Services / Site Classification

Site Classification Reports

An AS 2870 site classification is required before construction can begin on any residential or light commercial development. It determines the ground movement potential of your site and dictates the footing system your builder must use.

Our process starts with a preliminary desktop assessment — delivered instantly online — and progresses to a full on-site investigation when you're ready to proceed.

How it works

1
Preliminary desktop report — $75

Enter your address on our homepage and receive an instant report covering geology, estimated groundwater depth, site gradient, acid sulfate soil risk and the contaminated sites register. Delivered within minutes, no site visit required.

2
Full geotechnical investigation

A registered geotechnical engineer visits your site to carry out borehole drilling, in-situ testing (PSP / DCP) and soil sampling. Samples are sent to our NATA-accredited laboratory for classification and reactivity testing.

3
AS 2870 site classification report

We issue a stamped engineering report with the site class (A, S, M, H1, H2, E or P), vertical surface movement estimate, and footing recommendations — everything your builder and certifier need.

Pricing

Your $75 preliminary report fee is credited in full toward the cost of a full site classification if you proceed with us. It is not an additional charge.

Preliminary Desktop Report

Instant online assessment — geology, groundwater, gradient, acid sulfate soil risk, contaminated sites register.

$75 — instant, online

Standard Residential

Single residential lot, standard conditions. Includes site visit, borehole, lab testing and stamped AS 2870 report. Preliminary report fee credited.

From $280

Complex or Difficult Sites

Sites with potential fill, reactive soils, contamination, slope or groundwater issues may require additional investigation. Quoted on review.

POA — contact us

Multi-lot / Subdivision

Volume pricing available for developers with multiple lots. Combined field and lab programs reduce per-lot cost.

POA — contact us

Site classes explained (AS 2870)

The site class describes how much the ground is likely to move due to moisture changes. A lower class (A, S) means a simpler, cheaper footing. A higher class (H2, E, P) means more engineered solutions are required.

ClassDescriptionTypical ys (mm)
A Stable — mostly rock or sand, negligible ground movement < 20
S Slightly reactive — minor surface movement from moisture changes 20 – 40
M Moderately reactive — moderately reactive clay or silt 40 – 60
H1 Highly reactive — highly reactive clay soils 60 – 75
H2 Highly reactive — very reactive clay soils 75 – 100
E Extremely reactive — extreme ground movement expected > 100
P Problem site — fill, compressible soils, collapsing soils, soft soils, or aggressive conditions. Site-specific engineering required. —

Start with an instant $75 preliminary desktop report — no appointment needed.

Get a preliminary report →