Geotechnical Engineering: Projects

Fauquier County Government and Public Schools
Prince William County Public Works, Facilities Construction Management, and Public Schools

WDP has performed geotechnical investigations for numerous Fauquier County and Prince William County projects. These geotechnical investigations have been conducted for various county organizations including county schools, libraries, public safety and detention facilities, county administration structures, landfill/waste management facilities, road improvements, communication towers, and facility modernizations, renovations, or additions. Each geotechnical investigation has been tailored and performed to meet specific project and client needs, with proven cost-efficient recommendations and solutions for foundations, slabs, walls and slopes, pavements, drainage facilities, and earthwork. needs, with proven cost-efficient recommendations and solutions for foundations, slabs, walls and slopes, pavements, drainage facilities, and earthwork.

Given the various and often problematic soils within neighboring Fauquier and Prince William Counties, WDP’s design phase geotechnical investigations are often complemented through our continued project involvement. During the construction phase of the projects, WDP provides Special Inspections, construction inspection and materials testing services to ensure geotechnical design conditions remain applicable. Our engineering staff can address any unforeseen or unanticipated soil or rock challenges, and document compliance with the contract drawings and specifications.

 

Kraft Dry Storage & Distribution Facility

Allentown, Pennsylvania

WDP performed an extensive geotechnical investigation across the 45+ acre site which included geophysical surveys for bedrock profiling (seismic refraction) and subsurface void/sinkhole detection (electrical resistivity) in view of the erratic bedrock depths and potentially soluble limestone. Design recommendations were provided for foundations and slabs, below-grade walls, pavement areas, and site work guidelines.

WDP provided construction inspection and materials testing services which included lime treatment of the very moist silts and clays to continue sitework through the winter months. Lime treatment enabled the contractor to complete the 500,000 square foot building on time in view of the compressed schedule. Construction inspection and material testing services included structural fill/utility trench backfill placement and compaction; parking lot subgrade, aggregate base, and asphalt testing; foundations and slabs; structural steel inspections; associated soils and concrete cylinder testing.

+ Click images to view larger

 

Newport Estates Subdivision - Fill Slope Failure Evaluation & Repair

Woodbridge, Virginia

The originally constructed fill slope failed in March 2007, approximately 12 years after construction. The failure was caused by the absence of proper geotechnical slope stability analyses and consultant and contractor coordination, poorly compacted clay soils, and over-steepened slope conditions in marine clay sediments. Although not originally involved on the project, WDP was requested by Prince William County Department of Public Works to determine the cause of the slope failure, provide remedial plans and specifications, and to provide repair oversight. WDP’s scope of services included geotechnical investigation, inclinometer and crack monitor installation and monitoring, laboratory testing, structural assessment of houses, slope stability analyses, slope repair plans and specifications, retention system design input, and repair oversight and management. Through WDP’s thorough analysis, evaluations, and considerable remedial construction phase involvement, WDP was able to fully repair the fill slope and avoid distress or damage to existing residences adjacent to the failed, rear yard fill slope.

+ Click images to view larger