Resources
FAQ’s
Why should I have my foundation and site evaluated?
Geotechnical due diligence during the preconstruction phase increases your team's ability to influence final project costs, quality and schedule. For example, some parts of a site might be suitable for less expensive foundation types compared to other areas that may need a more expensive foundation or ground improvement prior to pouring the foundation. Understanding subsurface conditions early can help verify land development opportunities and provide an opportunity to adjust design and budget before significant at-risk time and financial resources are committed.
Can RWG&A assist with Pavement Design and Evaluation?
Yes. R.W. Gillespie & Associates can help design new pavements and develop strategies for pavement rehabilitation, taking into account variables such as:
- Soil and groundwater conditions
- Performance expectations and service life
- Porous or non-porous pavement type
- Bituminous or Portland concrete
- Climate
- Vehicle type and frequency
- Local availability of construction materials
- Local construction practice and methods
Effectively designed and constructed pavements are safer, are easier to maintain and repair, are better for the environment, and leave a lasting impression about your community, facility and organization. Whether the pavement is for a local road or highway, runway or taxiway, or for a temporary construction road, reconstruction and repair can be costly and disruptive.
What Construction Consultation services do RWG&A geotechnical engineers provide?
- Several specialty consultation services we offer include:
- Lightweight fill (geofoam, cellular concrete, crushed stone)
- Specialty foundation construction such as soil and rock anchors, mini piles, underpinning, and tiebacks
- Slurry trenches, and composite barrier liners and covers
- Rock excavation
- Pre-blast surveys and vibration monitoring
- Dewatering and slope stability
- Management of contaminated soils and groundwater
- Pile capacity, wave equation, and load testing
- Monitoring the effects of construction including settlement, lateral displacement, and groundwater impacts
Why are Resource Evaluations important?
Use of locally available soils and re-use of on-site materials are important to a project's sustainability, effect on the environment, and financial viability. We can help evaluate potential sources of sand, gravel, quarry rock, and clay liner soil.
What tools does RWG&A use to evaluate potential sites?
- Site reconnaissance
- Geologic mapping
- Aerial photography
- Test pits and borings
- Material quality assessments
- Groundwater level and flow evaluations
- Laboratory testing including sieve analyses, California Bearing Ratio, LA Abrasion, Soundness
What things should we consider when developing a public and/or private water supply well?
Developing and registering a new groundwater supply requires selecting a location with sufficient quality and yield and evaluating the land surface area from which the well draws. We are experienced in providing these services for both deep rock and gravel wells:
- Groundwater source potential assessments
- Geologic mapping
- Fracture trace analysis
- Pumping test design and analysis and safe yield determination
- Well installation observation and documentation
- Well head protection planning
What services can RWG&A provide for Subsurface Wastewater Disposal?
- Drip dispersal effluent disposal analysis
- Nitrogen/nitrate plume migration and attenuation study
- Seasonal high groundwater assessment
- roundwater mounding and flow directions
- Wellhead protection plans
- Pre-development water quality assessments
- Post-development water quality monitoring network
Can RWG&A help my community with DES required Groundwater Documentation & Permitting?
Yes. Applications for groundwater discharge and withdrawal permits and many other requirements of state, federal, and local agencies must be based upon accurate and carefully documented research and analysis. Our staff is experienced not only in compiling and presenting this documentation, but also acting as a liaison between our clients and the permitting authorities.
Useful Links
For more information on training opportunities in civil engineering, and the geotechnical and materials testing fields, check out the following links: