A comprehensive subsurface exploration program is essential to sufficiently characterize the ground that will support any constructed facility. The quality of the exploration program ultimately dictates the geotechnical design as well as the level of the Owner’s risk associated with additional costs due to unanticipated ground conditions encountered during construction. Therefore, proper planning and execution of the exploration program is crucial.

 

As a result of our more than 40 years of practice, GZA has the experience required to plan, execute and oversee subsurface explorations to collect the engineering soil and rock parameters for use in preparation of geotechnical recommendations. Subsurface explorations include methods such as test borings, test pits, cone penetration test soundings, and surface and down-hole geophysics to evaluate ground conditions. These explorations are often used in conjunction with various in-situ testing methods such as packer testing in rock, permeability testing in soil, vane shear testing in cohesive soils, and pressuremeter testing for evaluation of soil modulus.

 

We recognize that project specific site conditions and locations provide unique challenges that are overcome with the use of specialized equipment to access locations. GZA designs exploration programs using the testing and exploration methods that are tailored for the needs of the project to evaluate subsurface conditions.