Foundation design
Strip, trench-fill, pad, raft or piled foundations designed for the ground conditions and loads, with calculations where required.
Groundworks
Groundworks London
EMA Structures provides engineering support for groundworks across London, covering foundation design, drainage, retaining structures, site preparation, contractor coordination and inspection, giving residential and commercial projects a sound, properly engineered base to build on.
Overview
How we support groundworks
Groundworks set the foundation for everything that follows, and getting them right depends on sound engineering. EMA Structures provides the structural input behind groundworks, designing foundations and retaining structures to suit the ground conditions, advising on drainage and site preparation, coordinating with the groundworks contractor, and inspecting the works on site so the rest of the build proceeds on a properly engineered base.
We support groundworks on extensions, new builds, basements and commercial projects, working alongside contractors and architects to make sure the below-ground works are designed, built and checked to the right standard.
What We Provide
Engineering support for groundworks
From foundation design to inspection, the engineering behind a sound base.
Drainage
Advice and coordination on surface and foul drainage so the below-ground works are integrated correctly.
Retaining structures
Reinforced retaining walls and earth-retaining structures designed to resist soil and groundwater pressure.
Site preparation
Engineering input on excavation, levels and ground preparation to ready the site for construction.
Contractor coordination
Clear drawings and specifications, plus query support, to coordinate the groundworks contractor on site.
Inspection
Inspections at key stages, including foundation excavations before pouring, so works follow the design.
Process
How we support a groundworks package
A clear, staged route from assessment through to inspected works.
1
Assessment
Review the site, ground conditions and project to confirm the groundworks approach.
2
Design & calculations
Design foundations, retaining structures and drainage with structural calculations where needed.
3
Building Regulations
Prepare drawings and calculations and support the Building Control submission for approval.
4
Contractor coordination
Coordinate with the groundworks contractor and answer technical queries on site.
5
Inspection
Inspect the works at key stages so the groundworks follow the engineering design.
Who This Is For
Who we support on groundworks
Engineering support tailored to those delivering residential and commercial projects.
- Developers
- Contractors
- Homeowners
- Architects
- Businesses
Engineering-Led
A sound base for the whole build
Groundworks are easier to get right with engineering input from the start. EMA Structures designs the foundations and retaining structures, advises on drainage and site preparation, coordinates the groundworks contractor, and inspects the works so the rest of the project is built on a properly engineered base.
- Foundation design
- Drainage
- Retaining structures
- Site preparation
- Contractor coordination
- Inspection
Related Services
Connected structural services
Basement Construction London
Structural design and engineering support throughout basement construction.
Learn moreUnderpinning London
Foundation deepening and stabilisation in safe, sequenced bays.
Learn moreConstruction Support
Site inspections, contractor coordination and construction-stage support.
Learn moreStructural Engineer London
Calculations, drawings and Building Regulations support.
Learn moreFAQs
Groundworks questions
What do groundworks include?
Groundworks cover the below-ground and ground-level works that prepare a site and form the structure's base. This typically includes site preparation and excavation, foundations, drainage, retaining structures, ground slabs and service runs. EMA Structures provides the engineering support behind these works, from foundation design to coordination of the groundworks contractor on site.
Do you design foundations?
Yes. Foundation design is a core part of our groundworks support. We assess the ground conditions and loads and design the appropriate foundation solution, such as strip, trench-fill, pad, raft or piled foundations, with structural calculations for Building Control where required.
Can you coordinate the groundworks contractor?
Yes. EMA Structures can coordinate with the groundworks contractor, providing clear drawings and specifications, answering technical queries on site, and reviewing the works against the design so the groundworks are built correctly and the rest of the build can proceed on a sound base.
Do you inspect groundworks?
Yes. We can inspect groundworks at key stages, such as foundation excavations before concrete is poured and retaining structures during construction, so the works follow the engineering design and any issues with the ground are identified early.
Planning groundworks in London?
Send us your plans, site information or groundworks queries and we will advise the right engineering route for your project.