In sports field design, geotechnical investigations are vital for uncovering potential site challenges that can significantly impact a project’s timeline, budget, and overall success. However, the reality is that some clients may be hesitant to invest in additional testing due to perceived cost concerns, potentially overlooking critical insights that could prevent costly setbacks later on.

At SPORTENG, we play a key role as the link between our clients and geotechnical experts, guiding the process to ensure that all necessary tests are carried out for a thorough understanding of the site. While we understand the desire to minimise initial costs, cutting corners on geotechnical testing is often a short-sighted strategy that can lead to much higher expenses down the track.

The Importance of Thoroughness: Learning from Real-World Examples

Maria’s experience on the Fortitude project serves as a clear reminder of why geotechnical investigations should not be skimped on. "A significant amount of unexpected rock was discovered, despite previous geotechnical borehole testing," she explains. “This situation highlighted the importance of reassessing geotechnical studies if initial results seem insufficient for the entire site.”

The issue? While the borehole samples provided valuable localised insights, they didn’t account for the complexities of the entire site. In cases like these, additional testing or more expansive borehole sampling may be necessary. Skipping these steps may seem like a cost-saving measure at first, but it can result in unforeseen challenges that could delay construction and increase costs.

Anticipating the Unexpected: Coral Sea Project’s Concrete Slab Discovery

The Coral Sea project offers another powerful lesson in the importance of comprehensive testing. Despite initial geotechnical studies, a large concrete slab was discovered beneath the surface during construction, causing unexpected delays and escalating costs. This could have been avoided if additional tests had been conducted upfront.

At SPORTENG, we recommend that our clients take a proactive approach to geotechnical testing, especially if the site presents complexities such as irregular terrain, historical contamination, or previous construction. While some clients may hesitate due to cost concerns, the reality is that skipping tests often leads to much larger financial impacts down the line.

The Case for Comprehensive Geotechnical Testing

As experts in the field, we understand the balance between budget and risk. However, we strongly believe that the best approach is to invest in thorough testing upfront rather than risk the unforeseen costs of dealing with complications during construction. Geotechnical investigations are essential for laying the groundwork for successful sports field projects, and their value becomes clear when challenges arise later in the process.

We advise clients not to dismiss additional tests purely based on cost. When dealing with the complexities of large sports fields, a single test might not uncover all the variables. It’s important to ask for more testing, especially if the site shows signs of potential issues. The goal is to address any concerns before they turn into costly problems that disrupt the entire project.

Best Practices for Getting the Most Out of Geotechnical Investigations

Here are a few steps we recommend to maximise the effectiveness of geotechnical investigations:

Engage geotechnical teams early and often

At SPORTENG, we recommend working with geotechnical experts from the start. Early engagement helps us understand the site better and adapt the design as needed.

Don’t cut corners: More testing can save money in the long run

Clients sometimes hesitate to approve extra tests due to cost, but more testing upfront can save money later. It helps avoid costly delays and surprises, like discovering unexpected rock or concrete

Reassess and adapt

If something seems off, like unusual soil or contamination, it’s important to reassess and do more testing. Additional boreholes or deeper drilling can give us a clearer picture and prevent problems down the road.

Thorough testing prevents costly surprises

Cutting corners now can lead to bigger costs later. Unexpected issues, like hidden rock formations or infrastructure, can cause major delays. Investing in thorough testing now avoids future headaches.

A thorough approach to geotechnical investigations

At SPORTENG, we believe that thorough geotechnical testing is not just a precaution; it’s an investment in the project’s success. By ensuring that all necessary tests are conducted—whether through additional boreholes, different techniques, or deeper investigations—we can help clients avoid costly surprises and ensure their sports field projects move forward smoothly and on schedule.

While we understand the temptation to reduce costs by skimping on testing, we’ve seen firsthand that the long-term savings from comprehensive geotechnical work far outweigh the initial investment. By partnering with us and our geotechnical experts, clients can rest assured that their projects are built on solid ground—literally and figuratively.