Advantageously explore deep soil layers

Geosonda focuses on site investigation in the broadest sense of the word and has been among the pioneers in soil mechanics research since 1971.

"Probing is a relatively inexpensive method of exploring deep ground layers. Every year we are involved in some 1,500 projects, all of which we carry out in a safe, high-quality and cost-efficient manner," says Aad van der Burg of Geosonda. 

Before a construction project can begin, a soil survey must always be conducted to check the subsurface. "We have sophisticated equipment to explore the soil," Van der Burg continues, "ranging from large tracked CPT vehicles to smaller tracked vehicles and even demountable equipment for hard-to-reach locations. Data we generate from the soil survey is used for foundation recommendations, construction pit recommendations, settlement calculations, and so on. Through our sister company Geomet, we can provide geotechnical consulting if required."

Geosonda is called in by architects, structural engineers and municipalities, as well as by fellow geotechnical consulting firms to perform the fieldwork. "We then perform only the CPTs as a subcontractor on a project," Van der Burg explains. "This is because we are very experienced in performing CPTs on all kinds of infrastructure works, such as the construction of the new roads, railroad tracks, viaducts and traffic portals along national roads. After all, portals and pylons are getting bigger and bigger and constitute 'structures' in their own right. This also often requires soil testing. We are fully VCA certified and familiar with all laws and regulations." 

In addition to conducting soundings, the geotechnical service provider also specializes in geomonitoring, such as the measurement and placement of inclination measurement tubes and pocket beacons. "Slope measuring tubes can be used to measure horizontal movements, Van der Burg continues, "These are often placed next to a sheet pile wall or construction pit. With a pocket beacon, we can determine changes in the elevation of deeper soil layers. Finally, a third branch is the monitoring of groundwater levels and flows over a period of time. This data then serves as the basis for geohydrological advice."

According to Van der Burg, Geosonda's strength is that they are flexible, can switch quickly and can easily expand capacity. "Especially for infrastructural projects, the latter is an advantage to be able to perform probing on and around roads and railroads at night, for example. We operate nationwide from our offices in Alphen aan den Rijn and Breda. Recent major infrastructure projects for which we have been called in are the Leidsche Rijntunnel and the RijnlandRoute."