Call: 01392 678082

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

Recent projects

  • Latest news

    13 Jul 2026

    Geoff’s birthday treats!

    We recently celebrated a special birthday of Geoff Davis, in a place that is close to his heart: the East Devon coast.He treated us to his knowledge of the geology and landslide systems in the area, and we treated him to an ice cream on the beach!

    Geoff’s birthday treats!
    Geoff’s birthday treats!

  • Recent projects

    Subsidence Investigation, Exeter

    A void was encountered during construction works beneath an existing residential property in Exeter. It was feared that the void might compromise the integrity of the property, as the existing foundations were no longer being supported. Ruddlesden geotechnical were called out on behalf of a consulting engineer to investigate the ground conditions, to assess possible reasons for movement and to provide appropriate remedial recommendations. The Phase 1 geotechnical assessmentindicated that this was likely to be due to a damaged rainwater downpipe, which had resulted in the wash-out of loose fines within made ground, associated with the basement of a historical property, present prior to the construction of the Victorian terrace. A subsequent geotechnical investigation, which comprised hand-held window samples and dynamic probes within the footprint of the existing building, indicated that the made ground was in the region of 3m thick and was present beneath the central and eastern-half of the building. Ruddlesden recommended that, to guarantee the serviceability and integrity of the existing building, the foundations be underpinned on to the underlying breccia using cantilevered mini-piles or the made ground be consolidated using a low-mobility grout.

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  • Recent projects

    Foundations Options Appraisal, Somerset

    The Somerset Levels typically comprise a thick sequence of Quaternary and Recent Alluvium/ Tidal Flat Deposits, made up of layers of peat, clay, silt, sand and gravel, underlain by Triassic and Jurassic bedrock deposits. The cost-effective development of residential housing can be difficult in this area of the country, due to the deep Alluvium/ Tidal Flat Deposits, often ranging between 10m and >20m in thickness, which sometimes results in piled foundations being the default foundation solution, which can often affect the viability of the project. The upper 1.5m-2.0m of the Alluvium/ Tidal Flat Deposits often comprise desiccated clay soils and can, in some circumstances, provide a suitable founding stratum for shallow foundations. Conversely, for larger developments, ground improvement can also be considered to facilitate the use of shallow foundations, as a cost-effective alternative to piles. As part of a general ground investigation, Ruddlesden geotechnical have recently undertaken a foundation options appraisal in Weston-super-Mare for a proposed residential development, where all of the above were considered, to provide the most cost-effective solution for the developer. A mix of piled and strip/ trench-fill foundations were recommended, directly relating to the underlying geology.

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