SME provided Construction Materials Services (CMS) and targeted geotechnical evaluation support for construction of the Bavarian Inn Lodge Water Park in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The project involved new building construction with structural concrete and steel elements, foundations constructed over variable soil conditions, and site work requiring close coordination with ongoing construction activities.

As part of this effort, SME performed construction materials testing services including subgrade proofroll observations, foundation subgrade evaluations, concrete reinforcing steel placement reviews, concrete testing, compaction testing of engineered fill, waterproofing observations, structural steel field reviews, and associated laboratory testing. These services were performed in coordination with the construction team and aligned with project sequencing and site access requirements.

In addition to routine construction materials testing, SME completed a site‑specific subsurface evaluation to support planned crane operations for structural construction. This evaluation included review of existing geotechnical data, field testing using the dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) methods, review of manufacturer‑provided crane loading information, and assessment of proposed crane pad locations both inside and outside the building footprint.

The analysis considered soil conditions, engineered fill areas, adjacent foundations, and existing utilities. Based on documented field observations and analyses, SME developed construction‑phase recommendations related to crane pad preparation, aggregate thickness, subgrade support, and utility protection measures to support safe crane operations during structural installation. These recommendations were provided to aid construction planning and coordination while structural work was underway.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge project reflects SME’s experience supporting complex building construction where structural operations, temporary loading conditions, and variable subsurface conditions require coordination between geotechnical evaluation, field testing, and construction activities.