Geotech & Engineering Geology

Building something? First, you need to know what’s beneath your feet. Geotechnical site investigations and assessment give you the full picture of what’s happening underground—so you don’t end up with unexpected (and expensive) surprises.

Illustration of underground soil layers with residential homes above and buried objects like coins, a jug, a bone, and a diamond, representing land use history and geotech exploration.

We assess soil, rock, and groundwater to determine if your site is stable, safe, and construction-ready. Without it, you’re rolling the dice on costly delays and structural headaches.

Our expert team handles geotechnical investigations for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, identifying risks like settlement, slope instability, and liquefaction. We provide clear, practical recommendations to ensure your build stands the test of time. Our reports cover foundation design, earthworks, and drainage while ticking all the regulatory boxes. Plus, we stick around during construction, offering risk management strategies and alternative foundation designs for those trickier sites.

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We take care of

Site investigations and reporting

Geotechnical site investigations and reporting provide critical insights into what’s happening below ground—helping developers avoid costly surprises. These assessments evaluate soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to determine site stability and identify potential risks like settlement, slope instability, or liquefaction. A thorough geotechnical report ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective construction.

GeoPlus specialises in geotechnical investigations for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Our team assesses site-specific factors like topography, geology, and historical land use to plan a tailored investigation. Using techniques such as borehole drilling, test pits, and cone penetration testing (CPT), we gather high-quality data on subsurface conditions. This helps inform foundation design, earthworks, and drainage solutions.

Our detailed reports comply with local authority requirements and industry standards, making them suitable for resource and building consent applications. We also provide ongoing support during construction, offering risk mitigation strategies and alternative foundation designs for tricky sites.

By working with GeoPlus, you get a clear understanding of your site’s subsurface conditions, reducing risks and ensuring your project is built on solid ground—literally.

Natural hazard assessment and mitigation

Landslides & Slope Stability

Building on a slope? Landslides can wreak havoc on property, infrastructure, and safety. A proper stability assessment is essential to avoid costly repairs or dangerous collapses.

GeoPlus specialises in landslide risk assessments for new developments and remediation projects. Using site investigations, geotechnical testing, and stability modelling, we identify hazards and recommend solutions like retaining walls, drainage improvements, and soil reinforcement.

Liquefaction & Lateral Spreading

Loose, waterlogged soils can turn to liquid in an earthquake, causing ground settlement and structural damage. Lateral spreading compounds the problem by shifting soil sideways.

GeoPlus assesses liquefaction risks using field tests like cone penetration testing (CPT) and recommends mitigation strategies such as ground improvements or reinforced foundations.

Soft Soils & Subsidence

Weak, compressible soils can lead to sinking buildings, cracks, and uneven settlement. We investigate site conditions and provide tailored solutions like deep foundations, lightweight fills, and ground improvements.

Expansive Soils

Expansive soils swell and shrink with moisture changes, damaging foundations. GeoPlus identifies problem areas and advises on moisture control and movement-resilient foundations.

Seismic Site Classification & Fault Mapping

In earthquake-prone areas, resilience is key. We classify subsoil conditions, map fault zones, and provide seismic design guidance to meet safety standards.

With GeoPlus, you're building smarter, safer, and more resilient developments.

Earthworks and construction monitoring

Solid groundwork is key to any successful development. At GeoPlus, we make sure your earthworks and construction stay on track, meet compliance standards, and set the stage for stable, long-lasting structures.

From site grading and excavation to compaction and drainage, we oversee every step to prevent issues like settlement, instability, and erosion. Our team works closely with developers, contractors, and councils, ensuring all work meets engineering and regulatory standards.

We provide hands-on construction monitoring, including field testing and material assessments, to confirm that everything is built to spec. Plus, we handle compliance documentation and certification, so you don’t hit roadblocks with approvals.

With GeoPlus on board, you can move forward with confidence—knowing your project is built on a solid foundation.

Retaining wall assessment and design

A solid retaining wall keeps soil in place, prevents erosion, and creates usable land. But a poorly designed wall can crack, tilt, or even fail—leading to costly fixes.

At GeoPlus, we design and assess retaining walls for new developments and remedial works. Our team evaluates soil type, slope, groundwater, and external loads to create walls that are structurally sound, durable, and compliant with local regulations.

For existing walls, we assess their condition, identifying issues like cracking or drainage failures, and recommend fixes to restore stability. During construction, we provide oversight, inspections, and compliance documentation to ensure everything meets engineering standards.

With GeoPlus, you get smart, reliable retaining wall solutions that stand the test of time.

Peer review and expert witness reports

Need a second opinion on an engineering report or expert testimony for a legal matter? That’s where we come in.

Our peer review services ensure your designs, reports, and assessments meet industry best practices, regulatory standards, and technical accuracy. An independent review helps catch potential issues early, giving developers, contractors, and regulators confidence in the proposed solutions.

When it comes to expert evidence, we provide clear, unbiased insights for disputes, hearings, and legal proceedings. Our team breaks down complex technical matters into straightforward, credible reports and testimony. Whether you need expert analysis, written evidence, or in-person representation at a hearing, we’ve got you covered.

With GeoPlus, you get technical expertise, impartial advice, and clear communication—helping you make informed decisions and achieve successful outcomes.

Our minus the fuss approach

We’re by your side from initial assessment to project sign off, providing the expertise you need every step of the way.

1. Desktop Study

We review Council and geotechnical databases, property files and existing reports to determine potential hazards for each site and scope of works.

2. Site Investigation

We dig in, literally and figuratively, with samples and thorough tests to assess your site’s condition.

3. Evaluate

We analyse soil strength,compressibility, permeability, and other key factors that determine how solidyour foundation—and your project—will be.

4. Design & Solutions

We produce tailored design drawings and solutions to ensure your project is built on rock-solid ground.

5. Reporting

Our reports dive into subsurface conditions, pinpoint potential risks, and provide expert advice on everything from foundations to retaining walls, earthworks, and drainage. We also make sure everything is up to code, so approvals are a breeze.

6. Construction Monitoring & Support

We stay in the game, checking in throughout the build to ensure that all geotechnical considerations are smoothly integrated—no surprises, just solid progress.

7. Certification & Compliance

Once the project is complete, we issue compliance certificates and producer statements, confirming that earthworks and construction meet all regulations—paving the way for the green light on further approvals and long-term success.

Why work with us

With GeoPlus, you get expert insights, practical solutions, and peace of mind knowing your project is built on solid ground. Let’s dig in (the right way) – get in touch today!

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No surprises mid-build

Know your site’s strengths (and weaknesses) before you break ground.

Faster approvals

Our reports tick all the boxes for resource and building consents.

Cost savings

Avoid expensive fixes later by identifying potential issues upfront.

Stronger foundations

Design with confidence, knowing your structure will stand the test of time.

Expert support

We work with your architects, engineers, and builders to keep things smooth.