Geotechnical & Hydrogeology

Soil investigation, bearing capacity, excavation testing, and groundwater studies.

Investigation

What we do

Understanding what's beneath the surface — so foundations, grading, and water management are designed on solid ground. We are often brought in for both up-front investigation and mid-project problem solving.

Bearing Capacity Test

Shallow-depth bearing capacity testing (ASTM D3441) is quick and flexible for residential properties and smaller projects up to 10 ft. Full-depth SPT (ASTM D1586) provides a comprehensive structural review for industrial and commercial developments before architectural design.

Excavation Inspection & Testing

Often brought in once an issue is encountered, or where confirmation is needed before foundations are laid: Proctor compaction testing (ASTM D698), density & moisture testing, excavation dewatering & trench inspection, and slope/operational stability inspection.

Hydrogeology

With an in-house Well Contractor license, we assess underground hydrogeological conditions — groundwater levels and recharge rates, flow direction, equipotential plans, infiltration calculations, quality assessment, contamination delineation, and fulfillment of TRCA, LSRCA, CVC and other conservation requirements.

Full service list

All Geotechnical & Hydrogeology services

The complete range of services we provide in this area — click to expand.

View the full list
  • Caisson Pile Detailed Analysis
  • Detailed Road & Driveway Geotech Design
  • Foundation Review
  • Geotechnical InspectionsBearing Capacity
  • Geotechnical Mini-Investigation (testpits / boreholes)
  • Geotechnical Report
  • Geotechnical Slope Stability Report
  • Hydrogeology ReportInvestigation · Dewatering Plan · Private Wells Supply MECP D-5-5 · Septic Influence MECP D-5-4
  • In-situ Permeameter Testing
  • Instrumentation & Equipment
  • MECP ECA Water TakingESAR (low-risk) · PTTW (medium-to-high risk)
  • Monitoring Well Groundwater Elevation Review
  • Retaining Wall DesignResidential Temporary · Residential Permanent · Commercial / Industrial Temporary · Commercial / Industrial Permanent
  • Section 59 NoticeSource Water Protection Plan
  • Settlement Estimation & Computer Modelling
  • Soil TestSeptic T-time
  • Tie-back Pull Test Report
  • Vibration Monitoring & Declaration / Review
  • Water Balance Analysis
  • Well Supply Study

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Questions & answers

Geotechnical & Hydrogeology — FAQs

What does a geotechnical investigation involve?

A geotechnical investigation typically includes boreholes or test pits, soil sampling and laboratory testing, and analysis to determine soil conditions, bearing capacity, and foundation recommendations.

What is bearing capacity (SPT) testing?

Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) measures soil resistance to estimate the allowable bearing capacity of the ground, which directly informs foundation design.

Does King EPCM provide hydrogeology and groundwater studies?

Yes. We provide groundwater investigations, dewatering plans, Permit to Take Water (PTTW and ESAR), well supply and water balance studies, and MECP D-5-4 and D-5-5 assessments.

When do I need a geotechnical report?

Municipalities commonly require a geotechnical report for new foundations, additions, retaining walls, roads, and septic systems to confirm the soils can support the proposed design.

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Related guides & resources

Plain-language technical guides written by our engineers.

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