Engineering
Geotechnical
A critical component of all engineering projects is ground engineering as it is a foundation for all projects. Kirk Roberts has a team of highly experienced geologists, engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers based across New Zealand that have local experience to provide solutions that are tailor-made for our unique local environment. The team has experience on working a diverse range of projects from greenfield sites through to construction sites on projects that range from a residential development through to multi-lot subdivisions as well as large commercial and industry developments.
Our geotechnical team works alongside our structural, environmental and civil engineering teams to identify and address any ground related issues that would affect the proposed development. Our team has the knowledge and experience to provide the full range of geotechnical engineering services from preliminary assessments (desktop studies), through design to construction observations.
Our local knowledge of soil types and ground conditions means we are perfectly suited to identifying the most cost-effective foundation or ground improvement solution for your project.
Client Feedback
“The first thing that shone through was their incredibly friendly, helpful manner. Their input on our project has been invaluable, and has included; geotechnical advice/solutions, innovative storm water/wastewater solutions, and detailed site engineering design… They have the ability to overcome challenges and get results.”
Fraser Henderson – Developer
Our services include
Site investigation and reporting
Foundation investigations and design for residential, commercial and industry developments
Onsite Stormwater Investigation and Design
Onsite Wastewater Investigation and Design
OSET – Onsite Effluent Treatment
Liquefaction investigation, analysis and reporting
Construction monitoring
Slope stability analysis
Settlement analysis and reporting
Temporary works design
Retaining wall investigation, analysis and reporting
OSWM – Onsite Wastewater Management System
Geotechnical hazard assessment and analysis
Natural hazard assessment and analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Geotechnical Engineering
Do I need a geotechnical report?
This is dependent on the requirements of your local authority and the type of structure you are planning to build. For most dwellings/structures your local authority will require you to have a building consent (please refer to your local authority website for information on what requires a building consent). As part of the building consent application, you will need to provide a geotechnical report that provides information on the ground conditions of the site and what is required to met the requirements of the Building Act for the design of the proposed development.
What is liquefaction?
Liquefaction is the process which causes soil to behave more like a liquid than a solid during ground movement i.e. an earthquake.
Retaining walls – do I need one designed?
This is dependent on the requirements of your local authority, in most cases a retaining wall that is retaining more than 1 metre will require a building consent. The building consent application will require a Specific Engineer Design (SED) and associated documentations including a geotechnical report.
Is there a standard price for a geotechnical report?
No – the cost of the geotechnical report is dependent on a number of factors, which includes:
• What you are planning to building on your site
• The size of the structure that is planned to be constructed
• What the local ground conditions are
• The topography of the site
• Where is the site located i.e. a rural site may require a storm water disposal system and wastewater management system assessment to support the building application
• Are there any site-specific local authority requirements for the site i.e. liquefaction assessment, soil expansivity
Are they any region-specific requirements?
This is dependent on the requirements of your local authority and the location of your site. Your geotechnical engineer will be familiar with the local authority requirements and will be able to provide guidance on this.
For example, any development within the Auckland region that is being founded in cohesive soils (silts/clays) requires samples of the material encountered at 0.6m deep to be collected and tested in a specialist geotechnical laboratory to determine the soil expansivity of the founding material. The results of that laboratory testing will determine the foundation options that are suitable for your site and the minimum founding depth for the foundations.
What does a Geotechnical report cover?
A standard geotechnical report will cover the following:
• Site description
• Summary of existing geotechnical data for the site and the surrounding area
• Existing information relating to the property from the local authority database i.e. any existing buried services, geotechnical hazards, land features
• Outline of the proposed development
• Site Geology
• Soil investigation information
• Seismic considerations
• Slope stability assessment
• Geotechnical Recommendations
A geotechnical report will be approved by a suitability qualified ground engineer (geotechnical, engineering geologist or geologist). Some local authorities may require the report to be approved by a ground engineer that is prequalified with them i.e. Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
Our Geotechnical Experts
Steve Temple, Regional Manager
Steve is the regional manager for our Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) office and has considerable experience in ground engineering and project management on a wide range of major infrastructure projects across New Zealand. Steve understands client requirements, as well as the multi-disciplinary approach needed to deliver successful projects for his clients.
On the weekends you’ll find Steve active and busy maintaining his beautiful lifestyle block and enjoying the mighty Waikato.
“We’ve got awesome people, a great new space, a growing client list, and exciting projects across the Waikato Region. We’re all really looking forward to what is to come.”
Steve Temple, Regional Manager
Ollie Behrent, Regional Manager
Ollie is the Regional Manager for Queenstown. He is an experienced Engineering Geologist with a wide range of experience in the Central Otago region providing specialist geotechnical investigations and assessments.
An excellent communicator, Ollie forges strong relationships with clients, contractors, stakeholders, and the wider community. His ability to deliver cost-effective solutions for clients is second to none.
Ollie enjoys getting outdoors, running or mountain biking the trails around Queenstown or spending time with his family.
Ollie Behrent, Regional Manager
Jordan Walker
With over 20 years of experience across a wide range of industries both in North America and New Zealand, Jordan brings a practical approach to his engineering solutions. Jordan applies cost-effective solutions that consider more than just the typical geotechnical issues. His hands-on approach means he is involved in all stages of a project.
As a natural team builder, Jordan has developed our Geotechnical, Civil, and Environmental teams from a small group of 3-4 engineers in 2015, to now being recognised as a significant leader in the supply of Geotechnical, Civil, and Environmental Solutions within New Zealand.
Out of the office, Jordan enjoys competing in ultimate (frisbee), golf (both the traditional form and the disc form), racket sports, exploring New Zealand with his young family, and introducing people to the world of modern board games.
Jordan Walker
Dave Wright
Dave is the Geotechnical Team Leader for Queenstown, with over 25 years of experience across a wide range of geological industries in the UK, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Initially, he came to New Zealand in 2011 to go snowboarding in Wānaka for three months, however, he stayed for the Christchurch rebuild. Dave brings a practical approach by combining his contracting skills and knowledge to the technical consulting world.
Motivated by the need to help others, Dave manages the Queenstown team through communication, emotional intelligence, leading by example, attention to detail and active involvement onsite when required.
Dave enjoys getting outdoors, gravel/mountain biking the trails, snowboarding at the ski fields, woodworking/upcycling furniture, being creative and spending time with friends.
Dave Wright
Firas Salman
Firas is a Technical Director – Geotechnical and Chartered Professional Geotechnical Engineer (CPEng) with over 20 years of experience across New Zealand and overseas. His main focus is to offer practical, effective geotechnical advice that enables clients to make informed decisions. Firas has developed and led the geotechnical engineering team in Christchurch and provides technical support to the wider geotechnical teams across our regional offices and collaborates with other disciplines to ensure smooth work delivery.
Firas is a committed team player and a skilled leader who understands that achieving success relies on understanding the unique challenge of each project and effective communication between all parties at all levels.
Firas Salman
Geotechnical engineering projects
Lancaster Park – Creating the future for sports in Canterbury.
The Hope Home, Queenstown – Fowler Homes support Mike King’s I Am Hope Foundation
Cymon Allfrey Family Bach, Canterbury – Award-winning multi-generational family bach
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