Foundations designed for the ground you actually have

The right foundation depends on what's beneath your site. We design foundations that suit the ground, the structure and your budget, so you don't overspend or take on unnecessary risk.

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We work closely with your architect and structural engineer, giving them clear geotechnical parameters they can design from.

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When you need us

• Sites that aren't "good ground" under NZS 3604

• Expansive clays prone to shrink and swell

• Soft, filled or variable ground

• Sloping sites and sites near retaining walls

• Heavier or larger buildings that need piles

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What's included

• Bearing capacity and settlement assessment

• Shallow foundation and raft recommendations

• Pile design: type, depth and capacity (end bearing and shaft friction)

• Site soil classification for expansive soils

• Geotechnical design parameters for your structural engineer

• Review of the structural foundation design

• Inspections during construction (PS4 where required)

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How it works

1. Send us your plans and the site address.

2. Desk study. We review geology maps, the NZ Geotechnical Database, council records and historic aerials.

3. Proposal. You get a clear scope, fee and programme.

4. Site work. Our team carries out the fieldwork or inspections with minimal disruption to your site.

5. Report. Clear findings and practical recommendations.

6. Ongoing support. We answer council RFIs and support you through design and construction.

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Why Gibb Ritchie

• Principal-led. A director is involved in every project, from scope to sign-off.

• Chartered professionals. Work led by Chartered Professional Engineers (CPEng).

• Local experience. We know Auckland's ground, from North Shore clays and Waitematā rock to volcanic and reclaimed land.

• Practical advice. Solutions that are technically robust, commercially realistic and fit your project.

• Responsive. We know geotechnical input is often on the critical path for design, consent and construction.

• With you to the end. The same team supports you through consent and construction.