Earthworks Construction Design Services
SGS provides temporary and permanent earthwork recommendations that include dewatering, sheeting, and shoring designs for construction contractors and companies.
Ground Improvement Design
SGS has performed design for a variety of ground improvement systems including vertical stone columns (VSC), rigid inclusions (RI), and timber piles (TP). The ground improvement systems utilize traditional spread footing foundation systems supported by existing subgrade soil reinforced at a design ratio or mix of ground improvement elements. The addition of ground improvement elements increases the overall subgrade stiffness to better support foundation loads and reduce settlement potential.
The transfer of the foundation loads to the ground improvement elements is provided by an engineered load transfer platform (LTP) consisting of compacted gravel, crushed stone, and/or geotextile. The ground improvement system is typically designed in collaboration with a qualified ground improvement contractor. Construction plans are prepared for element layout, design load, and installation methodology. Load tests are performed to verify load capacity of the ground improvement elements. Quality control is performed through the logging of individual elements during installation for quantity of material, depth of installation, and installation pressure dependent upon type of elements used for ground improvement.
Installation of Vertical Stone Columns
Vertical Stone Column Load Test
Earth Retention System Design
Geotechnical and Structural Expertise Combined
Our geotechnical specialization allows us to evaluate wall construction sites for global stability, and if deemed prudent or required by project specifications, to perform global slope stability analyses. Additionally, our geotechnical expertise enables us to interpret subsurface data from our own explorations or geotechnical reports/exploration logs prepared by others.
Delivered Services
SGS’s earth retention design services include full contractor shop drawing submittals and responses to engineer reviews. For our designs, we utilize NCMA and AASHTO LRFD methodologies, proprietary design software, and product specific design programs developed in-house using Mathcad and Excel spreadsheets.
Forensic Investigations
SGS provides evaluations of failed and damaged retaining walls and slopes using our broad experience in earth retention. We provide practical solutions / options for replacing failed and repairing damaged earth retention structures.
Earthwork Construction Services
SGS provides earthwork construction services to contractors, including designs of temporary sheeting and shoring systems, and excavation and dewatering plans. Our geotechnical experiences allow us to effectively evaluate subsurface conditions relative to the specific designs and develop cost effective and safe designs. We work in close collaboration with our clients to utilize available materials and customize sequencing of the construction work. Our deliverables include construction drawings, reports, sketches, submittals, and responses to owner review comments.
Sheeting Excavation Design
Dewatering Plans
Quarry/Gravel Pit Evaluations
We provide aggregate and quarry explorations and assessments and permitting assistance for owners, contractors, and developers. Our assessments vary from “desk studies” to full geotechnical explorations. While we recognize that every site is unique, we offer the following options:
- Rough quantity estimates using published topographic maps, geologic maps, and consideration of state and town mining rules and ordinances. This basic level of investigation typically includes a site visit.
- Intermediate quantity estimates using the items above plus site specific topography. The site visit for this level typically includes mapping of existing soil or rock conditions, excavating test pits, and collecting hand samples for laboratory testing.
- Detailed quantity estimates using all the items above plus test pits and borings at frequencies appropriate to the size of the site. The information obtained in the intermediate quantity estimate is used to focus the test pit explorations in areas where mining is most appropriate.
- Permitting assistance including initial discussions with regulators, preparation and submission of the permit application, and attendance at town planning board meetings, if necessary.
In addition to the above, SGS works with several experienced commercial property appraisers to assign monetary value to the quantity estimates.