Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust
  • Latest news

    20 Oct 2026

    Creative geotechnical photography

    Inspired by her surroundings at RHS Rosemoor, where she was carrying out the ground investigation for a new educational facility, and with one eye on the Ruddlesden geotechnical site photograph of the year competition, Catherine Greed got creative with her site photography recently, framing the dynamic sampling rig within the last of the summer flowers.

    Creative geotechnical photography
  • Recent projects

    UKAS Accredited Testing for Residential Development in Somerset

    Extensive geotechnical and contamination laboratory testing was recently undertaken as part of a ground investigation for proposed residential development site on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare. In addition to classification (plastic and liquid limits and particle size distribution) tests, quick undrained triaxial and oedometer consolidation tests were carried out to provide information for foundation design. pH and soluble sulphate testing (BRE SD1 suite) was also undertaken to confirm the buried concrete class requirements. A broad range of contamination testing, including asbestos, heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), was undertaken to provide information for human health and controlled waters risk assessments. The testing was UKAS accredited and Ruddlesden geotechnical’s close working relationships with both the laboratories helped ensure the testing results were issued promptly.

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  • Recent projects

    Cliff Stability Assessment, Dorset

    There was a stability risk at a cliff-top site on the Isle of Portland, as indicated by a Phase 1 Geotechnical Assessment, previously undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical. Ruddlesden geotechnical were commissioned to assess the potential for landslip, ascertain the likely landslip mechanism and causation and determine the relative risk of collapse. Due to restricted access, rope accesstechniques were utilised to collect rock mass data for use in structural kinematic analyses to ascertain the likely failure modes. The results of the kinematic analyses (and site observations) indicated the potential for rockfall and wedge-type failures within the top 10m of the cliff-top, confined to one particular geological unit. Remedial measures, comprising rock-bolting and meshing, were recommended to maintain the existing cliff profile and hence long-term stability of the site.

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