Geotechnical engineers for Franklin

Franklin is changing fast, with new subdivisions around Pukekohe and Paerata alongside rural and coastal properties. The ground changes just as much. Around Pukekohe and Bombay, the South Auckland volcanoes left basalt and deep volcanic clays that are generally good to build on but can hide variable rock depths. In the valleys and on the low-lying land towards the harbour, soft alluvium and peat make settlement the main concern.

Out on the Āwhitu Peninsula and around Waiuku, old dune sands and harbour cliffs bring coastal erosion and slope stability into play, so cliff-top setbacks and stability checks are often part of the job.

Ground conditions in Franklin

What we look out for

• Soft, compressible soils and peat in low-lying areas
• Slope instability on steep volcanic and sand country
• Coastal erosion along the Manukau Harbour and west coast
• Liquefaction screening on loose sands
• Variable depth to basalt, which affects piling

Typical projects

• Greenfield subdivisions in Pukekohe and Paerata
• Rural houses, sheds and minor dwellings
• Coastal and cliff-top houses on the Āwhitu Peninsula
• Retaining walls and platform earthworks

Every site is different. Geology maps and council overlays are a starting point; a site-specific investigation confirms what is actually there.