Copyright 2007 MTI-KC Engineering
Last Updated 1/21/08
SPECIALITY SERVICES:
FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS
Forensic geotechnical engineering is the investigation of failures with a
geotechnical origin, not only from a technical standpoint but also with the
possibility of legal proceedings. Although some geotechnical failures
such as landslides occur in the absence of any human intervention, most
involve changes to the natural ground conditions by human
improvements. Problems occur when there is a lack of understanding,
investigation and analysis of the natural conditions and the impact of the
proposed changes.
Geotechnical challenges in Northern California, especially the San
Francisco Bay Area, include landslides, ground settlement, expansive
soils, shallow groundwater, liquefaction and other conditions that
sometimes result in post-development problems. Our professionals and
trained staff have over 50 years of combined experience in analyzing
these problems and finding practical repair alternatives. When
disagreements arise between project owners and the design and
construction team, we are often asked to provide expert witness
testimony or other service associated with the resolution process.
Areas of Expertise:
PEER REVIEWS
With the ever continuing issues of tight budgets in City and County
offices and the lack of onsite staff with geotechnical and geologic
expertise, many municipalities rely on third-party consultants to provide
review services both during planning and construction of projects. KC
Engineering Company’s extensive experience allow us to provide
efficient and professional service to planning and building departments
to ensure that submittals are in conformance with local ordinances and
geotechnical/geologic standards of practice.
GEOTECHNICAL MONITORING SERVICES
Our firm has a Slope Indicator Company vertical inclinometer system
with capabilities to monitor up to 200 feet. The applications for a vertical
inclinometer include:
Our firm also performs floor level survey’s using a single-person
manometer (commonly known as water level survey). These surveys are
invaluable during forensic investigations of distressed structures. They
aid in determining areas of settlement and heave, poor drainage,
landsliding, and floor flatness. The surveys can even be performed on a
continuing basis to establish whether movement is constant, slowing or
accelerating. The readings are obtained to an accuracy of one-sixteenth
of an inch and do not have the limitations of line-of-sight that
conventional surveying methods have.
FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS
Forensic geotechnical engineering is the investigation of failures with a
geotechnical origin, not only from a technical standpoint but also with the
possibility of legal proceedings. Although some geotechnical failures
such as landslides occur in the absence of any human intervention, most
involve changes to the natural ground conditions by human
improvements. Problems occur when there is a lack of understanding,
investigation and analysis of the natural conditions and the impact of the
proposed changes.
Geotechnical challenges in Northern California, especially the San
Francisco Bay Area, include landslides, ground settlement, expansive
soils, shallow groundwater, liquefaction and other conditions that
sometimes result in post-development problems. Our professionals and
trained staff have over 50 years of combined experience in analyzing
these problems and finding practical repair alternatives. When
disagreements arise between project owners and the design and
construction team, we are often asked to provide expert witness
testimony or other service associated with the resolution process.
Areas of Expertise:
- Slope and landslide stability analysis
- Settlement and expansive soils studies
- Foundation and pavement evaluations
- Poor drainage and moisture intrusion studies
- Remedial earthwork and foundation design
- Expert witness services
PEER REVIEWS
With the ever continuing issues of tight budgets in City and County
offices and the lack of onsite staff with geotechnical and geologic
expertise, many municipalities rely on third-party consultants to provide
review services both during planning and construction of projects. KC
Engineering Company’s extensive experience allow us to provide
efficient and professional service to planning and building departments
to ensure that submittals are in conformance with local ordinances and
geotechnical/geologic standards of practice.
GEOTECHNICAL MONITORING SERVICES
Our firm has a Slope Indicator Company vertical inclinometer system
with capabilities to monitor up to 200 feet. The applications for a vertical
inclinometer include:
- Monitoring slopes and landslides to detect zones of movement
and establish whether movement is constant, accelerating, or
responding to remedial measures. - Monitoring retaining walls and sheet piles to check that deflections
are within design limits, that struts and anchors are performing as
expected, and that adjacent structures and underground utilities
are not affected by ground movements. - Monitoring dams, dam abutments, and upstream slopes for
movement during and after impoundment.
Our firm also performs floor level survey’s using a single-person
manometer (commonly known as water level survey). These surveys are
invaluable during forensic investigations of distressed structures. They
aid in determining areas of settlement and heave, poor drainage,
landsliding, and floor flatness. The surveys can even be performed on a
continuing basis to establish whether movement is constant, slowing or
accelerating. The readings are obtained to an accuracy of one-sixteenth
of an inch and do not have the limitations of line-of-sight that
conventional surveying methods have.
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Vacaville Office: 865 Cotting Lane, Suite A Vacaville, California 95688 (707) 447-4025 Fax: (707) 447-4143 Redding Office: 8798 Airport Road Redding, California 96002 (530) 222-1116 (MTI) (530) 222-0832 (KC) Fax: (530) 222-1611 |
| Helping to Build Foundations for the Future |
| MATERIALS TESTING, INC. KC ENGINEERING COMPANY |
| Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Testing & Special Inspection |
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