Geotechnical engineering is a specialty within the Civil Engineering discipline. A geotechnical engineer can investigate and inspect your construction site and provide recommendations that can save you significant time and money.
To ensure the success of your project, you should consult a geotechnical engineer at Earth Engineering Incorporated. Let’s take a look at the services offered, and why they are important.
Subsurface Evaluation
When it comes to construction, what is below the surface is just as important as what you can see above ground. During a subsurface evaluation, we will take soil and rock samples and conduct field tests to determine the properties of the soil and rock. This includes classification, density, consistency, permeability, and shear strength. These evaluations allow us to make detailed engineering calculations, relating to bearing capacity, settlement, groundwater/infiltration, and bedrock.
Foundation Design
Geotechnical engineering can also help you with foundation design. We will consider many factors, including the characteristics of the soil, the level of groundwater, the strength and elasticity of soil, and how it can be expected to behave over time.
This helps to determine the most economical foundation type for your construction, based on the soil and the type of structure. The right foundation type and design will allow the building to distribute its weight without negative impacts on the structure.
Geotechnical Reports
Geotechnical engineers can perform several types of reports. When you are selecting a site, a preliminary geotechnical report will give you a broad view of the site. This can be particularly useful if you are comparing several sites before moving forward.
Comprehensive geotechnical reports are much more detailed and can be tailored to meet your needs. At this point, you have a basic understanding of the geology of the area and the soil conditions, but you need more in-depth analysis.
This al a carte process can include soil characterization, subsurface evaluations, and geological studies. You may also need studies of foundation designs, settlement analysis pavement design, and retaining wall design. You may also need an evaluation of the construction materials used in your project.
Linear projects, including roadways, pipelines, rails, and utility infrastructures, pose unique construction challenges that can be addressed by a geotechnical engineer. We can perform roadway or transportation studies, utility corridor studies, and pipeline studies so you have the information you need before you start construction.
Soil Modification
Geotechnical reports can give you a detailed analysis of the soil, but what happens if the soil is problematic? If the soil on your site isn’t ideal, soil modification may offer the answer. Soil modification can improve the moisture content, bearing capacity, and stability. It can also reduce the plasticity and shrink-swell potential.
Adding a calcium reagent, like quicklime, is often the first step in soil modification. Ash and cement can also be added to the soil to improve its condition.
Benefits of Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical engineering offers several benefits that make it worthwhile. It reduces the risk of unforeseen conditions. It decreases the risk of settlement issues and structural failure. It also helps you plan your project correctly and can keep the build on schedule and budget. Geotechnical reports allow you to identify potential challenges and setbacks, so you can plan accordingly. It can also help you stay on budget by avoiding costly mistakes. Instead of making repairs or rebuilding, you can do things the right way from the start.
Get Started With Earth Engineering Incorporated
If you need geotechnical engineering in PA, work with Earth Engineering Incorporated. We offer many services, including soil testing, foundation design, geotechnical reports, and more. We are also dedicated to helping you understand the results of testing, and providing recommendations. Let us handle your Philadelphia construction inspection!
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