Level 1 Compaction is critical to the long-term performance and stability of any structure built on engineered fill. Whether you’re preparing a residential slab, a commercial pad, or infrastructure works, proper compaction ensures you’re building on a solid foundation. At Ideal Geotech, we provide reliable and fully certified Level 1 Compaction Testing and Supervision across NSW and the ACT — helping you meet industry standards, satisfy council requirements, and avoid costly delays.
1. What Is Level 1 Compaction?
Level 1 Compaction, as defined under AS3798 – Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, involves the supervised placement and compaction of fill, typically when fill thickness exceeds 300mm. This supervision must be carried out by a Geotechnical Testing Authority (GTA).
Key elements of Level 1 Compaction include:
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Qualified supervision of all earthworks and fill placement.
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Continuous field density testing (via nuclear gauge or sand cone method) at specified intervals.
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Documentation and certification by a qualified geotechnical engineer upon project completion.
2. When Is Level 1 Compaction Required?
Level 1 Compaction is generally required when:
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Fill is being used to support structural elements such as footings, slabs, retaining walls, or roads.
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Fill thickness exceeds 600mm (especially in residential or industrial lots).
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You are constructing on man-made fill and require a Construction Certificate (CC) or Occupation Certificate (OC).
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Your civil or structural engineer requests compaction validation.
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Local council policies mandate it as part of development approval conditions.
Councils and certifiers may also require Level 1 Compaction for:
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Public domain works
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Driveway and road subgrades
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Bulk earthworks platforms
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Service trenches within subdivisions
Failing to obtain proper compaction supervision can lead to non-compliance, delays, and structural issues.
3. What’s Included in Our Level 1 Compaction Service
At Ideal Geotech, we deliver comprehensive Level 1 Compaction Testing & Certification that ensures compliance with AS3798 and gives you complete confidence in your ground preparation. Our service includes:
✅ Initial site inspection to review site conditions, fill materials, and ground preparation practices
✅ Supervised fill placement by our qualified geotechnical field technicians
✅ Ongoing field density testing using industry-standard nuclear or sand cone methods
✅ Daily logs and records of placement and testing to support verification
✅ Final Compaction Certificate issued by a certified geotechnical engineer
Our detailed records provide clear, defensible documentation should your project be audited or reviewed by council or private certifiers.
4. Why Level 1 Compaction Matters
Skipping or incorrectly executing Level 1 Compaction can lead to:
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Unacceptable settlement or differential ground movement
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Slab cracks, pavement failure, and structural instability
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Non-compliance with council or certifier requirements
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Delays in obtaining CC or OC for your development
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Expensive remediation and potential legal or warranty claims
By engaging Ideal Geotech for Level 1 Compaction Testing, you protect your investment and streamline your project timeline. We help you get it right the first time, ensuring that fill is correctly placed, tested, and certified from the start.
5. Why Choose Ideal Geotech?
With decades of experience and a team of qualified field technicians and engineers, Ideal Geotech is trusted by developers, builders, and certifiers across NSW and ACT. We provide:
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Rapid mobilisation and fast turnaround
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Local expertise and compliance with council-specific policies
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Transparent reporting and communication
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AS3798-certified results every time
Book Your Level 1 Compaction Service Today
Don’t leave your site preparation to chance. With Ideal Geotech’s Level 1 Compaction Testing & Certification, you can build on confidence, knowing your project meets both regulatory and engineering standards.
