Geotechnical Engineering

DEM offers a comprehensive range of services outside of the Construction Materials Testing and Construction Materials Engineering arenas.  These services are available to our clients throughout the various phases of your project.  From site selection and project feasibility evaluation, through planning, design and construction, DEM offers a variety of geotechnical services that will ensure that all Geotechnical Services aspects are satisfied.  DEM has a commitment to providing Geotechnical Engineering and Geologic Consulting with the same degree of professional excellence demanded by our Construction Materials clients. Our geotechnical services are performed by our team of civil engineers, geotechnical engineers geologists, environmental scientists, soils and environmental technicians, and/or our specialty engineering consultants.

Geotechnical Studies

This activity normally requires the combined expertise of our geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists, and may range in scope from feasibility-level studies intended to validate project concepts to more comprehensive design-phase geotechnical investigations. These studies describe and depict subsurface conditions for construction of different types of engineering structures. Working with other design professionals, the project team performs the appropriate subsurface explorations, testing and analyses. Based on the obtained data, we provide recommendations and design criteria for earthwork, structural support, selection of materials, and other elements of the project which depend on subsurface conditions.

Geologic Studies

DEM provides geologic studies both as part of geotechnical engineering studies and as individual or component geologic investigations. Typical studies have included assessments of rock units to verify suitability of manufactured slopes and identify excavation characteristics; stability analyses and erosion potential for natural slopes and coastal bluffs; subsidence potential evaluations; and studies to determine the past, present, and probable future occurrence of groundwater. DEM professionals can identify and characterize sites located within officially designated State of California and local County geologic hazard zones for active earthquake faults, liquefaction potential, landslide potential, and subsidence. Continuous professional development assures clients that hazard zone investigations are performed according to the latest technical guidelines and procedures, thus minimizing project delays and future risks.

The scope of studies provided ranges from field reconnaissance to more complex evaluations of geologic conditions using multiple subsurface and remote sensing techniques. These include drilled bore holes, large-diameter shafts for downhole observations, direct push exploration methods, stereoscopic aerial photographic analysis, and geophysical methods.

Seismic Risk Analyses

Most projects in California are in seismically active areas that demand engineering mitigation for potential strong ground shaking. Utilizing the latest available data and analysis tools, we provide design parameters for ground motion according to the desired hazard level, according to deterministic or probabilistic models. Site classification studies and seismic design coefficient determinations are also performed, meeting the needs of the latest adopted edition of the Uniform Building Code and theupcoming International Building Code.

Municipal Services

Our staff possesses considerable experience providing geotechnical, geologic, engineering, and material testing support to municipal agencies. We provide specific support to Planning, Building, Public Works and Utilities Department Management and staff.

Our municipal support services include expert plan review of mass and precise grading plans and geotechnical reports to verify conformance with applicable codes and project requirements, geotechnical investigations and preparation of grading and foundation recommendations for public improvement and infrastructure projects as well as inspection, testing and material evaluation for public projects. Our experience in the municipal arena results in our ability to provide economical engineering and support which is "in step" with the public sector.