Geotechnical work is in two main areas both of which require drilling and assessment of soil properties:

1)    AS2870 (2011) Residential slabs and footings.  The geotechnician samples the proposed house site generally to a depth 3-4 m in our region.  Soil moisture and Atteburg Limits are determined on multiple samples enabling estimation of  a characteristic ground movement value (Ys); and allocation of a site/soil reactivity class A, S, P, M, H1 H2 and E, frequently with a depth qualifier D.  Periodic calibration against shrink swell indices is required. 

2)    ASNZS 1547 (2012) Onsite domestic Wastewater Management.  These tests are designed to ensure wastewater is optimally bioremediated by soil structure and microflora. The aforementioned geotechncal tests are typically conducted to indicate soil texture class.  In situ permeameter tests are conducted to determine optimal site location and confirm Ksat values. Geochemical testing is conducted to ensure sodicity, salinity, pH and ORP are considered.