What is a landslide investigation?

A landslide investigation assesses the stability of natural or engineered slopes and identifies the factors contributing to actual or potential ground movement. The investigation helps determine whether further assessment or risk management measures may be required.

What is slope stability analysis?

Slope stability analysis evaluates the likelihood of slope failure by considering factors such as soil and rock conditions, groundwater, slope geometry, and loading conditions.

What causes landslides?

Landslides are commonly influenced by groundwater, elevated soil moisture, poor drainage, erosion, excavation, uncontrolled fill, and changes to slope loading. In many cases, multiple factors contribute to instability.

When is a landslide risk assessment required?

Landslide risk assessments are commonly undertaken where development is proposed on sloping land, where evidence of ground movement exists, or where instability may affect buildings, infrastructure, or public safety.

What information is included in a landslide investigation report?

A landslide investigation report may include site observations, ground conditions, slope stability considerations, groundwater observations, identified risks, and practical recommendations relevant to the site.

Does a landslide investigation include retaining wall design?

No. BHM Geotechnical provides investigations and geotechnical assessments to inform design decisions. Detailed retaining wall or remediation design is typically completed by the appropriate design consultant unless BHM is separately engaged for that scope.

Landslide Investigations Adelaide | Slope Stability

Landslide Investigations in Adelaide

Slope Stability Analysis & Landslide Risk Assessments for Adelaide Developments

Slope movement can threaten buildings, infrastructure, and proposed developments, particularly on steep sites or where drainage and groundwater conditions are changing. Our landslide investigations and slope stability analysis services help identify instability risks, understand contributing factors, and support practical risk management decisions.

50+ Years Combined Experience
ISO Certified Management Systems
Engineers Australia Members
Australian Geomechanics Society Affiliates
Testing Undertaken by NATA-Accredited Labs

Slope Stability Analysis

Slope stability analysis evaluates the factors affecting slope performance and assesses the likelihood of ground movement under existing or proposed conditions.

Our investigations include

Assessment of natural and engineered slopes
Slope geometry and site observations
Soil and rock profile assessment
Groundwater and seepage assessment
Identification of potential failure mechanisms
Preliminary stability modelling and assessment
Identification of existing landslide features
Assessment of erosion and drainage conditions
Review of slope loading and crest development

These investigations help identify instability risks and provide information to support development, remediation, and risk management decisions.

Landslide Risk Assessment

Landslide risk assessments consider the likelihood and potential consequences of slope movement affecting people, property, infrastructure, and proposed developments.

Our investigations include

Review of historical ground movement
Identification of instability indicators
Assessment of potential triggers
Evaluation of risks to existing assets
Development and planning considerations
Preliminary mitigation recommendations
Assessment of risks to the proposed development
Identification of potential consequences of slope failure

These assessments help clients understand landslide risk and determine whether further investigation or management measures may be required.

Common Causes of Slope Instability

A well-known geotechnical principle states that the major causes of landslides are "water, water, and more water." Groundwater, seepage, and elevated soil moisture can significantly reduce slope stability and contribute to ground movement.

Other contributing factors may include

Surface water infiltration and poor drainage
Removal of toe support through excavation or erosion
Changes in groundwater conditions
Fill placement and uncontrolled earthworks
Weathering and weak geological materials
Loading near the crest of a slope
Previous slope movement and reactivation of old landslides

Understanding these factors is essential when assessing landslide risk and planning development on sloping sites.

Experienced Slope Stability Consultants in Adelaide

BHM Geotechnical combines practical site experience, geotechnical investigation methods, and engineering expertise to deliver reliable landslide investigations and slope stability assessments.

From residential developments on steep terrain to infrastructure projects affected by unstable ground conditions, our investigations help clients understand slope risks and identify practical management strategies.

Practical Slope Assessments

Investigations tailored to understanding slope performance and instability risks.

Ground Movement Expertise

Assessment of factors contributing to slope failure and ground movement.

Risk-Focused Reporting

Reports prepared to support planners, designers, engineers, and property owners.

Residential & Infrastructure Experience

Experience across hillside developments, infrastructure corridors, and existing assets.

Responsive Project Delivery

Efficient investigations and reporting to support project timelines and risk management decisions.

Landslide Investigations for Development & Existing Slope Risks

Where Landslide Investigations Help Reduce Slope Risk

Understanding slope stability is essential whenever development is proposed on sloping land or where evidence of ground movement exists.

Our landslide investigations support:

Hillside Residential Developments

Assess slope stability and ground movement risks affecting new homes and residential developments.

Existing Structures Showing Movement

Investigate cracking, settlement, retaining wall movement, and other signs of potential instability.

Infrastructure Corridors

Assess slope risks affecting roads, utilities, embankments, and transport infrastructure.

Excavations & Retaining Structures

Evaluate the potential impacts of excavation and support systems on slope stability.

Erosion & Drainage Problems

Investigate groundwater and drainage conditions contributing to instability.

Sites with Previous Landslide Activity

Assess reactivation risks and identify potential management measures.

Recognising the Early Signs of Slope Instability

Slope movement is not always sudden. In many cases, sites show early signs of instability before more significant movement occurs. Cracking in the ground, movement of retaining walls, leaning fences or trees, erosion, surface depressions, changes in drainage patterns, and recurring wet areas on slopes can all indicate that further assessment may be required.

Identifying these signs early can help property owners, developers, and project teams better understand potential risks and determine whether landslide investigations or slope stability assessments are necessary before development proceeds or existing issues worsen.

Supporting Development Decisions on Sites Affected by Ground Movement

BHM Geotechnical supports builders, developers, engineers, and property owners with practical investigations, clear reporting, and responsive service throughout Adelaide and South Australia.

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Efficient, concise geotechnical engineering advice.

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Landslide Investigations in Adelaide

What Is a Landslide Investigation?