Understand the Ground Before Altering It
We analyze geological conditions, soil materials and subsurface behavior to understand how they may influence project planning and development.
We combine field observations, subsurface investigation, testing, geophysical methods, mapping and spatial analysis to interpret the ground as a system and support better-informed technical decisions.
The Ground Is More Than What We See at the Surface
Beneath a property, materials, structures and conditions may vary considerably. Understanding this variability is the first step toward interpreting how the ground may respond to development.
Soil and the subsurface result from geological, geomorphological and environmental processes operating over long periods. Consequently, two areas of the same property may have different conditions even if they look similar at the surface.
Bedrock depth, degree of weathering, natural deposits or fill, changes in material and interactions with water can alter ground behavior and affect different stages of a project.
Understanding the ground means recognizing its variability, relating surface observations to subsurface conditions and interpreting each finding in the context of the project.
Understanding What Lies Beneath the Surface
The subsurface cannot be fully observed from the surface. Investigating it requires combining different sources of evidence to identify materials, their distribution and conditions that may influence ground behavior.
No single method can describe an entire site. Each observation, borehole, test or measurement represents part of a system that must be interpreted within its geological, geomorphological and spatial context.
We therefore select investigation techniques according to site characteristics, project type and the questions to be resolved.
Investigating the subsurface is not simply about collecting data: it is about combining evidence to develop a coherent interpretation of the ground.
Different Methods, One Coherent Interpretation
Evidence from observations, direct investigation, testing and indirect methods is analyzed together to identify relationships among materials, detect changes with depth and reduce uncertainty about ground conditions.
Integrating Evidence to Understand the Ground
Each observation, borehole, test or measurement provides information about a specific location. By connecting these data, we can interpret material distribution and changes in conditions across the study area.
A borehole reveals ground conditions at one point; a test provides information on particular properties, while field observations document visible conditions. The challenge is to connect the evidence and understand what lies between the investigated points.
Geology, geomorphology, topography, subsurface exploration and findings from different investigation methods are integrated spatially to identify patterns, variations and relationships that are not always evident when each data point is considered in isolation.
A data point describes an observed condition. Combining it with other evidence allows us to build an interpretation of the ground.
From Isolated Points to an Integrated Subsurface View
Profiles, cross-sections, maps and Geographic Information Systems help organize and represent investigation findings. These tools make material distribution visible and support a conceptual model consistent with the available evidence.
Ground Conditions Inform Project Decisions
Building, excavating, grading or otherwise altering a site changes existing conditions. Understanding its characteristics beforehand helps identify issues to consider during project planning, design and construction.
The significance of a geological or geotechnical condition depends both on ground characteristics and on the proposed intervention.
A slope, a material change, the presence of fill, shallow bedrock or particular groundwater conditions may have different implications depending on a project's location, size and characteristics.
The objective is not to study the ground in isolation, but to understand how it interacts with the proposed development.
The Scale and Type of Development Also Matter
Investigation needs are not necessarily the same for a building, a residential development, an infrastructure project or work on sloping terrain. The scope must reflect site characteristics and the decisions that require technical support.
Different Tools for Investigating the Ground
Site characteristics and project requirements determine the most appropriate type of investigation. Studies, tests and exploration methods may be used separately or combined to obtain a more complete interpretation of soil and subsurface conditions.
Soil Studies
Investigation of soil and subsurface conditions to characterize materials and provide information relevant to project development.
Learn About This StudySPT Test
A geotechnical exploration method providing subsurface information through drilling, penetration testing and sample recovery.
Learn About This StudyDPL Test
Dynamic probing used to identify changes in ground resistance and complement subsurface characterization.
Learn About This StudyGeophysical Methods
Techniques that investigate subsurface variations and structures by measuring physical properties, complementing direct exploration.
Learn About This StudyExploratory Drilling
Direct subsurface exploration to identify materials, recover samples and document conditions encountered at depth.
Learn About This StudyGeological Studies
Analysis of geological units, materials, structures and processes to interpret ground conditions and development within their broader geographical context.
Learn About This StudyNot Every Project Requires the Same Investigation
The choice and combination of technical studies depend on ground characteristics, project type and scale, available information and the issues to be assessed. An initial consultation can help identify suitable investigation methods.
When Ground Information Is Part of a Regulatory Procedure
Depending on a project's location and characteristics, geological, geotechnical or soil information may be needed for studies and documents submitted as part of institutional procedures.
A technical study and a regulatory procedure are not the same. Studies investigate and document ground conditions, while a procedure is an administrative process before a public authority.
For some projects, the two are connected: a ground investigation may provide technical inputs to meet environmental, land-use or construction-related requirements.
Required studies should be defined according to project characteristics and the specific regulatory requirements applicable to each procedure.
SETENA Environmental Viability
Depending on the project and site characteristics, the environmental assessment may require geological information, site analysis or other complementary technical studies.
View Permits and ProceduresFirst, We Identify What Your Project Needs
If you are dealing with a regulatory requirement, technical observation or particular site condition, we can review the case to determine what kind of study may be needed and how it relates to the applicable procedure.
The Ground Is Part of a Broader System
Geological and geotechnical conditions may be related to groundwater, natural hazards, environmental assessment and other spatial aspects of a project.
Hydrogeology and Groundwater
When groundwater presence, movement or depth may influence ground conditions or form part of the project assessment.
View Related ServiceNatural Hazard Assessment
When topography, slopes, materials or geomorphological processes require assessment of stability, erosion or other natural hazards.
View Related ServiceEnvironmental Assessment and Management
When ground information forms part of a broader environmental assessment or must be integrated with other technical and territorial project components.
View Related ServiceWe Integrate Information When the Issue Calls for It
The relationship between geology, soils, water, terrain and environmental conditions depends on each site and proposed development. Where different disciplines overlap, evidence can be analyzed together to maintain a consistent understanding of the project.
Need to Understand Your Site Conditions Better?
Every project raises different questions. We can review the location, site characteristics, planned development and any technical or regulatory requirements you have already identified.
Based on that information, we can advise on the investigation, technical study or regulatory process that may be appropriate for your next steps.
Tell Us What You Need to Assess
If you have site plans, coordinates, regulatory requirements or background information, you can include them in your inquiry to help us provide initial guidance.