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Trial &
Hand Pitting

Visual ground investigation to 4.5m depth with in-situ testing. CBR and plate bearing tests available on site. Suitable for all types of shallow ground investigation.

To 4.5m Depth
CBR Testing
Plate Bearing
Hand Dig Available
UK-Wide
4.5m
Max Depth
CBR + PBT
In-Situ Tests
Plant or Hand
Excavation Method
UK-Wide
Coverage
About This Service

Visual Ground Investigation
at Shallow Depths

Trial pitting involves excavating pits to a maximum depth of 4.5m using standard excavation plant or hand digging methods. The exposed pit faces are logged by our geotechnical engineers, who record soil and rock conditions, groundwater levels, and any other relevant features encountered.

Trial pits provide a direct visual assessment of ground conditions that borehole methods cannot match. They are particularly valuable where the visual character of the soil is important — for example where contamination needs to be identified, or where ground conditions are variable and visual logging is essential.

A range of in-situ tests can be carried out in trial pits including California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests and plate bearing tests. Our engineers have a thorough knowledge of soil conditions and understand all the mechanics connected with these tests.

Depending on the depth of investigation required and site access constraints, a variety of excavators can be deployed. Where plant access is restricted, hand dug pits can be excavated to shallower depths.

Suitable For
  • Shallow foundation investigations
  • CBR and plate bearing testing
  • Contaminated land assessment
  • Visual soil characterisation
  • Bulk sample recovery
  • Groundwater level assessment
  • Pavement and road subgrade testing
  • Restricted access sites (hand dig)
PIT
The Process

How Trial Pitting Works

01
Site Setup
The excavator is positioned and the trial pit location is agreed and marked. Buried services are confirmed clear using CAT scanning prior to any excavation.
02
Excavation
The pit is excavated progressively to the required depth. Excavated material is stockpiled adjacent to the pit and segregated by depth where required for contaminated land investigations.
03
Logging & Testing
The exposed pit faces are logged by our geotechnical engineer. In-situ tests (CBR, plate bearing) are carried out at the required depths. Samples are recovered and labelled for laboratory testing.
04
Backfilling
On completion, the pit is backfilled with the excavated material compacted in layers, or with imported granular material where required. The site is left clean and tidy.
Applications

Where We Use
Trial Pitting

Roads & Pavements
CBR and plate bearing testing for road and pavement design on new developments and highway improvement schemes.
Housing
Shallow foundation investigations for residential developments, providing visual assessment and in-situ test data.
Contaminated Land
Visual assessment and sampling across contaminated sites where characterisation of contamination at depth is required.
Commercial
Ground investigation for commercial and industrial floor slab design, hardstanding and loading bay construction.
Foundations
Foundation assessment for extensions, outbuildings and structures where shallow ground conditions are the primary concern.
Renewables
Shallow investigation and CBR testing for solar farm access tracks, hardstandings and ancillary infrastructure.
GeoPrime Solutions

See the Ground.
Test In-Situ.
Know What's There.

Direct visual assessment combined with in-situ testing — the most complete picture of shallow ground conditions available.

Why Choose Us

Why GeoPrime for Trial Pitting

Qualified Engineers
Our geotechnical engineers have a thorough knowledge of soil conditions and understand the mechanics of all in-situ tests. You get clear, accurate logging and results you can trust.
In-Situ Testing
CBR and plate bearing tests carried out on site by experienced operatives using properly maintained equipment. We also advise on which test is appropriate for your specific project requirements.
UK-Wide Reach
Trial pitting teams deployed across the entire UK. Competitive pricing regardless of location — no inflated mobilisation costs.
Other Services

Related Services

Cable Percussive Drilling
CBR & Plate Bearing Testing
Window Sampling & Dynamic Probing
Ground Penetrating Radar
Coring
UXO Borehole Clearance
Common Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Trial pitting involves excavating pits to a maximum depth of 4.5m using plant or hand methods. The exposed pit faces are logged by a geotechnical engineer who records soil conditions, groundwater levels and other relevant information.
Trial pits can be excavated to a maximum depth of 4.5m using standard excavation plant. Hand dug pits are typically shallower. The achievable depth depends on ground conditions and pit wall stability.
CBR tests and plate bearing tests can be carried out in trial pits. Samples can also be recovered for a wide range of laboratory tests including particle size analysis, strength testing and chemical analysis.
A California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test measures the strength of sub-grade soils for road, pavement and slab foundation design. It measures resistance to penetration under controlled conditions and is one of the most widely used geotechnical tests in the UK.
Trial pitting is used where shallow ground conditions need visual assessment, where bulk samples are required, or where CBR or plate bearing tests need to be carried out. It is often used alongside borehole investigations for a complete site picture.
PITTING

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on Your Site?

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07541 553837
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