In-situ testing
Measure how the ground behaves where it matters most
Test the ground, not the assumptions
Published values and laboratory results do not always reflect how the ground will behave in place. Broad assumptions can lead to overly conservative designs, unnecessary uncertainty or poor performance.
In-situ testing measures the ground’s response under actual site conditions. Techniques such as pressuremeter testing, thermal resistivity testing and electrical resistivity testing provide targeted data for foundations, underground utilities, energy infrastructure and other complex engineering decisions.
In-situ Testing Scope
Pressuremeter testing
A probe is inserted into the ground, then expanded against the surrounding material. The way the material responds to that expansion reveals its stiffness, deformation and strength.
Thermal resistivity
Thermal resistivity testing measures the ease at which heat can move through the ground. By assessing this property, engineers can evaluate whether buried cables, data centres and various types of energy-related assets meet thermal criteria.
Electrical resistivity
Electrical resistivity testing evaluates how much resistance the ground offers to electrical current flow. As such, it assists engineers in designing earthing systems and other types of electrically related infrastructure.
DCP (dynamic cone penetration) testing
DCP testing evaluates the ground's resistance to penetration over short distances (typically up to 3m). While it primarily assesses shallow ground resistance characteristics, it can also assist engineers in identifying zones of reduced stiffness or potentially weaker materials along the length of the cone penetration.
LWD (light weight deflectometer) and FWD (falling weight deflectometer) testing
Both LWD and FWD testing assess how well pavement surfaces and formations respond to loads. While typically used in conjunction with pavement assessments, both testing methods can be utilised as part of a comprehensive evaluation if deemed necessary based on engineering requirements.
Speciality field testing methods
When conventional investigation methods cannot provide the information a project needs, Geotesta can develop a customised field-testing plan. We select specialised equipment and testing methods to suit the project's specific requirements.
Accreditations
Trusted. Certified. Backed by Industry Leaders.
Fast report turnaround sets Geotesta apart, giving your team the evidence needed to keep decisions and projects moving. You will receive an obligation-free, transparent quote with the scope, costs and expected delivery timeframe clearly defined. NATA-accredited laboratory testing, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certification, transport authority prequalification, supplier panel approval and relevant professional affiliations provide further confidence through procurement, technical review and regulatory scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions
In-situ testing measures ground properties directly at the site. It shows how soil, rock or pavement behaves under natural field conditions, rather than relying only on results from extracted samples.
Pressuremeter testing is useful when engineers need direct measurements of soil or rock stiffness, strength and deformation. This information supports design decisions for foundations, excavations and other structures where ground performance is critical.
A probe is expanded against the surrounding ground, and the material’s reaction to that pressure is recorded. From this response, engineers can determine the ground’s stiffness, deformation characteristics and strength.
Thermal resistivity testing assesses how readily heat flows through a material (e.g., soil, rock). Data collected during thermal resistivity testing can help designers evaluate whether buried cables, data centres and other forms of energy-related infrastructure can meet thermal design specifications and standards.
Electrical resistivity testing measures a material’s ability to impede an electrical current from flowing through it (i.e., electrical resistance). Electrical resistivity test results can assist designers in developing earthing system designs and evaluating performance of other electrically related infrastructure components.
Yes. Each of these testing methodologies measures ground/pavement/formation response directly at or in the field, and may be employed as part of an investigation when required for design purposes.