Geotechnical Engineering

These materials rise and fall with a change in their moisture content and have the potential to destroy even multi-story buildings due to differential foundation movements. We begin by taking samples and determining if the clay is “active.” Based on the propensity for shrink/swell, the amount of material, and its depth, we can recommend excavating and removing the soil or design a foundation to withstand the potential effects of these challenging soils.

By identifying how much organic material in a soil is present, we can evaluate the potential for future problems and propose possible remediation solutions. There are several ways organic soils can be dealt with, including shallow polyurethane chemical injection and/or underpinning.

Concrete pits, buried tanks and other non-organic subsurface materials can be dealt with through excavation or possibly remediation. We’ll determine what hazard the buried debris may present and then provide options to reduce their effects.

Subsidence issues caused by sinkhole activity can be dealt with prior to construction by utilizing methods such as cement based grouting, vibro-floatation, rigid mat foundation designs, etc. For an existing structure, compaction grouting is an effective solution to mitigate raveling and fill void spaces adjacent to and below the structure. We use historical geological data as well as soil borings to explore and characterize the underlying soils.

A subsurface remediation effort begins by evaluating the unique characteristics of your site. Coupled with time and budget constraints, we will provide a plan to address the particular at-risk issue. The plan includes a scope of work, a preliminary budget, and bid documents for contractors.

After a plan is accepted, our team of engineers and technicians will oversee the remediation process to ensure plan compliance and effectiveness, and produce a thorough and accurate final certification report detailing all aspects of the work that occurred during your project.

Our patented Rotational Erosion Rate Apparatus was developed at the University of Florida by Dr. D. Max Sheppard and our own Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Dr. David Bloomquist. The RETA measures the rate at which rock and other materials erode due to water flow induced shear stress. In the case of rock, core samples are taken from the site and tested in our laboratory using the RETA.

The Florida Department of Transportation State Materials Laboratory in Gainesville, FL has been using RETA for testing rock core samples for approximately 10 years. Use of RETA test results has saved the FDOT millions of dollars through determining a bridge’s foundation resistance to erosion.