Worked example · Clayfield QLD · sample dated 3 September 2026

From mapped evidence to a better geotechnical brief

This walkthrough uses the current 14-page sample report to show what the desktop evidence says, what it changes in early-stage thinking, and what still needs to be confirmed on site.

Real output from the live report formatNo customer endorsement impliedExact PDF available
Key highlights page from the Clayfield geotechnical desktop study
The sample's key-highlights page, summarising geology, slope, regional reactive-soil potential, nearby bores and environmental context.

The site question

Before drilling and design, what does existing government mapping and nearby borehole evidence suggest about the site's terrain, likely ground profile and constraints - and where should a site-specific investigation focus?

14 pagesin the exact downloadable sample PDF
818 m²mapped whole-property area across two lots
149 boreslogged within a 2 km search radius
9.0%average mapped slope, classified moderate
Regional geology map and site details for the Clayfield sample

The mapped starting point

A specific ground model to test - not a generic suburb summary

The parcel resolves to two lots in Clayfield and regional mapping places it on the Neranleigh-Fernvale beds: mudstone, shale, arenite, chert, jasper, metavolcanics, pillow lava and conglomerate.

  • Mapped elevations range from 41.6 m to 44.2 m AHD.
  • The 2.6 m fall produces a moderate indicative slope.
  • The report flags possible retaining, cut/fill and drainage questions.
  • Regional geology supports an excavation and founding hypothesis that must be tested locally.

Download the exact PDF →

What the report actually found

These values are transcribed from the sample PDF. They are evidence for scoping and review, not field observations.

Evidence areaSample resultHow it informs the next step
TerrainModerate 41.6-44.2 m AHD, 2.6 m total fall and approximately 9.0% average slopePrompts early review of drainage, cut/fill, retaining and survey requirements.
Reactive soil screeningVariable potential Regional screen from mapped material and soil evidence, with an indicative AS 2870 movement range of S to MFrames the shrink-swell question for investigation; it is a regional screen, not a site classification, which needs site testing.
Historical boreholes149 within 2 km The nearest bore used in the profile is reported 23 m from the siteShows the density and proximity of historical evidence available to frame drilling expectations.
Composite lithologyGood confidence 64 bores combined, 75% average material agreement: clay 0.0-10.0 mCreates an anticipated profile against which site boreholes can be planned and compared.
GroundwaterDeep estimate About 23 m, based on nearby groundwater recordsHelps frame a dewatering question, but does not establish the groundwater level at the property or through time.
Environmental contextNo mapped ASS risk Fire ant biosecurity zone 2 also identifiedRecords mapped screening results and a biosecurity constraint to check before soil movement.

How it moves through a real workflow

Confirm the property being assessed

The report resolves the address, whole-property lot set, local government area, coordinates and mapped parcel context before interpreting regional data.

Build an evidence-based preliminary ground model

Geology, soil mapping, terrain and historical boreholes are brought together into a testable expectation rather than treated as isolated maps.

Turn findings into investigation questions

The moderate slope, reactive-soil screen, possible rock profile and borehole consensus help focus drilling depth, sampling, laboratory testing, groundwater observation and survey needs.

Replace desktop assumptions with site evidence

The engineer compares field logs and test results with the preliminary model, resolves differences and develops the project-specific classification and design advice.

What this example can and cannot support

Useful for

  • Early site and acquisition screening
  • Scoping a geotechnical investigation
  • Preparing a proposal or preliminary risk register
  • Reviewing terrain, mapped geology and nearby records together
  • Briefing clients and project consultants consistently

Still requires confirmation

  • Subsurface conditions through site drilling or excavation
  • Laboratory testing and final AS 2870 classification
  • Groundwater level and seasonal variation at the site
  • Survey-grade levels, boundaries and site features
  • Engineering interpretation, foundation and retaining design
Important: The composite lithology, groundwater depth and reactive-soil screen are desktop estimates derived from mapped and historical sources. They are not observations from the subject property and must not be represented as such.

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