South Australia Unearthed: Geotechnical Insights with FMG Engineering

For the past 50 years, FMG Engineering has been delving deep into the geological history of South Australia. Along the journey, we’ve addressed challenges, served varied sectors and gained unrivalled expertise in geotechnical engineering.

1.   Pugholes

South Australia is dotted with “pugholes” which were historically mined for clay to use in brickmaking. These holes were typically backfilled using poor uncompacted material. A recent project in Hindmarsh uncovered a pughole 7m deep! This shows the importance of geotechnical investigations for laying a secure foundation.

2.  Reactive Soils of Adelaide

Adelaide is typified by reactive soils that seasonally shrink and swell. Suburbs such as Newton, Hillcrest and St Marys are particularly known for extremely reactive soils. With our knowledge base and geotechnical investigations, we can predict these seasonal movements and design suitable footings to withstand these shifts.

3.  Soft Soils

In areas like Port Adelaide with soft, compressible soils, we offer expertise in preloading the site using mounds of dirt. This strategy compresses the soil, creating a solid foundation for construction. The FMG Geotechnical team can predict the settlements, design the earthwork methodology and provide ongoing monitoring.

Through the years, FMG has navigated varied landscapes providing tailored geotechnical services for residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, energy and pavement projects. From designing footings for pughole sites to predicting settlements in soft soils, FMG has left its mark.

Our Doors Are Open.
Planning a venture? FMG is ready to assist you with any geotechnical need. Reach out for a comprehensive breakdown tailored to your project.  enquiry@fmgengineering.com.au

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