Geotechnical
These services are essential for the proper development of a given property whether investigative or
from a quality assurance point of view. We have worked on single custom home building pads, large
residential planned communities, single commercial structures and planned industrial/commercial
professional building complexes. Our testing capability includes simple compaction tests to determine the
relative density of underlying soil materials to complex laboratory testing for soil properties that building
foundations designs are based on. From slope stability analysis to fault hazard investigations, EnGEN’s
experienced professionals and trained engineering technicians are capable of handling a vast array of
project types to meet our client’s needs. The services listed on this page are the most common studies
performed, however, EnGEN can provide services for a full spectrum of site conditions and requirements.
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE OPTIONS
Geotechnical/Geologic Engineering Studies
This type of study involves a physical site reconnaissance of property, almost always a subsurface
exploration and soil/rock sampling operation, laboratory testing of sampled material and the preparation
of a formal report of findings with recommendations. The study can be performed for a variety of reasons
from determining if the property can be developed from a geotechnical/geologic point of view and if so
what will be involved in the physical development from an earth moving, foundation design perspective.
The cost for a study naturally varies depending of the scope of work. A study can be tailored to meet
the clients and project needs from phasing it to accommodate larger projects development plans to a
limited program designed to meet the client’s financial limitations when making basic determinations.
With EnGEN’s many years of experience, you will find us a positive contribution to your project and
engineering team.
Geotechnical Feasibility Studies
This type of study is performed generally when I client is considering purchasing a property and needs to
know if there are any geotechnical limitations that would inhibit his or her plans. It may or may not involve
subsurface exploration depending on client’s needs and other considerations. Typically, they require a
site visit to assess visible site characteristics at a minimum and general research of relevant literature to
determine the sites geologic environment.
Forensic Geotechnical Investigation
This type of investigation is conducted usually when a site appears to be experiencing some form of
geotechnically related distress. The distress can be manifested in many ways from saturated water
conditions to observed cracks in foundations, walls and distorted door and window frames. A forensic
study is a specialized investigation where specific components are designed to address a particular
condition. Once a structure is experiencing these types of symptoms the investigation may expand
beyond the specific structure and encompass a broader study taking in adjacent property and regional
geotechnical and geologic environments and conditions.
Fault Hazard Investigations
A fault hazard investigation is generally performed when a site is located with either a State designated
Alquist Priolo Special Studies Zone or a county study zone. Southern California is heavily impacted by
fault zones that trend willy-nilly in almost all directions. Though some individual single plots of private
property are exempt from conducting Fault Hazard Investigations, commercial and residential tract
developments are not. A fault study can be performed utilizing several state-of-the-art approaches, but
as a rule, nothing is as full proof as subsurface exploration perpendicular to the mapped fault trend.
Once a study is complete a report is prepared where the documentation is presented for review by local
oversight agencies. Once meeting the agencies criteria the document becomes public record for the
benefit of other professional’s information and reference. EnGEN has conducted hundreds of these
studies and know how to accomplish the needs of the project in the most cost efficient way.
Percolation Testing
This test is performed whenever a site will be utilizing an onsite sewage effluent disposal system. It
determines the rate at which the soil on a site can absorb fluid and provides design criteria for the system.
A subsurface exploration of the site is conducted to insure that certain minimum criteria is met relative
to soil, bedrock and groundwater conditions. The test is required by local Health Departments to insure
that minimum standards are maintained for human health and safety as well as protecting local water
supplies.
Compaction Testing
This type of testing is performed during grading operations. According to most state and local ordinances
compaction testing is required whenever there is more than 2 vertical feet of manufactured fill place
on a given plot of land. The American Society of Testing and Materials has a variety of approved test
procedures that are generally followed throughout the construction industry. Generally, compaction
testing is performed following the recommendations of the geotechnical studies mentioned in this area of
our Website.
Laboratory Testing
We have a fully equipped soil and material laboratory where we conduct tests required to insure that
projects meet the rigid requirements of state and local oversight agencies. As our Website is developed
we intend to provide a list and explanation of the various tests we provide. The following partial list of
most common laboratory tests provided at our facilities.
•Maximum Density-Optimum Moisture
•Expansion Testing
•R-Values
•Hydrometer Analysis
•Corrosivity Analysis
•Sieve Analysis
•Consolidation Testing
•Direct Shears
•Sand Equivalent
•Phosphate Testing