineer Christchurch can give you the assurance that your building is safe and secure.
Subgrade Inspection
A subgrade inspection report includes soil logs, site plan, and a preliminary assessment of the stability and geohazards of the site. Typically, this report is required by structural engineers and local authorities. A geotechnical engineer Christchurch can uncover budget-friendly strategies that will help keep the subgrade stable and compaction requirements within budget. The following are three benefits of geotechnical engineers Christchurch for subgrade inspection.
Detailed soil investigation: A geotechnical engineer will assess the ground’s capacity to support a building. Soil testing is necessary both during the pre-construction phase and during the actual construction. It will be important to understand the hazards of the ground, including a lack of water or shallow rock. In addition, it will help determine how much borrow is necessary for embankment areas and backfill. Poorly characterized subgrade soil may require extensive removal before construction can begin.
Pay by experience level for geotechnical engineers
A Geotechnical Engineer can earn an average annual salary of NZ$78,000 (including overtime, tips and bonuses). This average does not reflect the specific skills and experience of geotechnical engineers in Christchurch, but it is an indication of the salaries that are available for this job. A Geotechnical Engineer in Christchurch should have a bachelor’s degree. Experience level is also a factor in determining salary.
Although the demand for these professionals is strongest in the North Island, there is a low demand for them in Canterbury/Christchurch. Many companies are active in other parts of the South Island. There are different types of visas available to foreign nationals. While the former is intended for temporary stay in New Zealand, some work visas are also residence-based. A resident visa, however, is a permanent stay in New Zealand and allows access to all public services.
Services provided by geotechnical engineers
There are many types of geotechnical engineering projects that require the expertise of geotechnical engineers. For instance, geotechnical engineers may be necessary for construction projects involving embankments, retaining walls, or other deep excavations. They may also be required for projects involving bridges, tunnels, offshore oil platforms, or waterfront structures. The services that geotechnical engineers provide are extensive and varied.
Geotechnical engineers Christchurch can undertake various types of construction observation and provide PS4 Geotechnical certification, which is required by the building industry if a structure is to be placed on top of a liquefaction-prone surface. They can also inspect footing excavations and compacted hardfill before building. They can also certify pile bores for foundations and retaining walls. Those who are interested in hiring geotechnical engineers should contact a company that provides a wide range of geotechnical engineering services, including engineering and consulting.
Cost of hiring a geotechnical engineer
If you are considering hiring a geotechnical engineer for your next construction project, you should know that the cost of their services is not cheap. You can expect to pay up to $78,000 for a complete geotechnical investigation, which includes up to 5 scale penetrometer tests, 2 hand auger boreholes, slope stability analysis, and hazard assessments of hill sites. The geotechnical engineer will also prepare a report, including recommendations for foundations and retaining walls.
In addition to geotechnical engineering, geotechnical engineers also provide conceptual building plan services. They can help with foundation designs for new homes, extensions, and garage works. Their services start at $800 + GST, but you can also choose to pay on a per-job basis, depending on the scope of the work. These experts are a valuable part of the construction industry in Christchurch and can help make your dream home a reality.