Recent Projects
Examples of recent geotechnical and structural engineering work carried out by Branch Consulting across Canterbury and the wider South Island.
New Dwelling, Oxford
Date: April 2026
Service: Geotechnical investigation & soil bearing capacity report
Project type: New 302m² brick veneer dwelling on a flat residential subdivision
Scala penetrometer and hand auger testing was carried out at four locations across a flat, previously-farmed section. Topsoil to 200mm depth, underlain by imported AP20 gravels over natural silty gravel. All tests returned Geotechnical Ultimate Bearing Capacity greater than 300kPa, qualifying as NZS3604 “Good Ground”. Standard waffle slab foundation recommended. Report delivered within 5 working days of site visit.
New Dwelling & Minor Dwelling, Lake Tekapo
Date: May 2026
Service: Geotechnical investigation & soil bearing capacity report
Project type: New dwelling with minor dwelling and worker accommodation on a 260m² sloping site
A gently sloping (1:10 gradient) site on glacial moraine gravels in Lake Tekapo with a cut/fill building pad already formed. Testing found natural glacial moraine gravel with AP20 fill above – all returning >300kPa bearing capacity. NZS3604 “Good Ground” confirmed. Report completed within 5 working days.
Remedial Retaining Wall, Nelson
Date: January 2026
Service: Geotechnical investigation & retaining wall design
Project type: Remedial retaining wall under existing dwelling – pile foundation collapse risk due to slope failure after heavy rain
An existing pile-founded dwelling had experienced a soil slip failure beneath the building following an extended period of heavy rain. Branch Consulting was engaged to investigate soil conditions and design a retaining wall to remediate the slip, support the existing jack stud wall, and prevent further foundation movement.
Scala penetrometer and hand auger testing found sandy SILT with gravel content to depth. Geotechnical Ultimate Bearing Capacity of 300kPa was achieved at 200-600mm depth across the test locations. Site classified as NZS3604 “Good Ground” for retaining wall design purposes.
Outcome: 20 Series Block reinforced in-situ concrete retaining wall designed. PS1 and PS4 issued. Investigation and design completed on-site within a week of initial engagement.
Cantilevered Deck, Sumner
Date: March 2026
Service: Structural engineering design & PS1
Project type: Cantilevered deck extension on a steep cliffside property
A structural engineering design for a cantilevered deck extension at a steep coastal property in Sumner, Christchurch. Site constraints – cliffside location, limited access, and the need to avoid deep foundations near the slope edge – required a carefully engineered cantilever solution. Structural calculations and documentation prepared for building consent.
Outcome: PS1 Producer Statement for Design issued. Design prepared in consultation with the homeowner and contractor for straightforward consent processing.
Want to feature your project here?
We’re happy to discuss your geotechnical or structural engineering requirements. Every project we take on receives the same thorough, site-specific approach.