Serving Western Colorado Since 1978
Geotechnical investigations characterize the range of soil conditions and constraints posed by geologic conditions, topography, and climate for a particular building site and make engineering recommendations for soil preparation, foundation design options, site drainage, excavation, construction, and mitigation of geologic hazards.
Problematic soil conditions include expansive soils, weak and compressible soils, and highly erodible or unstable soils. These poor soil conditions can lead to failures in structures, roads, slopes, dams and reservoirs if not properly identified and mitigated.
Our Geotechnical Group provides:
A project completed for a mining company in the Paonia area illustrates the integrated geotechnical services we offer. This work included evaluation of a slope failure condition where headwall advancement was threatening an existing access road and utility installation. We also conducted an assessment of a proposed roadway alignment along a sensitive riparian corridor sandwiched between potentially unstable hillside slopes.
In each case, our investigative process began with mapping, sampling, testing and interpreting site geology and soil conditions. The process continued with analysis, computer modeling and evaluation. Alternative measures were then designed for successful mitigation and construction.
This work exemplifies the range of analytical and design capabilities provided by our Geotechnical Group. Our in-house ability to investigate, analyze and then extend the results into working alternatives for engineering design is a powerful tool, which promotes cost effective, efficient and timely project development.