Geotechnical investigation and testing

Open Pit Protection — Gornja Kustošija Branch School

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Open Pit Protection — Gornja Kustošija Branch School

October 30, 2025

In the western part of the City of Zagreb, in the borough of Gornja Kustošija, the construction of the Gornja Kustošija Branch School is planned. For the construction of the structure, it is necessary to conduct an excavation into the existing terrain to a total depth of approximately 10.0 m. The open pit is temporary […]

Landslide Remediation in Skrad on the DC3 State Road

September 26, 2025

In Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, on the DC3 state road, in section 0014, and at chainage from 22 + 500 km to 22 + 600 km, a landslide has activated, affecting both the traffic lanes of the roadway. The road section was constructed partly by filling over the existing terrain and partly by cutting into the […]

Geotechnical Investigation and Testing in Klinča Sela

September 18, 2025

At the location planned for the construction of a new distribution and logistics center in Klinča Sela, the Geotech team carried out comprehensive geotechnical and engineering geological investigation and testing. The aim of the investigation was to provide reliable data on soil composition, mechanical behavior, and hydrogeological conditions — forming the foundation for high-quality design […]

Geotechnical Investigation and Testing for the Petrol Station in Sustjepan (Dubrovnik)

July 17, 2025

In preparation for the construction of a petrol station with the accompanying infrastructure at the Sustjepan location in Dubrovnik, our team conducted extensive geotechnical and engineering-geological investigation and testing to ensure a reliable and safe foundation for the future traffic and maritime infrastructure project. The site is located in the Sustjepan area, where the Ombla […]

Punta Greca… Where Wine Begins with the Soil…

May 15, 2025

At the southernmost tip of Istria, just a few kilometers south of Ližnjan, lies one of the most striking vineyards in Croatia – Punta Greca – spanning three and a half hectares. This is the birthplace of a wine that has already achieved legendary status – the Punta Greca Merlot.Produced in limited quantities, the Punta […]

Cavern Detection and Remediation

May 8, 2025

Caverns, i.e., cavities under the ground of various dimensions, pose a potential risk when planning infrastructure projects, construction activities or any other interventions. This is precisely why their timely detection and precise mapping is crucial for the safety and stability of future structures. Data collection and initial analysis The initial phase of cavern detection typically […]

Lupoglav – Raša Study

February 20, 2025

The existing L213 Lupoglav – Raša railway line extends approximately 53 km and is a significant infrastructural connection in the region. Built in 1948 and opened for traffic in 1952, the railway was closed on 26 December 2008, due to geotechnical issues, primarily the activation of a landslide known as the “drunk railway”. The railway […]

Soil permeability

January 30, 2025

Soil permeability refers to how easily water moves through soil. It is expressed using the permeability coefficient (k), which measures the rate at which water flows through a given soil area under a specific pressure gradient. Permeability is influenced by factors such as fluid properties, temperature, soil particle size, void ratio, and soil composition. According […]

Field Methods for Soil Parameter Testing

November 14, 2024

Pocket shear vane device and pocket penetrometer In safe design and execution of various interventions in the soil, such as building foundations, dams, embankments, tunnels and retaining structures, understanding the properties of the soil plays a significant role. Not only is it crucial to understand the soil properties but also to implement testing methods and […]

Sinkhole remediation

September 12, 2024

In our previous blog, we discussed the phenomenon of sinkholes, their characteristics and the potential dangers that arise when they become active. This follow-up blog will focus on remediation methods and measures taken to mitigate their harmful effects. Sinkhole remediation is a crucial process to prevent further soil collapse and protect the surrounding infrastructure, buildings […]

Sinkholes in Karst Areas

August 29, 2024

Sinkholes in karst areas are a fascinating and often alarming geological phenomenon. These depressions in the soil primarily form because of the chemical dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite and gypsum by water, which is common in karst landscapes. Understanding the formation, characteristics and potential hazards of sinkholes is crucial, especially since they […]

The importance of engineering and geological mapping in slope protection

July 18, 2024

Engineering and geological mapping is a fundamental step in planning and executing slope protection works. This process involves the detailed collection, analysis and interpretation of data on the geological and geotechnical characteristics of the terrain. It enables engineers to identify potential risks and develop effective strategies for stabilizing and protecting slopes during and after construction […]

Measuring equipment for displacement monitoring

April 11, 2024

(Inclinometers, Geodetic Points and Clinometers) The term deformation refers to all the changes that occur on infrastructure facilities or structures, in their surroundings during construction or use, as well as changes that occur after the completion of structure construction or on slopes — landslides. Geometric changes that occur on structures can be related to the […]

Geotechnical Investigation and Testing for the Jadroagent Logistics Center

March 28, 2024

The development of the Kukuljanovo industrial zone is progressing rapidly and we are witnessing the intensive construction of new facilities intended for production, logistics and sales. Among these new projects, the construction of a modern Jadroagent logistics center stands out. This new facility, the area of which will cover 10,000 square meters, is key infrastructure […]

The Effect of Moisture Content and Particle Size on Direct Shear and Oedometer Tests

December 7, 2023

The general term “soil” is usually defined as the product of the weathering of the Earth’s crust. Different professions will consider those properties of soil that are most relevant to them. Where construction is concerned, the engineering properties of soil are paramount. These properties include moisture content, specific gravity, porosity, particle size, consistency limits, etc. […]

Geotechnical investigation and testing for Hotel Biševo in Komiža

November 16, 2023

The town of Komiža is located on the western coast of the island of Vis. On this location, right by the coast of the Adriatic Sea, in Ribarska Street, the construction of a new building — Hotel Biševo — is planned. This future building brings a combination of luxury and Mediterranean charm, and the architectural […]

Soil consistency limits

May 25, 2023

In its natural state, soil appears in various forms. All soil characteristics, from its natural humidity to the distribution of particle sizes, provide us with a background for understanding its behavior. Each piece of information that brings us closer to understanding its character helps us predict future situations or remedy existing ones at a particular […]

Open pit protection design for the Blu Mare hotel in Novigrad

December 1, 2022

Construction of a new accommodation and catering facility, a hotel, of a total area of 1101 m2 is planned within the historical center of Novigrad. Planned works The future hotel building is planned to have five floors (four above ground and one underground). The hotel capacity is 56 beds organized in 24 accommodation units (rooms). […]

Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) test

November 10, 2022

Hardness is the basic quantitative engineering property of a rock sample. Assessing the strength and deformability of rock mass is of great importance for the implementation of numerical analyses in rock mechanics. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) is a geomechanical rock parameter that describes the maximum axial load that the sample can withstand without lateral loading. […]

Open pit protection and foundation design – UPOV Požega

October 27, 2022

In the eastern part of the city of Požega, the reconstruction and extension of the Požega agglomeration wastewater treatment plant (UPOV Požega) is planned. For the construction project, we made the main and detailed temporary open pit protection and foundation design for the following facilities: – facilities of the biological block (floor plan dimensions approx. […]

Dubravci landslide remediation on state road DC3

October 13, 2022

The remediation works on the Dubravci landslide, located on state road DC3, section 012, at km 4+400 in Karlovac County, have been completed. For this project, we carried out the engineering geological and geotechnical investigation and testing and made the main and detailed landslide remediation designs. We also carried out the complete supervision of the […]

Video logging in boreholes

September 15, 2022

For the purpose of design, construction and management of large hydrotechnical and geotechnical structures, there was a need for an instrument adapted for use in the karst area. Based on experience with the application and servicing of existing instruments, activities related to their improvement as well as the design of a new hydrogeological instrument for […]

Logging measurements in boreholes

September 1, 2022

Geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations are carried out in order to determine the characteristics of the foundation soil and the water-bearing systems, which include logging measurements in boreholes. Logging measurements are geophysical measurements in boreholes that describe the physical properties of the drilled soil and rock and they are connected to geological and petrological properties. Physical […]

Brebornica landslide remediation on the DC1 state road

July 28, 2022

The remediation works on the Brebornica landslide, located on state road DC1, section 011, at km 4+500 in Karlovac County, have been completed. For this project we carried out the engineering geological and geotechnical investigation and testing and made the main and detailed landslide remediation design. During the execution of the works, we also carried […]

Geotechnical investigation and testing on the M104 Novska–Tovarnik–DG railway line, section Sibinj–Slavonski Brod

June 30, 2022

The M104 railway is an integral part of the main line that connected the cities of Ljubljana, Zagreb and Belgrade during the Yugoslavia era. This route was built in sections in the period from 1849 to 1897 at the time of the greatest 19th-century development of railway infrastructure in the world. The Slavonski Brod–Sibinj section […]

Grain size analysis

April 28, 2022

All soils consist of differently sized and shaped particles (grains). These particles are grouped into size intervals (fractions). The distribution of fractions makes up the granulometric composition of soil (Latin granulum – small grain). The granulometric composition or particle size distribution of soil is one of its basic descriptive parameters, used for evaluating the physical […]

Drilling a geothermal borehole

April 19, 2022

In the search for cleaner and more environmentally friendly forms of energy, i.e., renewable energy sources, geothermal energy presents itself as a good solution. Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated in the interior of the Earth by the slow decay of radioactive elements, chemical reactions, or friction during the movement of tectonic masses. The amount […]

Geotechnical investigation and testing – Port of Omiš

March 11, 2022

The reconstruction of the paved promenade and the construction of a pier with docks are planned in the coastal part of Omiš, near the river Cetina estuary. To prepare the detailed design for the reconstruction of the port open to the public, we have carried out geotechnical investigation works and drafted a geotechnical report. Geological and […]

Construction of a piezometric well

February 24, 2022

Groundwater is one of the most important natural resources. In order to gain insight into the quality and quantity of groundwater we use piezometric wells. Piezometric wells are used to monitor groundwater levels and determine aquifer parameters such as transmissibility, hydraulic conductivity and storage, and they also give us the ability to sample groundwater for chemical […]

Marine geophysics

December 14, 2021

In certain cases, conventional offshore geotechnical investigation and testing (exploratory drilling) of the foundation soil are not possible or are highly complex to carry out, which directly affects the financial aspect of the project. In such cases, geophysical surveys of the foundation soil are used instead. Geophysical surveys include the application of geophysical methods for […]

Direct shear

November 25, 2021

Taking into account the intended function and the client requirements, each building is evaluated to anticipate its performance in order to ensure the safety of its future users. This applies to both the building itself and the foundation soil. The permissible loads and deformations are taken into account—these will depend on the structure and the […]

Oedometer soil test

July 29, 2021

Predicting the settlements of structures is one of the most demanding problems faced by designers in geotechnics. Disregard and incorrect assumptions about foundation soil compressibility can lead to additional stresses within the structure and ultimately to its cracking and collapse. Two components are most important to designers observing settlements: the value of the total settlements […]

Geotechnical investigation and testing – Albatros 2 Hotel in Cavtat

May 11, 2021

The construction of a new Albatros 2 Hotel building is planned on a plot of about 50 thousand square meters near the town of Cavtat, about 850 meters from the historic center between the Žal Promenade and Put od Oboda Street. Planned works Sports courts and the existing Albatros 1 Hotel built in the seventies […]

Groundwater level measurement

April 16, 2021

Groundwater is one of the greatest treasures of Croatia, but in geotechnics it often causes great problems when excavating open pits. In the Republic of Croatia, about 90% of drinking water is in the form of groundwater. To better understand the processes related to groundwater, long-term (one year minimum) monitoring of groundwater levels is necessary. […]

Foundation and retaining structure design – Radeševo cable car, Platak

March 11, 2021

As part of the Platak Sports Center, there is a cable car in Radeševo for sporting and recreational purposes, which was built in the 80s. In order to achieve a higher passenger capacity of the cable car and provide additional services (transport of passengers and bicycles when the cable car is not being used for […]

INA Rijeka Refinery Modernization Project

November 12, 2020

The modernization of the Rijeka Oil Refinery is the largest single investment project in the history of the INA oil company. The project includes the construction of a heavy waste treatment plant, the reconstruction of existing units, as well as the construction of a new port with a closed coke warehouse at the INA Rijeka […]

Laboratory testing of rock mass strength

September 10, 2020

Laboratory testing is one of the most important segments in the study of rock properties and behavior in different conditionst is an integral part of geotechnical exploration and investigation works. There are several methods of laboratory testing of rock mass strength, and the most important are UCS (Uniaxial compressive strength), PLT (Strength index determined by […]

Landslide mapping using Remote Sensing

March 13, 2020

Landslides are phenomena that occur as a result of sliding processes. In some cases, landslides can also occur after other types of movement which occur either immediately after a breakdown or later, when a mass moves down a slope, as a consequence of the changes in the properties of the triggered material. Landslide mapping methods […]

Deep foundation for a new school building in Osijek

December 19, 2019

The construction for a new school building of the Prva gimnazija high school is planned in the northwestern part of Osijek. The site is located between Strossmayerova street to the south, opposite the Pejačević Castle, with Podravska street to the east and the river Drava to the north. Planned works The new building will cover […]

Investigation works for the Alpha Centauri campus of the Infobip

November 22, 2019

On a 20,000 square meter lot in Zagreb, at the crossroads of Utinjska and Lukoranska streets in Sveta Klara district, the foundations for Alpha Centauri, the new Infobip campus, have been placed. Planned works The new facilities will cover 11,900 square meters and have seven stories (north side of the building) and four stories (south […]

Geophysical surveys

September 26, 2019

Geophysical surveys include the implementation of geophysical methods to indirectly determine the geological and structural as well as the physical and mechanical characteristics of the foundation soil. These methods are used to determine the layout, thickness and properties of individual layers below the terrain surface, on which the construction of a specific structure is planned. […]

Geotechnical and engineering geological exploration and investigation works – Korčula port, location Polačište

August 29, 2019

Planned work – construction of the new Korčula port, location Polačište The project site is located at Polačište, on the northern side of Korčula island, approximately 1.5 km west of the old town of Korčula, within the construction area of Zrnovo town. The planned structure will be a port open for public transport, primarily for […]

Offshore exploratory drilling

July 17, 2019

Exploration for construction of marine structures Offshore exploratory drilling includes a combination of drilling, sampling, in situ testing, as well as laboratory tests on soil and rock samples. Marine structures belong to a group of extremely complex construction projects. It is very important to be familiar with underwater geological conditions in order to predict all […]

Cone Penetration Test with pore water pressure measurement (CPTU)

June 13, 2019

A cone penetration test with pore water pressure measurement, or CPTU, is a static penetration test with water pressure measurement. The main purpose of CPT (CPTU) testing is to identify subsurface conditions: classify soil, detect layers and measure strength, determine deformation characteristics and the permeability of foundation soils. This is done mainly on the basis […]

3D geological model

May 3, 2019

In order to increase the quality of project documentation through more detailed preparation, gets insight into potentially problematic situations, and other technical solutions we create 3D geological models. What is a 3D geological model? A 3D geological model represents a spatial view of the foundation soil structure in the observed area. It is used as […]

Point load test (PLT)

February 7, 2019

The Point load test is an index test by which the rock is classified according to the strength. The test can be used to estimate other characteristics of intact rocks with which it correlates, such as uniaxial compressive and tensile strength. The test determines the strength index values at a point (Is (50)) and the […]

How to determine the age of a rock?

October 29, 2018

The age of a rock is determined by stratigraphy, a branch in geology which studies the chronology of events and changes, along with the development of organisms, which have determined the development of the Earth from when it became an independent spatial body until today. The age, or the chronology of geological creations and events […]

How to build on unstable terrains and avoid landslides?

September 27, 2018

How to avoid landslides? In today’s blog, we present you examples of good practice in building structures on potentially unstable slopes. The temperatures are falling, the autumn is in front of us and we are expecting soon, wanting or not, the rainy periods that will actualize the subject in geotechnical engineering – LANDSLIDES. We have […]

Light dynamic penetrometer (DPL)

September 6, 2018

About light dynamic penetrometer Light dynamic penetrometer (DPL) is used for testing the thickness of different soil layers, control of soil density or consistency and determination of strength and deformation parameters. In general, if the ground is not too dense or consistant, penetration tests can be carried out to depths of about 8 to 12 […]

Permeability test – Lugeon test

July 26, 2018

Why we need permeability test? Permeability test is necessary on terrain where are predicted soakaways which store water after big rainfall and provide efficient soil infiltration. Usually they are used in areas where surface run-off cannot be disposed into existing sewers or watercourses. A Soakaway is constructed in one of two basic forms: Conventional soakaway […]

Exploratory drilling

June 29, 2018

Exploratory drilling represents common underground research methods in geotechnical investigation works. It provides visual insight into the geological and geotechnical profile of the explored site. The most important result of the exploratory drilling is the drilling core that represents the depth profile of the studied position. In the way of performance, we differentiate the following […]

Protection of the rock slope on the part of state road D501, between Hreljin and Križišće

June 14, 2018

Protection of the rock slope Geotechnical works on protection of slopes on parts of state road D501, between Hreljin and Križišće are in progress. For these parts of state road D501 we have already carried out exploration works and made the main design and detailed design. State road D501 was conduct with cutting in natural […]

Georadar

May 4, 2018

Georadar (Ground penetrating radar) Ground penetrating radar is a geophysical method that uses radar impulses for getting an image of subsurface state and condition. Georadar is applied for: – locating and marking of underground installations (power, water, gas, optics, abandoned pipes, illegal connections etc.) – archaeological exploration (fort, walls, object and bone […]

How to determine number and depth of exploration boreholes?

April 27, 2018

Number and depth of exploration boreholes Like we have written in previous blogs, exploration works, geotechnical exploration works are an important part of each project. Unquality and unprofessional exploration works can lead to structural damage and costly and difficult remediation. The position and depth of exploration and investigation has to be selected based […]

Geotechnical exploration works – introductory part

April 4, 2018

Geotechnical exploration works Geotechnical exploration works present one of the most important part in the developing phase of a new investment and a geotechnical designer should be included in the earliest possible phase of design. A large part of our business is connected to geotechnical exploration and investigation and their quality is a precondition for […]

Exploration works for a dry dock in Brodosplit

March 29, 2018

The shipyard Brodosplit is located in the Split-dalmacija province, in the northern part of Split. More accurately it is located on the north bank of the Split peninsula in the Kaštelan bay. The shipyard produces military and civil vessels and is spread across an area of 560.000 meters squared. A construction of a dry dock […]

Dynamic plate – ideal tool for determining soil constrained modulus

February 23, 2018

Dynamic plate For the beginning, let us consider a hypothetical scenario. A building has been constructed, e.g. a business warehouse. The new owner has begun noticing cracks in the walls and even a light-leaning of the building after a certain time. The problems are probably large settlements of soil under the building’s foundations. In that […]

Remediation of eastern fortification walls in the town of Krk – from geotechnical report to building supervision

January 15, 2018

Wall remediation of eastern fortification walls Krk’s fortification walls consist of several town gates, castles and two independent towers. These fortification walls date back to the 6th century BC. Those prehistoric walls were mentioned for the first time in an inscription of their renewal from the 1st century BC, which is situated today in […]

Foundation design of the garage beside Hotel Adriatic in Opatija – a combination of shallow foundations and deep foundations

January 9, 2018

Foundation design of the garage As part of the existing hotel Adriatic in Opatija, it is necessary to extend the parking capacity and it was decided to build a multi-story parking building (G + 3 floors) at the back of the hotel. The location of the future garage is located on the southern […]