SME ‘s Geotechnical engineers have extensive experience with multiple types of shallow and deep foundations. The primary considerations for foundation support are bearing capacity and settlement. Our recommendations and designs are based on the load characteristics of the structure or project and the properties of the soils and bedrock at the site.
SME performs a range of geotechnical services to provide information to clients on all aspects of structural soil mechanics in the testing, analysis, and design of foundations. When a site is selected for a building, bridge or other structure, a site evaluation is performed before any construction begins. Our geotechnical engineers plan and execute a geotechnical investigation tailored to the needs of the project and the geology of the site. Soil borings and laboratory testing are preformed to characterize the soil conditions. These soil conditions are then evaluated by the geotechnical engineer to determine the types and thickness of soil layers, the location of groundwater, and define any environmental concerns of the area. This information is used to develop a soil profile to determine the appropriate foundation type, design parameters, and recommended materials. Our engineers also analyze the potential risks of ground movement that can occur due to shrinkage or swelling of expansive soils due to climatic changes, frost expansion of soil, melting of permafrost, slope instability or other causes.
• Spread footing foundations
• Continuous strip footings
• Mat foundations
• Combined footings
•Drilled Shafts: Large diameter shafts which are drilled from ground surface and filled with concrete.
•Driven Piles: Pre-manufactured shafts which are driven into the ground with a pile hammer.
•Augured Cast-in-Place (ACIP) Piles: Installed with continuous hollow stem auger and filled with concrete.
•Specialty Piles - micropiles, helical piers, rigid inclusions, aggregate pier elements