Soil Testing
Professional soil testing services in the UK. CGS Civils undertakes soakage testing and soil infiltration tests to support drainage design.
Soil Testing
Accurate soil testing is a fundamental part of effective drainage and site design. Understanding ground conditions allows developments to be designed safely, sustainably, and in compliance with planning and regulatory requirements. At CGS Civils, we provide professional soil testing services to support drainage strategies, planning submissions, and technical approvals.
Our testing services are carried out by experienced engineers and technicians using recognised methodologies, ensuring reliable results that can be confidently used within drainage and wider civil engineering designs, including feasibility assessments and option appraisals.
Professional Soil Testing in the UK
CGS Civils delivers soil testing services for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across the UK. Our assessments help determine whether infiltration-based drainage solutions are suitable and provide essential data to support drainage design decisions.
By undertaking soil testing early in the project, potential constraints can be identified and addressed before detailed designs are finalised, reducing the risk of delays, redesigns, or planning objections later.
Soil Infiltration and Soakage Testing
A key part of our soil testing service is soil infiltration testing, sometimes referred to as a soakage test or soakage testing. These tests measure how quickly water infiltrates into the ground and whether infiltration drainage is viable for the site.
CGS Civils undertakes soil infiltration testing in accordance with recognised standards, ensuring results are accurate, repeatable, and suitable for submission to planning authorities.
Soakage Testing for Drainage Design
Soakage testing plays a vital role in determining the feasibility of sustainable drainage systems. The results inform the sizing and design of infiltration features such as soakaways and drainage fields.
CGS Civils ensures soakage testing is carried out at appropriate locations and depths to provide representative data. This approach supports robust drainage designs and reduces the risk of system failure during operation.
Testing Standards and Methods
We carry out soil infiltration tests in line with BRE 365 for infiltration drainage design, and BS 6297 where testing is required for the discharge of treated effluent. These standards are widely accepted by local authorities and Lead Local Flood Authorities across the UK.
Testing can be undertaken using either hand-excavated or machine-excavated trial pits, depending on site conditions, access, health and safety considerations, and programme constraints.
Integration with Drainage Design
Soil testing results form a key input into drainage design. CGS Civils integrates soil infiltration test data directly into drainage strategies, drainage plans, and flood risk assessments where required.
By coordinating testing with design, we ensure drainage solutions are technically justified, compliant, and tailored to site-specific conditions.
Reporting and Planning Support
Following testing, CGS Civils provides clear and concise reporting suitable for submission to planning authorities and consultees. Reports present test results, methodologies, and conclusions in a format that supports planning and technical approvals.
Where required, we respond to technical queries and provide clarification to ensure test data is fully understood, accepted, and correctly interpreted by all parties.
Why Choose CGS Civils for Soil Testing?
CGS Civils provides reliable and professional soil testing services backed by strong technical knowledge and practical site experience. Our understanding of planning and drainage requirements ensures testing is carried out to the correct standard and at the right stage of the project.
We offer a responsive service, clear communication, and testing solutions tailored to the needs of each development.
Speak to Our Civil Engineering Team
If your project requires professional soil testing, including soakage testing or a soil infiltration test, CGS Civils is ready to help. Our team can advise on testing requirements and undertake assessments to support your drainage strategy.
Contact us today to discuss your site and find out how CGS Civils can support your development with expert soil testing services.