SME was retained initially to provide geotechnical engineering services for the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort’s $150M development consisting of a casino, hotel, conference center, bingo hall, and parking ramp. Based on results of the soil boring evaluation, SME recommended drilled caisson foundations be used to save foundation costs due to poor subgrade soils. Approximately 200 caissons ranging in diameter from 3 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 6 inches and drilled to 10-15 foot depths, support the 512-room, seven-story hotel alone.

During the site-work phase on the project, autumn weather had transformed the silty clay soils at the 125-acre site into a quagmire. Nearly 33 acres of the constructed area were impacted making traditional undercut and-fill treatments too costly and time consuming. SME provided value engineering services to evaluate a variety of stabilization alternatives, their impact on the project schedule and associated costs. SME recommended a quick, effective alternative, soil stabilization by applying Type C Flyash. By understanding the site mineralogy,
weather conditions and project needs, SME developed and evaluated several flyash mix designs to determine the most suitable blend. The most suitable and cost-effective flyash mix was transported to the site from a coal burning power plant in Indiana and blended into the soil. During the stabilization process, SME provided oversight of the contractor’s efforts. As a result, 33 acres were stabilized in just three weeks and the project was kept on schedule.

SME was retained to provide services during construction, including materials testing during deep foundation improvements, removal and replacement of poor subgrade soil, post-tensioned concrete construction, and structural steel, roofing and pavement testing. As of 2026, SME was retained to evaluate and redesign deteriorated pavements and site infrastructure. SME provided site assessment, civil design, construction administration, and materials testing services to support pavement and storm system improvements in accordance with Tribal standards.