We inherited a ground investigation from the previous owners which was focussed on their (massive) scheme and their method of (brick) construction. This report suggested, as a precaution, that we’d need piling pretty much regardless of what is built due to the variability of the soils, the clay content, and the elevated groundwater levels.
Piling means more time, another specialist contractor and loads more cash so it would be great if we can avoid piling or reduce its extent across the site. So given the planning delay, we decided to take the gamble and invest in a fresh ground investigation that’s specifically relevant to our building footprint and our lighter method of construction.
Today Paul and Jason spent the day digging four trial pits, logging the nature of the underlying soils and taking samples for laboratory analysis, and undertaking four CBR (California Bearing Ratio) tests that measure the strength of the underlying ground. The CBR test involves the use of some clever kit and a hydraulic jack between a plate on the soil and the weight of the digger. Fingers crossed for the results!
Chris and Bev - Heads in the Clouds 
I understood so little of this 😉 glad the experts are in!
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