Converse Consultants services

Most construction projects require a geotechnical study, commonly referred to as a “soils report”. The purpose of the study is to identify the geological features and hazards of the site and to determine the engineering properties of the earth materials. A geotechnical study begins with a review of geological maps and reports to determine the geological setting of the site and to identify any known faults, landslides, or other geologic features that may require further study.

Most buildings in seismically active areas should not be located across active faults. Structures that cannot be moved to avoid faults must be designed to tolerate movement of the fault. Converse geologists evaluate fault hazards by researching maps of known active faults and comparing them to the planned construction. Aerial photographs and previous geotechnical reports may provide evidence of nearby faulting.

Most project sites are graded before construction of the improvements. The grading may transform the layout of the site, or it may return the site to something close to its original appearance. In either case, Converse’s engineers provide recommendations for site grading that will provide a stable surface with enough strength and stability to support whatever structures are planned.

Buildings and other structures may be supported on the ground by several different types of foundations. Shallow foundations include the spread footings used around the perimeter of most buildings as well as the thicker and more rigid mat foundations used in certain difficult soil conditions. Deep foundations include cast-in-place-drilled piles, driven piles and micropiles.

Environmental Assessments (EAs) are frequently required to either identify if certain issues rise to the level that need to be addressed in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or not. Depending on the concerns of the agency, EAs may focus on specific studies, or may cover the spectrum of issues evaluated in an EIS. Some of the common topics of an EA include: threatened or endangered species, wetlands, jurisdictional waters, cultural resources & archeology, water resources, hydrology, air quality, geology, mining claims, hazardous materials and environmental justice.

A complex set of state and federal laws protect water quality. The Federal Clean Water Act spawned the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which in turn resulted in state implementation and enforcement of storm water compliance.

The grading of a project site will involve the removal of several inches to several feet of the site soils and replacement of engineered fill that meets the requirements of the geotechnical report. This fill must be compacted to the proper density to provide a firm surface for the recommended foundation.

During the construction of a building, pipeline, bridge or any other structure the materials and methods used by the contractors must be approved for conformity to the project plans and specifications and the local building codes.