Effective Procurement of Ground Investigation is a client’s best practice guide to procuring good quality ground investigations which will ensure that ground related and other risks are suitably and sufficiently assessed and that the required data is obtained to meet the project objectives. Procurement should follow a structured process from planning, through risk assessment to choosing the most appropriate procurement approach, conditions of contract to development of the specification.

Clients often underestimate the potential cost of not assessing and managing ground related risks and that inadequate or poor ground investigations can result in serious delays and additional costs to projects. This guide describes the significant risks which may occur as part of the investigation process and explains the importance of early contractor involvement for their identification and management prior to commencement of the investigation. It also explains why clients who fairly allocate those risks, obtain a more value for money ground investigation.

It is essential that the client creates a team which has the appropriate competence and proven track record from the ground investigation adviser, designers to the ground investigation specialists. Adequate ground investigations can only be developed by a flexible process led by competent individuals who truly understand the investigation methods, the importance of supervision and that this type of work is likely to encounter unknowns and uncertainty.

Effective Procurement of Ground Investigation is intended primarily for Clients but construction professionals such as civil and structural engineers, architects, developers and other procurers will benefit from using this guidance.

Prepared by Julian Lovell and Matthew Baldwin on behalf of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists.