Geotechnical & Geological Analysis, Modeling & Engineering

Clients turn to Geosyntec’s nationally recognized geotechnical and geological engineers to develop projects and services that efficiently use geotechnically challenging sites. We apply advanced technologies and leverage our proven practice leadership to provide clients with dependable, cost-effective solutions and customized services while meeting aggressive construction schedules.

Geotechnical & Geological Practice Specifics

Our geotechnical infrastructure and foundation practitioners focus on challenging sites where the development of dependable and cost-effective foundations is critical to the success of the project. We help design and construct foundations and other subsurface structures to withstand potential geohazards, to respond to increasingly unfavorable conditions, and to safely and adequately support the built environment. Our onshore foundation work is complemented by comprehensive marine geotechnical engineering, including using deep water autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect data, underwater sonar imaging, and designing underwater foundations.

For offshore projects, we develop and implement efficient site characterization programs, including selecting the most appropriate data collection tools, developing investigation plans and laboratory testing programs, and interpreting data to create integrated ground models. To assess geohazards like slope instability, our multidisciplinary team offers our clients seamless, innovative geoscience and engineering solutions based on deep experience. We analyze slope stability problems from triggering to flow with advanced 2D and 3D modeling that allows us to evaluate risks to proposed and existing infrastructure. Once risk is quantified, we communicate with project teams to effectively mitigate it. During field work, onboard scientists, engineers, and archaeologists conduct and oversee data acquisition and interpretation. We communicate with clients often about onboard field work, engage in onboard safety meetings, and keep accurate navigation and observation logs.

Geosyntec provides practical engineering solutions to challenging projects with geohazards, including seismic events, landslides, and other geographical and topographical hazards:

  • We help state and local agencies evaluate the effectiveness of building codes.
  • We design projects that limit the effects of seismic events on private property and community infrastructure.
  • We forecast and help manage potential losses from geohazards to minimize their social, environmental, and economic impacts.
  • We help project planners protect properties from foundation risks.
  • For marine geohazards, we help clients address complex soil conditions in both shallow and deep water.

Using our expertise in geotechnical engineering, hydrology and hydraulics, risk evaluation, and construction and geotechnical monitoring information management systems, Geosyntec provides a full range of innovative services for new and existing dams, dikes, reservoirs, and levees. Our practitioners respond to unique technical and environmental challenges faced by federal, state, municipal, industrial, and private owners and operators to create site-specific solutions that are efficient, cost effective, and enduring. Learn more: Dam Services

We conduct applied research and development, often working with leading universities on topics such as stresses and strains on geosynthetics during seismic events, site response analysis, and seismic design of municipal solid waste landfills. In addition, we have contributed to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) load and resistance factor design (LRFD) specifications for bridge substructures including foundations and retaining wall systems.

Our senior practitioners have authored technical design and construction manuals for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) focused on foundation support systems, earth retaining systems, and earthquake engineering. We have also contributed to many guidance documents for state and federal environmental and transportation agencies, and the United States Department of Defense, helping them create guidance on avoiding or mitigating the potential impacts of geohazards in the built environment.

We often consult on state-of-the-practice design applications, are geotechnical training instructors for the National Highway Institute (NHI) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and provide technical training analysis to state departments of transportation and for contractors. Several of our practitioners are recipients of the ASCE’s highest awards for advancing the state of the practice in geoengineering.

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Geotechnical & Geological Services

  • Offshore Field Services

    We oversee and conduct on-site data acquisition and interpretation for offshore field programs. Our offshore staff are qualified and empowered to make critical decisions for the benefit of the client and the project. We prepare our offshore staff with the appropriate safety certifications, training, and quality-control methods.

  • Offshore Geotechnical Engineering

    Geosyntec provides nationally recognized expertise and specialized geotechnical and geological engineering (geoengineering) services to evaluate and improve the design and construction engineering properties of soil and rock foundations.

  • Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy

    Clients remediating groundwater face significant uncertainty addressing the complexities beneath the surface of their sites.

  • Earthquake Engineering

    Since the early 1990s, Geosyntec has provided earthquake engineering services for a wide range of critical projects around the world. Today, Geosyntec continues to advance the state of the practice in earthquake engineering.

  • Earth Retaining Structures and Excavation Support

    Since its founding in 1983, Geosyntec has provided high-value solutions to industrial and public sector clients in projects that include geotechnical and geo-structural aspects.

  • Geostructural and Construction Engineering

    Bridging the gap between construction and design. Industrial and heavy-civil clients must navigate ever-widening gaps between design and construction that can cause slow-downs, unforeseen expenditures, and delayed timelines.

  • Overview of Geotechnical and Geological Analysis, Modeling, and Engineering

    Clients turn to Geosyntec’s nationally recognized geotechnical and geological engineers to develop projects and services that efficiently use geotechnically challenging sites.

  • Soil and Structure Interaction Studies

    When site conditions such as soft and compressible soils, steep slopes, or seismic activity appear to limit site uses, Geosyntec's geotechnical engineering professionals create foundations and other geostructural solutions that optimize site development potential.

  • Specialty and Conventional Structural Foundations

    Geosyntec provides nationally recognized expertise and specialized geotechnical and geological engineering (geoengineering) services to evaluate and improve the design and construction engineering properties of soil and rock foundations.

  • Soft and Liquefiable Ground Improvement

    Geosyntec has played a leading role in the development of state-of-the-art liquefaction and seismic analyses for over 20 years and has pioneered designing economical structures that safely resist the loads caused by earthquakes or allow for construction over soft soils.

  • Geotechnical and Geostructural Engineering

    Geosyntec provides nationally recognized expertise and specialized geotechnical and geological engineering (geoengineering) services to evaluate and improve the design and construction engineering properties of soil and rock foundations.

  • Seismic Hazard Evaluation and Ground Motion Studies

    Geosyntec has played a leading role in the development of state-of-the-art liquefaction and seismic analyses for more than 20 years and has pioneered designing economical structures that safely resist the loads caused by earthquakes.

Geotechnical & Geological Projects

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