Our client, a house builder, needed to undertake a flood risk assessment as part of the planning process; and hence required extensive data regarding infiltration rates.

Harrison Geotechnical’s engineer designed the investigation incorporating the client’s requirements and positioned the trial pits to achieve representative coverage of the site. The nature of the geology (sand and gravel) meant that there was a health and safety risk from collapse of the trial pit sides when filled with water. Gravel infill was provided to offer stability during the testing and the trial pits were filled with water from a tractor towed bowser. Testing was carried out over two days and infiltration rates calculated.