Lot / Site Classification Services
Atlas Engineering and Technology Group (AETG) delivers thorough site and lot classification services throughout Sydney.
Our geotechnical engineers assess your site's soil conditions to classify the ground according to Australian Standards (AS2870). This determines how reactive the soil is and how much movement might occur over time.
What is Lot/Site Classification?
Site classification evaluates the soil's reactivity and potential movement, which directly impacts foundation design requirements. This classification is essential for:
- New residential construction
- Home extensions or renovations
- Commercial and industrial developments
- Ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations
Classification Types
According to Australian Standard AS2870, sites are classified into these categories:
- Class A - Stable, non-reactive sites with little or no ground movement
- Class S - Slightly reactive clay sites with minimal ground movement
- Class M - Moderately reactive clay sites
- Class H - Highly reactive clay sites with significant ground movement
- Class E - Extremely reactive sites with very high ground movement potential
- Class P - Problem sites (filled, mine subsidence, landslip, collapsing soils)
Our Process
- Site inspection and assessment
- Soil sampling and borehole drilling as required
- Laboratory testing of soil samples
- Analysis of soil reactivity and movement potential
- Classification report with foundation recommendations
- Professional consultation to explain findings
Why Choose AETG for Your Site Classification?
- Experienced geotechnical engineers with local Sydney knowledge
- Fast turnaround times to keep your project moving
- Comprehensive reports accepted by all local councils
- Cost-effective solutions tailored to your specific project
- Clear communication throughout the process
Successfully Completed Jobs by AETG to Date
✔ Proposed Residential Development - Warana Road, Cecil Park NSW
The soil classification report, as assessed in the Site Classification Report by AETG, was determined based on detailed fieldwork and laboratory testing. The subsurface profile encountered across three boreholes consisted of a thin topsoil layer overlying sandy clay fill, which transitioned into residual silty clay soils at depth. Laboratory Atterberg Limits testing of the residual silty clay indicated high plasticity, with a Liquid Limit (LL) of 68%, Plastic Limit (PL) of 19%, and Plasticity Index (PI) of 49, categorising the material as a highly plastic silty clay. Based on these findings, along with Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) results and site observations, the site was classified as Class H2 in accordance with AS2870, indicating it is subject to very high ground movement due to moisture changes. The residual soil horizon was identified as the preferred founding material for structures, while fill was deemed unsuitable for foundation support without specific remediation measures.
✔ Site Classification Assessment - Chandos Road, Horsley Park NSW
AETG was tasked to conduct drilling investigation works for a site classification assessment at Chandos Rd, Horsley Park NSW. The client required a suitable site classification for the proposed new horse stables. AETG was provided with documents and design specifications, including an Architectural Set and a Concrete Structural Plan. The site is located within The Fairfield City Council governing area, with vehicle site access from Chandos Rd. The proposed Horse Stables will be constructed within the site's internal boundary.
Fieldwork was conducted under the supervision of a Geotechnical Engineer from AETG, including subsurface investigations at two select locations, including two boreholes advanced with a manual hand auger. Buried metallic services and utilities were identified by the client and AETG. Drilled boreholes were advanced to a maximum depth of 1.4m below ground level at varying ground levels. The retrieved soil sample was sampled for the performance of Atterberg Limits under AETG's in-house procedures in accordance with AS1289 3.3.1 to ascertain the required geotechnical parameters for soil classification.
AETG was commissioned to determine a suitable Site Classification in accordance with AS2870-2011 "Residential Slabs and Footings." The proposed development is classified as a highly reactive clay site, potentially experiencing high ground movements from moisture changes.
✔ Site Classification Assessment - Lancaster Avenue, Melrose Park NSW
AETG was tasked to conduct a drilling investigation for a proposed alteration to existing structure development at Lancaster Avenue, Melrose Park NSW. The client required a Site Classification Report and laboratory tests to determine the existing site founding conditions. The site is underlain by Holocene Quaternary sand from the Cainozoic Era, consisting of silty to peaty quartz sand, with silty and clay layers. However, the material encountered during the AETG manual hand auger investigation was residual silty clay, which differs from the geological map's depiction of sandy material. Further investigation beyond the depth of the hand auger is recommended, with a mechanical auger ideal for probing the underlying geology at greater depths.
The proposed development includes demolition of existing pool deck, alteration of the front facade, replacement of the existing rear veranda, pool deck, and balcony, and associated landscaping works. The site is located within the City of Ryde governing area and has a notable gradient difference descending from the north to southern perimeter. Fieldwork was undertaken on 10th March 2025 under the full-time supervision of a Geotechnical Engineer from AETG, including subsurface investigations at two select locations. The drilled borehole was advanced to a maximum depth of 1.40m below ground level, and laboratory Atterberg Limits tests were conducted. The site was classified as Class H1 in accordance with AS2870 "Residential Slabs and Footings." The proposed development is classified as a highly reactive clay site, potentially experiencing high ground movements from moisture changes.