Fast, reliable ground investigation across Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider North-east. We provide the essential geotechnical data you need to keep your construction project on track, compliant, and structurally sound.
No More Guesswork on Newcastle Soil
Newcastle is a city that’s always developing. Quayside regeneration and new residential builds in Jesmond, Gosforth and beyond, but ground conditions across the region are unpredictable. Coal mining areas, in particular, come with a higher risk, thanks to old mine shafts, drillings and voids lying beneath the surface. Don’t risk it all on unknown ground conditions; building without accurate information is a gamble that’s just not worth it. Poor subgrade strength can lead to cracked pavements, uneven surfaces and foundation failures, and those are costly mistakes. That’s why contractors, engineers and building control departments rely on our expert CBR Testing Newcastle services.
We collect data, yes, but we also help you make sense of it. Our testing supports safe designs, compliance with the local authorities, and long-lasting infrastructure across the whole of Newcastle and the wider region, from County Durham to North Yorkshire and all the way towards Hull.
Our Toolbox for Newcastle Sites
Ground behaviour varies wildly across the north and northeast, from soft alluvium near the Tyne to variable made ground in old industrial zones. Every site demands a tailored approach. Our team uses a carefully selected range of geotechnical testing methods to figure out exactly what lies beneath the surface.
In-Situ CBR Testing
The bedrock of pavement and earthworks design. We conduct California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests directly on the site, using the fully compliant BS 1377-9:1990 procedures. This gives you realistic CBR values for soils just as they are in their natural state, the only way to accurately plan roads, car parks, yards or earthworks.
Some of the key things you can expect to learn from in-situ CBR testing include:
- Just how strong is your subgrade?
- How will your site settle over time?
- Is your soil suitable for concrete, capping layers or imported fill?
- What are your pavement thickness calculations telling you?
Plate Bearing Tests
When you need to know if your ground can take a heavy load from cranes, piling rigs, temporary working platforms or the like, plate bearing tests are the way to go. These tests give you reliable bearing capacity measurements, which are crucial when it comes to designing safe and effective working platforms and access routes.
These tests are typically used to assess:
- Crane pads
- Piling mats
- Haul roads
- Working platforms
- Temporary access routes
We measure the settlement of the ground under a controlled load, making sure you’ve got safe design values before the work even begins.
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) Testing
A fast and efficient way to profile the strength of the ground at any depth, perfect for identifying any soft spots or variability beneath the surface. This is an ideal method for:
- Road upgrades
- Earthworks design
- Identifying weak layers
- Supplementing trial pits and boreholes
Full Site Investigation Services
Sometimes, you need to see the bigger picture, the entire subsurface, that is. We offer comprehensive site investigation services, including:
- Trial pits and test pits
- Boreholes
- Laboratory tests (moisture content, situ density, particle size distribution)
- Desk studies and historical mining reviews
- Coal mining risk assessment for sites in former coal mining regions
- Rotary drilling to investigate deeper strata or suspected mine shafts
- Contamination screening where Environment Agency considerations apply
Our reports help identify geotechnical problems, contamination risks and settlement issues across both brownfield and greenfield sites.
The STS Advantage in the North-east
Why do contractors, engineers, and developers across Newcastle, County Durham, and the wider region trust our team?
We Know the Territory
From old coal mining zones to reclaimed land near the Tyne, we understand how historic development, past land use and natural geology affect today’s projects. Our local knowledge means we can coordinate regional projects efficiently and respond quickly to any challenges that crop up.
Speed Is a Priority
A stalled site is a costly one. We aim to get our clear and professional reporting to you within 24-48 hours, no chasing or follow-ups required.
Reports You Can Actually Read
Our reporting is concise, structured and written in clear, technical English. Structural engineers get the numbers they need, and building control departments get the documentation they expect.
A Friendly, Reliable Team
We understand the pressure of a live construction programme.
Our engineers turn up on time, work efficiently, and explain their findings on-site if you need clarification.
FAQs
What actually happens during a CBR test?
We apply a controlled load to the soil using a plunger and measure the resistance. The result gives you a calculated CBR value, that tells you just how much load the ground can take before it deforms. It’s a crucial number for pavement and infrastructure engineering.
Do I need testing for a small project like a driveway or extension?
Almost certainly. Even small works rely on a stable base. CBR values help determine layer thicknesses and are often required for building control approval.
How disruptive is the testing process?
Minimal. Our methods are efficient, our kit is mobile, and most in situ testing is undertaken within a few hours. You can carry on with other activities on the site.
How far do you travel around Newcastle?
We cover all of Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, County Durham, and the surrounding England regions, including rural areas, industrial estates, and regeneration zones.
Can you help interpret the results?
Absolutely. If needed, we’ll explain how your CBR values affect pavement design, capping layers, or earthworks. Our engineers are always happy to assist.
Do you handle coal mining risk assessments?
Yes. Many areas around Newcastle require a coal mining risk assessment to check for voids, mine shafts, or unstable ground. We combine desk studies, drilling, and physical testing to identify risks early.
Do you offer laboratory testing as well as field testing?
Yes. Our laboratory can analyse moisture content, particle size distribution, in situ density, and other parameters to provide a complete geotechnical profile.
Ready to Break Ground?
Stop guessing and start building with confidence.
Whether you’re dealing with complex ground conditions, historic mining risks, or routine pavement design, we provide the data your project needs to stay compliant and on schedule.
