Geotechnical Investigations

Municipal and building officials now review grading design documents in great detail and require much more information regarding sub-surface conditions. Hillside projects, many of which are in southern California, require extensive grading operations to develop the level pad onto which buildings will be constructed. Special care is required to ensure the structures perform well, without going through soil movement, subsidence, settlement, and/or landslides. Problems such as soil erosion, slope failure, lateral displacement, and foundation cracks occur when non-conforming construction takes place. Various analytical tools are accurately used to assess the geological conditions of a development.

Private Eyes utilizes careful analysis, skills, and expertise to evaluate the geological conditions of a development obtained from extensive review of documentation such as geological maps, aerial topographies, grading plans, soil reports, etc. Additionally, we will always perform a thorough site assessment to identify all existing performance conditions relative to the topography, drainage, grading, soils, slopes, and the improvements. Utilizing precise measuring tools, we identify and analyze the amount of movement whether it is in the soil, foundation, walls, and/or the floors.

Our clients will receive a comprehensive report that identifies and explains distresses such as cracks in floor slabs or walls, slope failures, soil slippage, soil settlement, tilts in the retaining wall, retaining wall cracks, and soil expansions. Additionally, the report will establish a benchmark by which future performance can be measured, highlight items that require repair, and provide an action plan to mitigate adverse conditions and/or to improve the overall future performance.