Ground Improvement
Ground improvement can be used as a means to construct at sites with difficult ground conditions such as compressible, weak, or liquefiable soils. Earthtec has experience with preloading, rapid impact compaction, and other techniquesnormally used in the Lower Mainland.
Instrumentation
We work with our drilling subcontractors to design and install geotechnical instrumentation for our own projects and as needed for clients. This may include standpipe/electric piezometers to measure groundwater levels, slope inclinometers, settlement gauges, thermistors, and other installations.
Foundation Design
Due to the variable ground conditions of the lower mainland, a number of foundation types are regularly used. For more competent bedrock and soils, concrete spread footings are the conventional standard. Many sites with poorer conditions, however, require other solutions including raft (mat) foundations, and deep foundations such as steel, concrete or timber piles which areeither driven, drilled, or cast into place as well as other specialized systems. Designs normally must take into account seismic hazard, including assessing liquefaction potential so that structural designers can take into consideration the site’s expected response under an earthquake event.
Retaining Walls and Engineered Slopes
Frequently these are part of construction in this region to increase usable spaces and stabilize slopes. Construction in the Lower Mainland is often in challenging and steep areas, as developable land is limited. Typical retaining solutions include MSE, concrete cantilever, and gravity systems, and engineered slopes typically consists of controlled fill placed with reinforcement to increase the inclination at which the material can be stable.
Landslide Hazard Assessments
Legislated Landslide Hazard or “Geohazard” Assessments have been a part of the BC Building Code since 2006, introduced to address safety for land development projects such as new subdivisions. These studies help identify natural hazard risks to a property, or as a result of new construction. We work with local governments to understand their requirements and acceptable risk levels, to ensure that the owner receives a practical Landslide Hazard Assessment for their project.
Stormwater Management
Infiltration design (i.e. trench drains, rock pits), site grading, reviewing the removal of perimeter drains from design where possible.
Temporary Works
Earthtec can provide cost-effective, safe temporary works design for construction. This can include excavation reviews, excavation support/shoring design, retaining walls, crane foundations, and value engineering to help develop suitable Specifications and testing and monitoring approaches.