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Professional geotechnical
services with a strong
commitment to quality,
safety, and local knowledge.

About Us

Smolders Geotechnical Pty Ltd is a proudly Victorian-owned company, delivering high-quality geotechnical services across Melbourne and regional Victoria since 2015. Founded by Xavier Smolders, the company has grown to become a trusted partner for residential, commercial, and civil engineering projects, with over 30 years of combined industry experience among its team.

With offices in Ferntree Gully and Wangaratta, Smolders Geotechnical services a broad geographic area, offering reliable soil testing, site classification, landslip risk assessments, and comprehensive geotechnical investigations. Our team of qualified engineering geologists operates with specialised drilling and testing equipment to ensure every project is delivered with precision, efficiency, and full regulatory compliance.

From private homeowners to large-scale developers, we’re known for our fast turnaround times, clear reporting, and deep understanding of Victoria’s diverse geological conditions.

smolders work truck
smolders work truck

Our Values

At Smolders Geotechnical, we’re grounded in principles that define the way we work and the relationships we build:

Accuracy
We deliver dependable, data-driven results that meet or exceed industry standards.

Integrity
Transparency and honesty guide every aspect of our service.

Efficiency
Timely delivery without compromising quality is at the heart of what we do.

Expertise
Our qualified team brings decades of local geotechnical knowledge to every site.

Client-Focus
We tailor our services to suit the unique needs of each project, ensuring clarity and confidence from start to finish.

Environmental Responsibility – We adhere to responsible practices that support environmental sustainability and safe land development.

Professional Memberships

Smolders Geotechnical is fully covered by Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance, and we comply with all relevant Australian Standards for your protection and peace of mind. We also meet council requirements for planning permits.

Smolders Geotechnical is a proud member of Australia’s leading industry organisations, reflecting our commitment to professionalism and continuous improvement:

Foundations and Footing Society Victoria
Australian Geomechanics Society
Australian Institute of Geoscientists

These affiliations ensure we stay informed on the latest standards, practices, and advancements in geotechnical engineering, allowing us to provide our clients with the most up-to-date and reliable service possible.

Smolders Team

Xavier Smolders

Engineering Geologist
B.A. Sci. (Geology), MAGS, MFFSV, MAIG RPGeo 10279

Xavier has worked in both the public and private sector, starting out at the then Department of Primary Industries (DPI) gaining experience all over Victoria before taking up positions within the extractive and mining industries both locally and interstate – gaining a wealth of soil, rock and geotechnical experience along the way. Since starting Smolders Geotechnical, Xavier has worked on thousands of individual projects and strives to provide a quality service our clients trust and rely upon to meet their geotechnical & soil needs.

Peter McKay

Engineering Geologist
B.A. Sci (Geology), MAGS, MAIG

Peter works predominantly on soil testing/site classification reports and geotechnical investigations for residential and commercial projects throughout Victoria. Peter previously has worked within the public sector before coming to Smolders Geotechnical. Peter has completed training in the AGS 2007 Landslide Risk Management guidelines and courses on geotechnical and soil logging to the relevant codes and Australian Standards.

Richard Smart

Geotechnical Engineer/Soil Scientist
B.A. Sci (Soils) PhD. MAIG

Richard came to Smolders Geotechnical after working at a large respected engineering consultancy where he was looking after their Victorian in-house geotechnical & soils department. Richard has worked in both the public and private sector in both Australia and the UK including research positions at Universities. Richard has completed training in the AGS 2007 Landslide Risk Management guidelines.