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.
Worked example · Clayfield QLD · sample dated 29 October 2026
From mapped evidence to a better geotechnical brief
This walkthrough uses the current 16-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
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?
16 pagesin the exact downloadable sample PDF
818 m²mapped whole-property area across two lots
149 boreslogged within a 2 km search radius
8.9%average mapped slope, classified moderate
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 44.7 m AHD.
- The 3.1 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.
What the report actually found
These values are transcribed from the sample PDF. They are evidence for scoping and review, not field observations.
| Evidence area | Sample result | How it informs the next step |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Moderate 41.6-44.7 m AHD, 3.1 m total fall and approximately 8.9% average slope | Prompts early review of drainage, cut/fill, retaining and survey requirements. |
| Indicative soil reactivity | Mixed or layered ground Mapped texture-contrast soil on mixed parent material, with an indicative AS 2870 movement range of M (about 26 mm, range 22 to 30 mm) | Frames the shrink-swell question for investigation; it is a desktop indication, not a site classification, which needs site testing. |
| Historical boreholes | 149 within 2 km The nearest bore used in the profile is reported 23 m from the site | Shows the density and proximity of historical evidence available to frame drilling expectations. |
| Composite lithology | Good record agreement 64 bores combined, 88% material agreement: clay 0.0-10.0 m | Creates an anticipated profile against which site boreholes can be planned and compared. |
| Groundwater | Records 4 to 24 m Nearest six water-level records within 300 m, some of them perched or pressure levels in deeper aquifers | Helps frame a dewatering question, but does not establish the groundwater level at the property or through time. |
| Environmental context | Acid sulfate not assessed Outside the mapped acid sulfate extent; fire ant biosecurity zone 2 identified | Records what the mapping does and does not cover, and a biosecurity constraint to check before soil movement. |
How it moves through a real workflow
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, the indicative reactivity range, 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 review
- 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 records and indicative reactivity range are desktop estimates derived from mapped and historical sources. They are not observations from the subject property and must not be represented as such.
Common questions
Does this desktop study replace a site investigation?
No. It uses mapped and historical data to frame likely conditions and investigation questions. Boreholes, sampling, testing, survey and professional design are still required where applicable.
Does the report give an AS 2870 site classification?
No. It reports an indicative reactivity range from mapped material and soil evidence. The site investigation decides the AS 2870 class, using site-specific testing.
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