Code & Standards

There are a number of standard codes of practice used by Geotechnical Engineers in carrying out their work in a responsible and ethical manner.

The SAICE Geotechnical Division, in collaboration with the South African Institution of Engineering Geologists (SAIEG), has been pivotal in the development of key standards and codes. These codes set the benchmark for responsible, ethical, and high-quality geotechnical engineering practice in South Africa.

Over the years, these standards have become the cornerstone of geotechnical practice, ensuring safety, reliability, and professional integrity. They include:

  • SANS Codes: Developed in alignment with national standards, these codes define minimum technical requirements for geotechnical works.
  • SAICE Geotechnical Guidelines: Tailored specifically for South Africa’s unique geological conditions, these guidelines provide practical methodologies for engineering projects.
  • Joint SAICE and SAIEG Publications: Comprehensive references covering soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and site investigation protocols.

These codes collectively form the essential framework for geotechnical practitioners, safeguarding both public safety and the integrity of the profession.

  • The Geotechnical Division of SAICE – “Site Investigation Code of Practise”
  • SAICE, SAIEG and AEG – “Guidelines for Soil and Rock Logging in South Africa”
  • The Geotechnical Division of SAICE – “The Safety Of Persons Working In Small Diameter Shafts And Test Pits For Geotechnical Engineering Purposes”
  • Brink, A.B.A and Bruin R.M.H. (1990) “Guidelines for soil and rock logging in South Africa. 2nd Impression 2002”. SAICE, SAIEG and AEGSA: South Africa.
  • The Geotechnical Division Of SAICE – “Lateral Support Of Surface Excavations”
  • ECSA – Code of Conduct For Registered Person : Engineering Profession Act, 2008
  • ECSA – Code Of Practice For Geotechnical Engineering
  • GFSH-2 GEOTECHNICAL SITE INVESTIGATIONS FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
  • SANRAL – “Standard Specifications For Subsurface Investigations” 2010
  • NHBRC Building Design Codes
  • SANS 633 – “Soil profiling and rotary percussion borehole logging on dolomite land in Southern Africa for engineering purposes”
  • SANS 634  – “Geotechnical Investigations For Township Development.”
  • SABS 1200F – Piling
  • SANS 10400-H: FOUNDATIONS
  • SANS 10400-G: Excavations
  • SANS 1936-1 (2012) Development of dolomite land – Part 1: General principles and requirements.
  • SANS 1936-2 (2012) Development of dolomite land – Part 2: Geotechnical investigations and determinations.
  • SANS 1936-3 (2012) Development of dolomite land – Part 3: Design and construction of buildings, structures and infrastructure.
  • SANS 1936-4 (2012) Development of dolomite land – Part 4: Risk management.

In conjunction with International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) members of the SAICE geotechnical Division are working on a number of new TECHNICAL Committees listed below:

  • The Geotechnical Division of SAICE – “Site Investigation Code of Practise”
  • SAICE, SAIEG and AEG – “Guidelines for Soil and Rock Logging in South Africa”
  • The Geotechnical Division of SAICE – “The Safety Of Persons Working In Small Diameter Shafts And Test Pits For Geotechnical Engineering Purposes”
  • Brink, A.B.A and Bruin R.M.H. (1990) “Guidelines for soil and rock logging in South Africa. 2nd Impression 2002”. SAICE, SAIEG and AEGSA: South Africa.
  • The Geotechnical Division Of SAICE – “Lateral Support Of Surface Excavations”
  • ECSA – Code of Conduct For Registered Person : Engineering Profession Act, 2008
  • ECSA – Code Of Practice For Geotechnical Engineering
  • GFSH-2 GEOTECHNICAL SITE INVESTIGATIONS FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
  • SANRAL – “Standard Specifications For Subsurface Investigations” 2010
  • NHBRC Building Design Codes
  • SANS 633 – “Soil profiling and rotary percussion borehole logging on dolomite land in Southern Africa for engineering purposes”
  • SANS 634  – “Geotechnical Investigations For Township Development.”
  • SABS 1200F – Piling
  • SANS 10400-H: FOUNDATIONS
  • SANS 10400-G: Excavations
  • SANS 1936-1 (2012) Development of dolomite land – Part 1: General principles and requirements.
  • SANS 1936-2 (2012) Development of dolomite land – Part 2: Geotechnical investigations and determinations.
  • SANS 1936-3 (2012) Development of dolomite land – Part 3: Design and construction of buildings, structures and infrastructure.
  • SANS 1936-4 (2012) Development of dolomite land – Part 4: Risk management.

In conjunction with International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) members of the SAICE geotechnical Division are working on a number of new TECHNICAL Committees listed below:

SAIGE Geotechnical Division presents:

Call for Abstracts: 11th South African Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference (SAYGEC) 2026

Date: September 2026
Venue: To be announced

Young geotechnical professionals under 35 working in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, mining, or civil construction will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the 11th South African Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference (SAYGEC), taking place in September 2026 in the Central Drakensberg.

Find out more