Overview
Every structure is only as strong as the ground beneath it. Envostructs' geotechnical team provides the subsurface intelligence that underpins every safe, cost-effective foundation decision. From borehole drilling and laboratory testing to full geotechnical reports with foundation recommendations, we have investigated ground conditions across Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Benue, and Abuja — and every Nigerian soil type holds its secrets for the engineer who knows how to read them.
Our Capabilities
- Subsoil investigations: borehole drilling from 10–30m depth
- Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and in-situ soil testing
- Laboratory analysis: particle size, Atterberg limits, consolidation, shear strength
- Geotechnical engineering reports with specific foundation recommendations
- Deep foundation design: bored piles, driven piles, micro-piles
- Settlement analysis and differential settlement predictions
- Slope stability assessment for cut slopes and embankments
- Ground improvement recommendations for weak soils
- Foundation inspection and supervision during construction
- Expert witness and dispute investigation services
Our Process
Site Reconnaissance
Desktop study of available geological maps, aerial imagery, and site visit to identify visible features and access constraints.
Borehole Drilling
Drilling to the required depth at planned locations, with soil sampling at regular intervals and in-situ SPT testing.
Laboratory Testing
All samples tested at accredited Lagos laboratories for particle size, plasticity, compressibility and shear strength.
Analysis & Report
Comprehensive geotechnical report: soil profile, bearing capacity, foundation type recommendation, settlement estimates.
Foundation Supervision
Optional inspection of excavations and piling works to confirm actual conditions match the investigation findings.
Example Projects
Real projects where we delivered this service
NASFAT Bored Pile Foundation, Isolo
₦12 MillionSubsoil investigation revealed 8m of soft alluvial soil, leading to bored pile design to 12m depth.
View ProjectLagos Free Zone Subsoil Investigation
₦2.1 MillionMulti-borehole investigation across coastal reclaimed land for infrastructure planning.
Micropile for Billboard, Surulere
₦5.4 MillionSpecialist micropile foundation for a major LED billboard on a constrained urban site.
Swiss International Hotel, Abeokuta
₦6.5 BillionDeep foundation design for 15-storey hotel structure.
View ProjectFrequently Asked
Do I need a geotechnical investigation for a residential building?
Yes. Any building of 2 storeys or more in Lagos and South-West Nigeria requires a geotechnical investigation to determine the appropriate foundation type and depth. The cost is typically 0.3–0.8% of the building value — the cheapest insurance you will ever buy.
How long does a borehole investigation take?
For a typical residential or commercial plot, field drilling takes 2–5 days. Laboratory testing takes 7–14 days. The full geotechnical report is typically delivered within 3–4 weeks of site work completion.
What is the difference between strip foundations and pile foundations?
Strip and pad foundations are suitable where firm bearing strata are within 1.5–3m of the surface. Pile foundations are needed when soft or compressible soils extend deeper, requiring loads to be transferred to a firmer stratum at depth. Our investigation will tell you exactly which applies to your site.
Can you investigate sites outside Lagos?
Yes. We have investigated sites in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Benue, Abuja, and other states. We mobilise a drilling team to wherever the project requires.