Geotechnical Engineering Services

Project Assessment

Often the most important aspect of geotechnical engineering is a clear understanding of the problem. An initial consultation would typically include meeting with the client plus a brief information review or site walkover. This can often help steer the project in the right direction early, before costly design and construction begins. Clearly laying out a path and options at this stage helps the client make informed decisions and better understand their project requirements.

Ground Improvement

Ground improvement can be used as a means to construct at sites with difficult ground conditions such as compressible, weak, or liquefiable soils. We have experience with preloading, rapid impact compaction, and other techniques normally used in the Lower Mainland.

Foundation Design

Due to the variable ground conditions of the lower mainland, a number of foundation types are regularly used. For more competent bedrock and soils, concrete spread footings are the conventional standard. Many sites with poorer conditions, however, require other solutions including raft (mat) foundations, and deep foundations such as steel, concrete or timber piles which are either driven, drilled, or cast into place as well as other specialized systems. Designs normally must take into account seismic hazard, including assessing liquefaction potential so that structural designers can take into consideration the site’s expected response under an earthquake event.

Landslide Hazard Assessments

Legislated Landslide Hazard or “Geohazard” Assessments have been a part of the BC Building Code since 2006, introduced to address safety for land development projects such as new subdivisions. These studies help identify natural hazard risks to a property, or as a result of new construction. We work with local governments to understand their requirements and acceptable risk levels, to ensure that the owner receives a practical Landslide Hazard Assessment for their project.

BCBC Letters of Assurance

Schedule B / Schedule CB”. We provide Letters of Assurance for geotechnical aspects of the project, as required by municipalities issuing the building permit.

Temporary Works

We can provide cost-effective, safe temporary works design for construction. This can include excavation reviews, excavation support/shoring design, retaining walls, crane foundations, and value engineering to help develop suitable Specifications and testing and monitoring approaches.

Construction Monitoring

We can provide cost-effective, safe temporary works design for construction. This can include excavation reviews, excavation support/shoring design, retaining walls, crane foundations, and value engineering to help develop suitable Specifications and testing and monitoring approaches.