Geotechnical Services
The purpose of a
Geotechnical Investigation is to identify potential problems with the
underlying soils and to provide recommendations for mitigation measures
where needed. Topics for recommendations may include rock anchors,
slope stabilization, degree of compaction required, or moisture/density
recommendations.
A geotechnical
investigation for new construction involves subsurface exploration
using test borings or excavations. Where conditions prohibit
direct subsurface exploration, a substitute method, such as a
refraction seismic survey, may be employed.
Soil samples collected
during the subsurface exploration are returned to our laboratory, where
they are subjected to a battery of tests to determine their engineering
properties. Properties measured include moisture content, Atterberg
limits (plasticity index), and a sieve analysis to determine the
distribution of grain sizes.
Field and laboratory
data are combined to prepare an engineering analysis of the property's
suitability for the project with recommendations for use by the
architect, engineers and contractors. Our Geotechnical Investigation
Reports are suitable for submission to government agencies as part of
the permitting process.
Special Inspection
Services, Field Services, and Laboratory Testing
Our special
inspections,
field services, and laboratory testing performed during the course of
construction provide opportunities for any problems to be corrected prior to completion of the project.
Common problems include insufficient welds, insufficient depth of
foundations or caissons,
incorrect materials used, insufficient compaction, insufficient
pavement thickness, moisture problems and failure to follow
construction plans.
Our Special Inspectors
provide boots-on-the-ground oversight of your project. Our special
inspection services may include continuous or periodic observation and
monitoring of
prepared fills, reinforced concrete construction, reinforced masonry
construction, shallow and deep foundation construction, pre-cast
concrete installation, seismic resistance elements, sprayed fire
resistive material application, structural steel element assemblies,
wall panel and veneer construction, and other Quality Assurance Plan
constructions.
Internal Procedures
Our internal procedure
for developing, monitoring, and maintaining project schedules and
budgets assure that
quality control, schedule milestones, and appropriate standards are
met. The budget is prepared prior
to performing work. If the request for work will exceed the budget, a
change order is requested.
A typical project is
guided through these stages:
- A proposal outlining our scope of
services and associated costs is presented to the client in advance of
the project. The signed proposal is returned to us.
- A Project Number is assigned to the
project. This number is applied to all field notes, documents, reports
and invoices related to the project and allows for efficient retrieval
of information, even many years after the project is complete.
- Work scheduling is coordinated with
the client. Typically, the client will telephone our dispatcher
regarding the following day's work.
- Sampling and other field work is
performed.
- Laboratory tests are performed.
- The report is prepared with all
results reviewed by our Professional Engineers or Registered Geologists.
- Invoices are prepared and submitted
to the client on a monthly basis for continuing projects or at the
conclusion of our research for single projects.
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