News
Read the latest from our team on the ground along with geotechnical and geophysical news here.
/ Merch is ready for the 71st ANMSEC in Baguio City!
Looking forward to connecting with everyone at this year’s 71st Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference.
Come and see Eriko, Georgie, Kaye, Patrick and our PH team at Booth 165 – with Derek and Benjamin from our New Zealand team also there and available for a chat.
We’ve got RDCL goodie bags ready, and plenty of reasons to show how partnering with our geotechnical specialists can deliver strong value for your clients.
#71stANMSEC #PMEA #RDCL #ProudSponsor #Geophysics #Geotech #Mining #EngineeringPhilippines Pusong Minero
5 days ago
We recently wrapped up an inspiring few days at the NZGS2025 Conference, and it was refreshing to attend a geotechnical event that focused beyond cyclic loading and liquefaction. With recent disasters being so landslide-driven, the theme of resilience really resonated – especially through the many case studies and council-led presentations.
A standout takeaway was the reminder that while some geotechnical design processes can be standardised, you can’t remove the engineering geologist from the equation. A robust ground model remains essential.
Another thought-provoking session tackled how we manage uncertainty in our geotechnical data – highlighting that even “precise” lab test results carry bias depending on how samples are taken. It reinforced how geological context and on-site understanding are crucial for interpreting data and managing uncertainty effectively.
Overall, a great mix of practical insights and forward-thinking discussion for our profession.
1 week ago
NZGS – Young Geotechnical Professionals
Unlocking new water sources and offering insights.
Ollie from our Wellington team and Auckland graduate Kate recently completed wireline logging of two closely spaced, 400+ m deep water wells in New Zealand.
The goal was to identify and correlate fracture zones to allow the wells to be redeveloped more efficiently.
Together, these tools provided a high-resolution understanding of the subsurface conditions:
/ Optical Televiewer – Provided orientated imagery of the open hole sections of the hole. This allowed the wireline engineers to assess fracture orientation of potential aquifers and assess lithological changes.
/ Mechanical Calliper – this provided data on the size of the borehole and gave vital information on whether the fractures were open or not.
/ Fluid temperature and conductivity – this provided information on potential inflow of water into the well from source aquifers. Different bodies of water may have different temperatures and conductivities (linked to salinity).
/ Natural Gamma – clay rich rocks typically have a higher natural gamma signature than other lithologies. This data can help to distinguish between different geology types and allow the hydrogeologist to make high level assessments about the porosity of the rocks.
Despite challenges with site access and working at the limits of the onsite cable length, both wells were logged within two days. One bore reached 421 metres, making it the deepest borehole RDCL has logged using this method in the North Island to date.
These projects highlight the value of combining the right tools, experience, and teamwork – turning complex subsurface conditions into decision-ready data for hydrogeological assessments.
We’re proud of our team for continuing to rise to the challenge of delivering critical insights for our project partners, and the future of our land and water.
#waterinfrastructure #groundwater #WirelineLogging #RDCL #geophysics #hydrogeology
3 weeks ago
Stress testing, 545m deep.
RDCL is currently delivering hydraulic fracturing testing at 545 metres in Rizal Province, supporting the development of one of the Philippines’ largest pump storage energy facilities.
This is specialist work – technically demanding, logistically complex, and critical to long-term performance. Hydrofrac testing allows engineers to assess in-situ stress conditions at depth, providing essential inputs for the design of underground excavations, tunnels, and long-life infrastructure.
Our Philippines team pioneered this capability locally. Today, RDCL remains the only firm delivering this method in-country; a reflection of our investment in people, training and tools, and in delivering knowledge that supports safe development in difficult ground.
The work is underpinned by the IPI STX-60 system, a second-generation wireline hydraulic packer that enables multiple test stages in a single borehole run. Combined with optical and acoustic televiewer logging, this approach delivers a high-resolution picture of stress, structure, and rock behaviour, from surface to depth.
RDCL’s experience in hydrofrac testing is built over years of technical delivery across the Philippines and Aotearoa. For planners operating in challenging terrain, where legacy risk and stakeholder confidence must be managed in parallel, this level of insight becomes indispensable.
We bring more than data – we bring clarity, confidence, and locally grounded decision support.
Learn more about RDCL’s stress testing, televiewer logging, and advanced investigation tools at rdcl.co.nz.
#GeotechnicalEngineering #Hydrofrac #StressTesting #MinePlanning #PumpStorage #RDCLPhilippines #SubsurfaceData #GeotechAsiaPacific
3 weeks ago
Welcoming Afshin Asadi to RDCL!
We are pleased to introduce Afshin, who recently joined RDCL as a Senior Geotechnical Engineer.
Afshin is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng, CMEngNZ, FICE) with extensive global experience including in Iran, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. His background spans investigation, design, research, and teaching – with a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering and a strong record of technical publications in sustainable ground improvement.
Based between Wellington and Auckland, Afshin will strengthen RDCL’s Wellington and central North Island capability, adding further depth to our geotechnical expertise.
Pictured here with Engineering Geologist Tim Goettler and Commercial Partnerships Manager Derek Batchelor, the team enjoyed some time on the ground together recently.
We’re incredibly proud to welcome Afshin to the team, and know his knowledge and experience will be a real asset to the work we do for our project partners, land and communities.
/ www.rdcl.co.nz/staff/afshin-asadi/
#GeotechnicalEngineering #EngineeringExcellence #RDCL #TeamUpdate
4 weeks ago
On Thursday we gathered with clients and partners to celebrate the year that’s been for our Hawke’s Bay team – a year that’s tested us, stretched us.
It was great to acknowledge the commitment and collaboration that underpins the relationships we have with our clients and partners. These partnerships are at the heart of everything we do.
A special thank you to everyone who joined us – and to our team who continue to show up every day with passion and dedication.
Here’s to 2026 – to stronger partnerships, smarter growth, and a shared commitment to caring for both people and the land we work upon.
TW Construction Company Strata Group Consulting Engineers Ltd G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Silvester Clark Consulting Engineers – Structural Engineers Hawkes Bay Māori Rugby – Te Matau a Māui & many others, thanks for coming out.
4 weeks ago
Thank you RDCL for putting on this annual event – it’s always a great opportunity to connect and reflect.