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 HD 22 Managing Geotechnical Risk, Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 4.
The procedures apply to geotechnical assets associated with developments proposed for adoption or which may affect public roads. All private developments proposed for adoption require the geotechnical certificate accompaning the geotechnical feedback report to incorporate a construction compliance element.
When geotechnical certification is required
Geotechnical activities include, but are not limited to, construction of embankments or reinforced earth structures, cuttings, new developments on embankments, structural foundations and roads on poor/fill ground.
Where appropriate, Geotechnical Certification in accordance with DMRB Vol 4 HD 22/02 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 version 4, the Geotechnical Construction Compliance Certificate and the Highway Structure Summary Information Sheet are available on the following page: