Geotechnical Engineering & Forensics

Construction cost overruns due to unexpected site excavation conditions or unnecessarily expensive foundation systems can be avoided with diligent geotechnical engineering. WDP’s geotechnical engineering professionals have consistently helped our clients save money through decades of experience testing and analyzing soil conditions in the mid-Atlantic region, particularly in Northern Virginia, and utilizing specialized technology and equipment.

Unlike our competition, WDP’s senior geotechnical engineers are on-site with the drill rig during field exploration. Should soil conditions indicate the need for more information, our engineers can direct additional field exploration during one mobilization. Given the widely ranging subsurface conditions within small areas in the region and the chronic presence of unsuitable soils near existing construction, this is an invaluable advantage. WDP’s geotechnical engineers translate this wealth of information into cost-saving approaches to site utilization, structural foundation systems, and bid document quantities for excavation, dewatering, sheeting and shoring. Using the same investigative and engineering analysis skills, WDP provides forensic geotechnical services to investigate and resolve problems with existing construction, such as foundation settlement, retaining wall and/or slope failure, problem soils, and pavement failure.

As part of the investigation and analysis, WDP is able to provide services for the following:

Subsurface Exploration and Geotechnical Investigations

  • Test Borings, Test Pits, Hand Augers
  • Cone Penetration Testing
  • Dilatometer and Pressuremeter Testing
  • Geophysical Exploration

Foundation and Slabs

  • Shallow and Deep Foundations
  • On-Grade, Elevated, and Structural Slabs
  • Repair Analysis and Design
  • Underpinning and Re-leveling Systems

Pavements

  • Asphalt (Flexible) and Concrete (Rigid) Pavement Design
  • Analysis of Existing Pavements
  • Repair Documents and Specifications

Earth Retention Systems and Slopes

  • Mechanically Stabilized Walls
  • Tie-backs and Anchored Systems
  • Global Stability Analysis
  • Failure Analysis and Repair Documents/Specifications