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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

    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

    Soakaway Drainage Feasibility Assessment, Cornwall

    Soakaway drainage, combined with sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), was proposed as a means of surface water drainage at a proposed residential development site in Cornwall. Soakaway testing and assessment was as a pre-commencement planning requirement. In order to provide soil infiltration rates for preliminary design, in-situ soakaway testing was undertaken in accordance with BRE DG 365. Close liaison with the consulting engineer ensured that the test locations were targeted at key locations and depths across the site. In addition to considering the infiltration characteristics at the site, as parts the site were relatively steeply sloping, a slope stability assessment was undertaken, to assess how soakaway drainage might affect slope instability; soakaways had to be carefully sited as a result of this. Long-term groundwater level monitoringwas also undertaken to demonstrate that the seasonal high groundwater table would not rise above the base of the soakaway.

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  • Recent projects

    Geophysics Provides Site-Wide Ground Profile Information, Devon

    Near-surface geophysics, comprising ground penetrating radar (GPR) and resistivity, was used to identify the presence, geometry and depth of limestone solution features at a proposed residential development site in Torbay. Following a soakaway test investigation, Ruddlesden geotechnical had concerns that the natural solution features within the limestone bedrock could inhibit the use of conventional soakaway drains at this site. Some conventional trial pitting and trenching had been undertaken with excavation plant, revealing a variable and often absent rock-head profile. Due to the variability and need to keep site disturbance to a minimum, geophysics was considered to be the most suitable method of investigation. Ruddlesden geotechnical have a good working relationship with a specialist team of geophysicists, who, under the instruction of Ruddlesden geotechnical, completed the works on this project. Following the geophysical survey and acquisition of the site, further geotechnical investigation was undertaken to confirm the profile (and depths) provided by the geophysics. The geophysics provided greater site coverage and certainty on the ground conditions, which were proven to be variable and potentially problematic.

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