A sure-footed start to site investigations

In-depth site investigations around Badcoe Hall have been steadily underway, providing valuable information on the structural capacity of the ground and existing buildings at the site.

A range of consultants are now engaged on the project, ranging from geotechnical investigators to land surveyors and arborists. These investigations will be crucial to inform the design and development of the project.

So what have they been up to? 

Good foundations

Geotechnical engineers have been onsite to sample the soil under Badcoe Hall and surrounds. By taking various topsoil and deeper core samples of soil, the engineers test for certain minerals, sand and general suitability for construction. With a range of historic fuel storage tanks nearby, soil contamination testing has also taken place.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing has also been conducted to determine the capacity of the existing soil to support new buildings. DCP is one of the most efficient and effective tools available for evaluating the strength of soils on site. The engineers measure how far their drilling rig can penetrate the selected ground, using complex calculations to determine how this translates into the load-bearing capacity of the soil.

Being so close to the shore, these tests will provide invaluable information to guide the design process and ensure the buildings will be able to withstand the ever-changing environment around them.  

History holding up to inspection

Structural engineers have been inspecting what’s in and under Badcoe Hall, to inform the necessary direction for adaptive re-use and restorations.

This has included stripping back carefully selected portions of the interior and footings to examine the structure inside. With the building’s construction dating back to 1963, initial reports suggest it’s doing well for its age!