The core of our business is related to our exploration of subsurface conditions and how they can be engineered to support the types of structures that you want to construct. We have an intimate knowledge of our service that has been homed through our knowledge of the geology of the area and our extensive investigations on project sites throughout central and eastern North Carolina and beyond. We begin by discussing the planned construction with you to gain an understanding of the planned construction, then review the available information in our files regarding nearby properties. We also consult geologic maps to help us determine the overall conditions that are likely to be present. Using this information, we develop a scope of services that will help us adequately define conditions on your site so that we can evaluate the geotechnical aspects of your project. Our investigations may include:
- Soil test borings performed using a mechanical drill rig or hand auger techniques
- Standard penetration testing
- Dynamic cone penetrometer testing
- Rock coring
- Cone penetration testing
- Seismic cone penetration testing
- Test Pit excavations
- Geophysical methods such as seismic refraction surveys or MASW surveys
- Sol Resistivity surveys
- Infiltration tests, including double-ring infiltrometer testing
We maintain a soils laboratory that is maintained for numerous types of testing, including:
- Gradation, hydrometer and Atterberg limits tests
- Specific gravity tests
- Moisture content tests
- Consolidation tests
- Triaxial shear strength tests
- Permeability tests
Once our field and laboratory testing is complete, our engineers can perform the necessary calculations and evaluations to provide recommendations for site preparation, foundation design and construction, retaining wall design and construction, and other project geotechnical aspects, including:
- Bearing capacity analyses
- Settlement analyses
- Deep foundation analyses
- Ground improvement analyses (rammed aggregate piers, vibro-piers, etc.)
- Slope stability analyses
- Floor-slab and post-tensioned slab design recommendations
- Retaining wall analysis and design
- Pavement materials and thickness designs
Once our analyses and reports are complete, we are available to discuss them with you and the project design team so that our efforts are coordinated with other team members in a way that helps the project move towards the construction stage while keeping in mind the types of geotechnical issues that can affect the project.