Featured Projects

Seacliff Apartments – Linwood Quarry, South Australia

Project Type: Geotechnical Site Investigation - High Rise Structure

Client: Private Developer

Overview:

The proposed development comprised a mutli-storey apartment complex featuring a deep basement for car parking, located on a site underlain by deep fill material from historic mining and industrial activities. TERRATECH strategically planned and executed the geotechnical fieldwork program, ensuring compliance with AS1726 standards. TERRATECH supervised subcontractors, conducted thorough soil and rock logging, and performed advanced geotechnical testing to determine the most practical and cost-effective foundation system.

Challenges:

  • Deep and variable fill across the site footprint.

  • Concentrated and high loads from the proposed high-rise development.

Outcome:

The site investigation was completed on time and within budget, and most pragmatic and cost-effective fill treatment and foundation system was adopted for the project.

Paiwalla Wetland, South Australia

Project Type: Geotechnical Site Investigation – Wetland Infrastructure

Client: Wetland Habitat Trust

Overview:

TERRATECH was engaged to undertake a geotechnical investigation for a proposed regulator structure at the Paiwalla Wetland, located near the River Murray. The project involved geotechnical input for foundation design and stability assessment of a hydraulic control structure. Fieldwork included borehole drilling and dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) testing to assess soil strength parameters and subsurface conditions relevant to the structure’s construction.

Challenges:

  • Saturated and normally consolidated cohesive soils at shallow depths.

  • Limited access for drilling equipment in wetland terrain.

  • Structure sensitivity to settlement and erosion due to seasonal water levels.

Outcome:

The investigation provided geotechnical parameters for designing a stable foundation system suitable for the regulator. Recommendations included allowable bearing capacities, settlement control strategies, and construction considerations for working in a wetland environment. TERRATECH’s timely input supported informed decision-making for structural design and ecological compatibility.

Main Road Blackwood, South Australia

Project Type: Geotechnical Site Investigation – High Rise Structure

Client: Private Builder

Overview:

TERRATECH conducted a geotechnical investigation for a proposed multi-storey mixed-use development with two basement levels at Main Road, Blackwood. The site presented challenges including steep terrain and variable subsurface conditions. Two deep boreholes were drilled using a truck mounted drill rig, with field and laboratory testing conducted to inform the foundation and retention design. Recommendations addressed site classification, foundation systems, basement excavation, and retaining structures.

Challenges:

  • Sloping topography with deep basement cuts.

  • Ground variability requiring flexible footing and pile options.

Outcome:

TERRATECH provided foundation and retaining wall recommendations suitable for both shallow and bored pile solutions, validated against AS2870, AS1170.4, and AS2159 standards. The investigation enabled confident planning of footing depths, slope battering, and wall drainage systems. The project was delivered efficiently and provided clear geotechnical design guidance.

Payneham Road, St Peters, South Australia

Project Type: Geotechnical Site Investigation – High Rise Structure

Client: Private Architect

Overview:

TERRATECH was engaged to perform a geotechnical investigation for a proposed three-storey mixed-use building with a basement car park. The site, previously used for industrial and commercial purposes, required thorough investigation due to uncontrolled fill and varied subsurface conditions. Deep boreholes were advanced using a truck mounted rig, with field and lab testing carried out to inform foundation design and excavation planning in line with Australian Standards.

Challenges:

  • Shallow groundwater impacting excavation and design.

  • Basement retention system requiring tailored earth pressure and drainage design.

Outcome:

TERRATECH’s recommendations supported the adoption of CFA piles as both foundation and retention piles. Our findings helped mitigate ground risk, guided foundation and retaining wall design, and ensured compliance with Australian Standards. The investigation was delivered on time and within budget.