Mitigating ground risk in the construction sector

British Geological Survey is developing a national geotechnical data service to help construction projects manage ground risk earlier and more effectively.

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The UK invests an estimated £1.2 billion per year in ground investigations to support construction and infrastructure projects. The Common Ground project, led by the British Geological Survey (BGS), is a strategic initiative designed to enhance the value of this investment by improving how geotechnical data is managed, shared, and reused.  

The project supports the development of a National Geotechnical Data Service, helping ensure that high‑quality data on ground conditions can be accessed and used more effectively across the sector.

Ground investigations are carried out ahead of building and infrastructure projects to detect potential hazards below the surface. Despite significant annual investment, unexpected ground conditions continue to be a major cause of project delays and overspend. 

The Common Ground project aims to address this by supporting the development of a National Geotechnical Data Service.

The National Geotechnical Data Service brings together aggregated, verified geotechnical data in industry-standard formats, making it easier to access and use.  

Having more consistent information on ground conditions and geohazards at an earlier stage helps project teams make better, informed decisions and manage risk upfront. Over time, this has the potential to reduce the likelihood of unexpected ground conditions, helping to minimise delays and additional costs on construction projects.

The Common Ground project will support the engineering and construction sector by providing easier access to geotechnical data. This allows organisations to plan more effectively and address ground-related risks earlier in the project lifecycle.