Geotechnical, Construction Design Consulting
For construction contractors and companies, Summit Geoengineering Services (SGS) provide temporary and permanent earthwork recommendations that include sheeting and shoring designs.
Our geotechnical expertise, coupled with our structural design capabilities, enables us to interpret subsurface data from our own explorations to facilitate an integrated, responsive, and efficient one-stop consulting approach.
Ground Improvement Design
Summit Geoengineering Services (SGS) has performed design for a variety of ground improvement systems utilizing 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
SGS’s geotechnical expertise is critical for assessing subsurface conditions (i.e., foundation soil properties, groundwater effects, etc.) and performing global stability analyses in soft soil conditions. We utilize our structural expertise to evaluate the soil structure interaction and to design structural components of unique walls. We also provide clients with suggestions based on our expertise and experience on wall types, site grading alterations/improvements, and the need for further explorations to collect additional geotechnical data for the wall design of global slope stability.
Delivered Services
SGG’s earth retention design services include full contractor shop drawing submittals, responses to engineer reviews, and preliminary quantity estimates. For our designs, we utilize NCMA and AASHTO LRFD methodologies and we have developed product specific design programs using Mathcad and Excel spreadsheets.
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.
Construction Inspection
We have inspected the construction of many of the walls that we have designed. We also have been retained to investigate wall failures as an independent consultant. For our designs, we utilize NCMA and AASHTO LRFD methodologies. We have developed product specific design programs using Mathcad and Excel spreadsheets.
SGG’s earth retention design services include full contractor shop drawing submittals, responses to engineer reviews, and preliminary quantity estimates. For our designs, we utilize NCMA and AASHTO LRFD methodologies and we have developed product specific design programs using Mathcad and Excel spreadsheets.
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.
Earthwork Construction Design
Summit Geoengineering Services (SGS) has performed design for a variety of earthwork construction related work to include sheeting and shoring excavation plans, dewatering plans, temporary soil retainment systems, and other earthwork related construction activities. The earthwork designs are typically performed in collaboration with the earthwork or general contractor. Earthwork plans are prepared for layout, materials, and/or methodology. Quality control is performed through involvement during construction such as meetings and site visits.
Sheeting Excavation Design
Dewatering Plans
Quarry/Gravel Pit Evaluations
We provide aggregate and quarry explorations and assessments for contractors and developers. Our assessments vary from “desk studies” to full geotechnical explorations. While we recognize that each and every site is unique, we offer the following general approaches.
- Rough quantity estimates using published topographic maps, geologic maps, and land and state mining regulations. This basic level of investigation typically includes a site visit. Quantity estimates are in the range of +/- 35%.
- Intermediate quantity estimates using the items above and including site specific topography, typically 2 ft contour intervals. The site visit for this level typically includes mapping of existing soil or rock conditions, excavating test pits, and procuring hand samples for laboratory testing. Quantity estimates at this level are in the range of +/- 25%.
- Detailed quantity estimates including the intermediate above and including 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. Quantity estimates at this level are in the range of +/- 15%.
In addition to the above, SGS works with several experienced commercial property appraisers to assign monetary value to the quantity estimates.