Geotechnical Engineering for Project Managers: How to Scope it Right (And Save Your Client Money)

Recently, we sat down with a group of project managers to talk about geotechnical engineering. Too often, getting a Geotech report is treated as a simple box-ticking exercise for compliance. But treating it that way is a trap—one that can inflate your construction costs and cause massive headaches down the line.

At Nemean, our philosophy is simple: Problem. Solved. To solve a problem, you first need to scope it correctly. Here is a breakdown of what project managers need to know about scoping geotechnical works, avoiding common traps, and driving real value for your projects.

Why Do You Actually Need It?

Yes, you need geotechnical engineering for compliance. But a good Geotech report does much more than get a stamp of approval. It provides the foundational data for your structural and civil design, identifies hazards and risks early, and opens the door for value engineering and optioneering.

The Quality Trap: Why "Cheap" Geotech Costs More

There is a direct correlation between the quality of a geotechnical report and the final project outcome.

When a Geotech scope is too light or relies on basic site testing (like relying solely on DCPs instead of CPTs), designers are forced to make conservative assumptions. Conservative assumptions equal high construction costs. A low-quality report might save you a few thousand dollars upfront, but it can cost you tens or hundreds of thousands in over-engineered foundations, RFIs, and project delays because the data simply isn't fit for purpose.

A classic example of this is the NZS3604 "Good Ground" trap. Assuming a site meets standard "good ground" can mean ignoring suitable soils that just don’t meet the conservative and simplistic idea of “good ground”. It’s like

Project Size and Importance: A bespoke architectural build needs a different approach than a standard shed.

Site Context: Are you working in a greenfield or brownfield? What is the historic data?

Proposed Works: Are you dealing with on-site stormwater disposal?

Integration: What do the structural and civil engineering teams need to complete their designs?

A thorough desktop study utilizing GNS, the New Zealand Geotechnical Database (NZGD), and historic records is incredibly valuable and should be your first step.

Nemean’s Approach to Geotech

When we look at a project, we start with a desktop study right at the quote stage, so we know exactly what we are walking into. We review existing reports, integrate inputs from our structural and civil teams so nothing is missed in translation, and we scan test locations to protect your staff and assets.

Don't let poor scoping dictate your construction costs. If you need a team that looks at the whole picture to deliver practical, solution-driven results, get in touch.