GeoConcepts, Inc. provides an array of soil engineering services for clients in Los Angeles and throughout the state of California. These services include:
- Soil and Rock Testing
- Fault Evaluation
- Percolation and Septic Testing
- Infiltration Testing
- Field Observation and Testing
- Site Exploration
- Geological Reports
- Geotechnical Engineering Reports
- Slope and Excavation Stability
- Liquefaction Analysis
Our professional soil engineering services are available for residential and commercial projects. Whether you’ve been notified by the state that your property requires soil sampling and testing or you’re about to begin a major construction project, trust your needs to GeoConcepts, Inc.
Site Exploration
We provide site exploration to determine the surface and subsurface geotechnical and/or geologic conditions utilizing site appropriate methods. Exploration is performed based on the scope of the project and site accessibility utilizing, surface mapping, drilled borings (hollow stem, mud rotary, large diameter bucket auger), backhoe excavations, and test pits excavated by manual labor.
The services performed during the geotechnical (soils) and/or geologic exploration includes mapping of surface units/exposures, adverse geotechnical/geologic conditions (such as faults or landslides), logging of drilled borings, backhoe excavations, seismic trenches, and/or test pits excavated by manual labor. Explorations are performed to evaluate the three-dimensional geometry of the underlying earth materials and to obtain samples for lab testing.
Engineering Geologic Reports
We produce engineering geologic reports that may be utilized by building officials, architects, civil engineers, and/or structural engineers to aid in determining appropriate locations for structure and private sewage disposal systems and to aid in determining appropriate foundation types for structures. The report provides a description of the site conditions encountered and a compilation of the geologic data obtained during the site exploration and during a review of available public records from local building departments. The reports also provide recommendations for site preparation, drainage control, a discussion of the seismicity, geologic conditions which may affect the project (such as faults or landslides) and recommendations for mitigation, if needed. The engineering geologic report may be produced independently or in conjunction with a geotechnical (soils) engineering report, which we can also provide.
Geotechnical (Soils) Engineering Reports
We produce geotechnical (soils) engineering reports that may be utilized by building officials, architects, civil engineers, and/or structural engineers for the design of foundations, structures, and private sewage disposal systems. The report provides a description of the site conditions encountered and a compilation of the geotechnical data obtained during the site exploration, laboratory testing and a review of available public records from the local building departments. The reports also provide recommendations for site preparation, engineering analyses for the design of structures, drainage control, a discussion of the seismicity, geotechnical conditions which may affect the project (such as liquefaction or lateral spreading) and recommendations for mitigation, if needed. The geotechnical (soils) engineering report may be produced independently or in conjunction with an engineering geologic report, which can also be provided by GeoConcepts.
Slope Stability and Excavation Stability
We evaluate the geotechnical and geologic site conditions for hillside properties with respect to the stability of existing and proposed slopes. Engineering analyses can be performed to evaluate the stability of proposed excavations, temporary excavations, cut slopes and fill slopes based on the site conditions to ensure that the proposed development is feasible from a geotechnical/geological standpoint.
Liquefaction Analysis
We evaluate sites with regard to the potential of liquefaction, including settlement, lateral spreading, and their resulting effects and impacts on the proposed development and provides recommendations to mitigate the effects of liquefaction on the proposed development.
Soil & Rock Testing
We maintain an in-house soil and rock testing laboratory to provide timely and cost effective testing. The laboratory is approved in the City of Los Angeles. The testing is used to determine the physical and chemical properties of the earth material. Common physical tests performed include moisture content, density, direct shear, consolidation, expansion index, grain size analysis, specific gravity, and atterberg limits. Chemical testing includes pH, resistivity, chloride content, and sulfate content. Testing is performed to the latest ASTM, CTM or other applicable standards.
Fault Evaluation
We perform seismic evaluations for projects located in fault zones. Seismic trenches are logged by a licensed geologist to evaluate the presence or absence of mapped or unmapped faults. Faults encountered within the seismic trenches are mapped and the likelihood of activity and potential to cause damage are evaluated.
Percolation/Septic
We perform percolation testing to aid in the location and design of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), also known as private sewage disposal systems. Testing is performed for the design of systems including seepage pits, leach lines and pressurized drip systems. The location of dispersal systems on hillside and flat land properties are geologically evaluated for feasibility and stability.
Infiltration Testing
We perform infiltration testing to determine the potential infiltration feasibility of a site, as well as helping the system designer properly size and locate the proposed storm water management facilities. Infiltration testing is performed per the guidelines of the local governing agencies.
Field Observation and Testing
Our trained and experienced field technicians provide grading control and density testing (sand cone & nuclear gauge) for a variety of projects from small residential additions to large tract grading operations. Their experiences with construction observations include footings, friction piles, caissons, keyways, temporary excavations and shoring. Our field technicians are registered as ICC Soils Special Inspectors and LADBS Deputy Grading Inspectors.
