Engineering geology (also referred to as engineering geological surveying or engineering geology) deals with the investigation of the properties of soil and bedrock for design purposes, while geotechnics adds the calculations required for design and the construction of foundations.
The geological structure of the subsurface in Estonia is highly diverse. As a foundation base, there are competent bedrock formations, but also Quaternary soils with highly variable and often unfavorable properties from a construction perspective (clays, sands, gravels, tills, peat, and mud).
Engineering geological (and geotechnical) investigations are essentially required for the design of structures to be built under virtually any geological conditions. It is not even a question of whether the structure is large or small; rather, it is about the level of risk one is willing to assume. Errors arising from insufficient consideration of foundation issues are extremely difficult—and often impossible—to rectify later. If a roof leaks, you look for a ladder; but if the foundation fails, there are no simple solutions.
Without engineering geological investigations, the outcome may be:
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a foundation with insufficient bearing capacity, resulting in excessive structural deformations (tilting, cracking, risk of failure);
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an over-dimensioned foundation—simply unnecessarily expensive;
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construction in an unfavorable location or on an unsuitable soil layer, resulting either in structural deformation or excessive moisture problems.
Engineering geological investigations are also required for the design of infrastructure structures (roads, railways, pipelines, port facilities, etc.). This applies even when the bearing capacity of the soils appears favorable at first glance, as excavation categories must still be determined. When preparing a detailed spatial plan, it is also useful to be aware of the engineering geological conditions of the planned area, which may vary significantly even within a single residential plot.
The main methods of engineering geological investigation include the drilling of boreholes, in-situ soil testing, and laboratory testing. As a result of the investigations, an engineering geological investigation report is prepared, providing indispensable information to the designer for making design decisions and calculations. Engineering geological data enable the rational design of building foundations.
Engineering geological investigations are carried out in accordance with the Procedure for Carrying Out Engineering Geological Investigations, and the technical aspects of the investigations are regulated by various standards.
For REIB, engineering geological investigations are one of our core service areas. We have extensive experience, expertise, and modern technical equipment to perform this work professionally.
To order an engineering geological / geotechnical investigation from REIB, it is usually sufficient to know where and what is planned to be built. The investigation program and scope are planned and agreed with the client already at the quotation stage. The designer plays an important role in defining the terms of reference, as in many cases they are the direct user of the obtained results.
For placing an order or requesting a price quotation, please contact:
Indrek Heidemaa
Tel. +372 733 7143, +372 523 5688
Email: indrek(at)reib.ee
or Tel. +372 733 7150, reib(at)reib.ee
