News
Read the latest from our team on the ground along with geotechnical and geophysical news here.
Just another week in the life of RDCL!
Across the Philippines | Auckland | Hastings | Bay of Plenty | Wellington – the team have been on point.
/ #geotechnicalengineering #geophysics #FutureGenerations
2 days ago
Most people will never see the work that happens before a major tunnel is built.
For the Herne Bay Connector Trunk Sewer Upgrade in Auckland, an extension of what would become New Zealand’s largest bored wastewater tunnel, understanding the ground between boreholes was a critical part of the design process.
RDCL was engaged to carry out a rapid MASW (Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves) survey along approximately 2 km of the proposed alignment, helping reduce uncertainty in the East Coast Bays Formation between boreholes spaced 200–300 m apart.
Using surface and downhole seismic methods, the team developed a continuous subsurface profile and contributed data used to support 3D ground modelling and seismic strength calculations for the design team.
It’s a strong example of the role geophysics can play in major infrastructure projects, providing practical insight into what’s happening below the ground, before construction begins.
🔗 www.rdcl.co.nz/projects/herne-bay-connector-trunk-sewer-upgrade/
Much of this work is never seen publicly, but it plays an important role in helping infrastructure projects move forward with greater confidence and understanding of the ground conditions beneath.
#Geophysics #MASW #GroundModelling #Infrastructure #WastewaterInfrastructure #Auckland #RDCL
1 week ago
Adding depth to our geophysics capability in Auckland.
We’re pleased to have Leo Peters on the team as a Senior Geophysicist, bringing a strong mix of academic range (PhD) and practical field experience across non-invasive subsurface investigations.
Leo’s work spans survey design, data acquisition, processing, and interpretation, helping turn geophysical data into clear insight for ground modelling and engineering decisions.
For our clients, this deepens RDCL’s Auckland capability, particularly where understanding the ground early can reduce risk and improve project outcomes.
And for those interested in working in this space – it’s a good example of the kind of capability we’re continuing to build.
Great to have you on board, Leo.
#Geophysics #GroundInvestigation #Auckland #RDCL
2 weeks ago
When critical infrastructure is being built, confidence in what’s below the surface cannot be understated.
As part of the Te Maunga Wastewater Treatment Plant development in Mount Maunganui, RDCL supported the QA process for a complex secant piled wall, designed with seismic resilience in mind.
On projects like this, the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant, making verification a critical part of construction.
Working alongside the wider project team over an 18-month period, RDCL deployed acoustic and optical televiewers to 3D image 84 QA drillholes within the piled wall. This allowed the team to identify and assess potential engineering defects, while eliminating drilling-induced features from interpretation.
The result was an additional layer of confidence in the installation quality of a critical structure at the heart of the project. An important piece of infrastructure, designed to support the Bay of Plenty for future generations.
At RDCL, we know the role specialist geotechnical and geophysical services can play. We respect our role – helping major infrastructure projects move forward with greater certainty, resilience, and understanding of the conditions below the ground.
🔗 Learn more: www.rdcl.co.nz/projects/te-maunga-wwtp/
#GeotechnicalEngineering #Infrastructure #WastewaterInfrastructure #ConstructionQA #Televiewer #BayOfPlenty #RDCL
1 month ago
Delivering televiewer surveys in the steep terrain of Davao de Oro, Mindanao, our Philippines team is supporting mining exploration in a challenging field environment.
For some of the team — including Eulyn, Elden, and Engie — this is home ground, working alongside Eriko, Marvin, and Nocky.
Working across steep terrain and variable weather, the team is supporting exploration programmes where understanding subsurface structure early is critical to safe and efficient mine planning.
Borehole televiewers provide high-resolution, oriented images of the borehole wall, allowing geologists and engineers to visualise and accurately identify subsurface structures, fractures, and geological features in situ. This reduces uncertainty and supports more confident decisions around resource development and ground stability.
Like much of RDCL’s work across the Asia–Pacific, delivery requires adaptability. With remote access, changing conditions, and tight programmes, the team is able to adjust operations — including deploying night shifts where needed — to keep data flowing without compromising quality.
It’s a strong example of what our teams do every day: combining specialist tools, practical field delivery, and local knowledge to turn complex ground conditions into decision-ready insight for our clients.
1 month ago
