Earth retention & slope stability
Make slope stability decisions based on real ground evidence
Understand what could move, and why
Slope failure can cause significant damage to roads, rail lines, buildings, excavations and mining operations. Stability may be reduced by groundwater, vibration, weak soil or rock layers, and increased loads on or around the slope.
Geotesta combines site investigations, engineering evaluation, numerical analysis and monitoring where needed. We assess what’s driving instability, determine suitable slope geometries, and recommend practical earth retention or stabilisation options based on ground conditions and the potential consequences of failure.
Earth Retention & Soil Stability Scope
Slope assessment
Natural and constructed slopes are assessed for geometry, material conditions, loading and signs of movement that may affect stability.
Ground investigation
Drilling, sampling, test pits and field testing can reveal weak layers, fill, rock and other subsurface conditions controlling slope behaviour.
Groundwater review
Groundwater and drainage conditions are assessed because water pressure, seepage and changing moisture can significantly reduce soil and rock stability.
Stability analysis
Engineering and numerical analysis can test potential failure mechanisms, suitable slope angles and the effect of loads, excavation or changing conditions.
Rock face mapping
Visual mapping identifies fractures, discontinuities and other rock features that may create instability or falling-rock hazards.
Monitoring and advice
Movement monitoring can track changing conditions, while engineering advice identifies practical retention, drainage or stabilisation measures where action is required.
A trusted geotechnical partner
Frequently asked questions
Earth retention and soil stability solutions assess and manage the risk of soil or rock movement around slopes, excavations, retained ground and stockpiles via investigation, analysis, monitoring and stabilisation advice.
Conduct a slope stability assessment prior to commencing excavation, development or loading modifications adjacent to a slope, or when signs of cracking, erosion, seepage, deformation or previous movement indicate that conditions are potentially changing.
Yes. Geotesta can assess both natural landform features and man-made structures such as cut and fill slopes, excavation faces, road and rail embankments, mining slopes and stockpiled materials.
Factors contributing to reduced stability include weak soil or rock, groundwater presence, poor drainage characteristics, steep geometric configurations, additional loads, excavation activities, erosion processes and vibrations.
Where sufficient ground information is obtained by engineers, they can evaluate suitable temporary or permanent slope geometry based on material properties (type), groundwater influences, applied loads, and project-specific conditions.
Geotesta can provide geotechnical evaluation, ground parameters, and stabilisation advice for earth retention. Confirmation of specific design scope for the proposed structure and your project team is required.