The aim of geotechnical certification
The aim of this is to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that geotechnical assets are safe and serviceable in use and fit for their intended function. The geotechnical certification procedures are detailed in CD622 Managing Geotechnical Risk, Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB).
The procedures apply to geotechnical assets associated with developments proposed for adoption or which may affect public roads. All proposals proposed for adoption, require the geotechnical certificate which accompanies the Geotechnical Feedback Report to also incorporate the construction compliance element.
When geotechnical certification is required
Geotechnical activities include, but are not limited to, the design, construction and maintenance of earthworks; special geotechnical measures (defined in CD622); intrusive and non-intrusive ground investigations; excavation/assessment below carriageway construction level; earth retaining structures; structural foundations and excavations; tunnelling; trenchless crossings; excavations for services on/or adjacent to earthworks and/or natural slopes, including drains, electricity and communications cables for both DfI and third party services; ground treatment. The activities list is not exhaustive.
Where appropriate, Geotechnical Certification in accordance with DMRB CD622 Managing Geotechnical Risk is required before construction commences.
Useful documents
Information on managing geotechnical risk is available on the following DfI page:
Template copies of the Geotechnical Certificate, the Geotechnical Construction Compliance Certificate and the Highway Structure Summary Information Sheet are available on the following page and must be used: