Expertise

Geotechnical Investigations

Geotechnical investigation services are performed to obtain information on the physical properties of soil, earthworks, pavements, and foundations for proposed or existing structures. Our clients use the data obtained by our geotechnical engineers to determine foundation designs, prepare for soil improvement work, and to properly lay soil, asphalt, and concrete.

Cone Penetration Testing (CPTu)

Cone Penetration Testing (CPTu) is a method used to determine the geotechnical properties of subsoil layers and soil stratigraphy in situ. It is performed by pushing a cylindrical steel probe (piezo-cone) into the ground at a constant rate of 20 mm/s. While pushing, the test provides continuous profiling of stratigraphy and several soil parameters are measured such as tip resistance (qc), friction on the cone sleeve (fs), and pore water pressure (u2). The data is uploaded and displayed in real-time in graphical format on a laptop computer.

We highly recommend this method as it immediately provides accurate soil data and characteristics compared to boreholes. However, CPTu cannot test in rock layers. In those cases, we employ a drilling rig to conduct boreholes in rock.

Pavement Construction Supervision

We supervise and control pavement material application and quality using a multitude of tests and equipment such as the troxler, the sand cone test (verifies density and moisture content requirements), the plate bearing test, and others. Laboratory testing is performed on gathered soil, asphalt and concrete samples to ensure quality.

Equipment & Testing:

  • Troxler (nuclear density guage)
  • Sand Cone Test
  • Plate & Dial Gauge (bearing and deflection test)
  • Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (TRL and light model)
  • Pavement Coring
  • Laboratory Tests

Boreholes

A borehole is a deep vertical hole with a small diameter that is drilled into the ground to obtain soil samples. The samples are transported to a laboratory to determine the geotechnical properties of subsoil and rock layers and soil stratigraphy. Soil data and characteristics are required for the construction of suitable foundations for any planned structure. Every project and region is different, therefore, each project has its own:

  • Borehole Location and Layout
  • Number of Boreholes
  • Borehole Depth
  • Laboratory Tests

Laboratory Testing

We provide laboratory testing for various materials such as soils, rocks, water, concrete, rebar, and more to determine material properties. The results of laboratory tests are crucial for analysis and design. During an investigation, we log dates, times, locations, and other information concerning each material sample gathered. Then, a laboratory testing program is developed and specific laboratory tests are assigned to each sample.