The Firm has undertaken numerous geotechnical assessments on a range of residential and other developments within the Macarthur and Southern Highlands areas over the last 30 years. This work usually entails an assessment of slope stability and recommendations to developers regarding site specific geotechnical and other constraints.

Each site under consideration for development is investigated in detail and its potential for urban development assessed according to its individual merits. All sites are assessed according to generally adopted geotechnical techniques and an Instability Risk Classification system. The assessment of an Instability Risk is based on two publications, viz:

  • Australian Geomechanics Society 1985. Geotechnical Risks Associated with Hillside Development- News, Number 10; and
  • Australian Geomechanics Society, 2002. Landslide Risk Management Concepts and Guidelines Volume 37, No2.

Guidelines from these publications, together with site geotechnical observations provide the basis for enabling a risk classification to be carried out. Site observations can be limited to “walkovers” or invasive investigations by excavator or by drilling techniques. Existing and proposed drainage, soil and water management and vegetation issues are taken into account in all assessments.

The resultant assessment provides an indication of the level of instability risk associated with the property. Specific recommendations are then made and married up with the nature of the proposed development.

Other geotechnical investigations that are carried out by the Firm include Site Classification (according to Australian Standard 2870) as well as those investigations related to contamination, resource assessment and salinity investigations.

EXTENSIVE LANDSLIP ON RAZORBACK

The location of these areas need to be defined so as to avoid their future development.

LANDSLIP AND EROSION NEAR PICTON

Overdevelopment or overgrazing can lead to slope failure.

ROLLING HILLS AND VALLEYS NEAR PICTON

Development opportunities are limited due to poor site conditions.

ROAD SIDE BATTER AT THERESA PARK

Care needs to be given to batter angles due to poor soil and rock strength.