What do we offer?
Everything.
Geotechnical Investigations
From the inception of your project, whether building a home or a hospital, it’s likely you’ll need to know what lies beneath your feet on site. We can coordinate any form of subsurface investigation to evaluate soil conditions, including hand tool explorations, drilling with Standard Penetration Testing, Mud Rotary drilling, excavated test pits, GeoProbe, Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP), installation of monitoring wells, and even near-shore explorations.
Critical Area Ordinance (CAO)
Evaluation for Slope Stability & Other Geohazards
If you’re thinking about building on a slope, or near a bluff, it’s likely the local planning department will require a geotechnical consultation be done to provide recommendations that will make sure your plans satisfy the local Critical Area Ordinance. Some sites have poor soil beyond what is conventionally repairable. This might entirely prevent development, or may require significant foundation stabilization measures be considered. We can help you determine exactly what the problem is and how to solve it.
Stormwater Infiltration & Mounding Analysis
Most new developments require that stormwater be controlled, and this usually means dumping as much of it as possible right into the porous ground if you can. The rate at which this can be done must be determined by a geotechnical professional, and requires a significant amount of evaluation and care. Whether you plan to install a small drywell for rain gutters, or an entire pervious asphalt parking lot, we can tell you how how to safely distribute that water and where the ground can handle it.
In-ground Structure Design
& Engineering Recommendations
Bearing your structure on raw earth can bring up some significant design challenges. Whether you plan to bear on spread footings, piles, or fill, a Geotech needs to be involved to tell you how to do it right the first time. Maybe you plan to install a new retaining wall, or bulkhead. In any situation, if it’s in the ground, we can help you design it.
Geotech of Record
Construction Phase Geotechnical Consultation
QG is well experienced at seeing projects through the construction phase to completion. Sometimes, unforeseen complications arise during earth work, or the contractor might not adequately protect the soils from degradation in harsh weather. Often quick solutions in the field need to be implemented, and having a responsive Geotech of Record can mean all the difference when it comes to saving time and money.
Also, understanding the results of inspections for soils and foundations can be difficult. Unfortunately, most inspectors aren’t geologist. QG staff include seasoned construction professionals, who are familiar with reviewing & interpreting special inspection reports to confirm that the actual construction holds up to the requirements set forth in the Geotechnical Report and project plans. We’ll help see your project through from cradle - to - grave.
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (P1ESA)
Frequently property sellers and buyers are required to complete a P1ESA in order to satisfy legally required due diligence in identifying possible site contamination. This is often required by the lender. Unfortunately our forefathers didn't take so much care to prevent the spread of contaminants like fuel, oil, and toxic metal residue. The sad truth is most urban areas are within proximity to some known polluter. Fortunately, there are many modern resources available to track known recent and historic spills and releases. We'll comb through the records and provide you with a complete P1ESA in accordance with the ASTM Standard to get your project rolling.
3rd Party Geotechnical Review
We get it, sometimes it's worth finding a second opinion. maybe you think your current geo-tech went too far, or not far enough. If you want another professional's input, we're happy to discuss your project with you. Our knowledgeable staff can help give you the confidence you need to see your project through to the end.
Channel Migration Zone
A Channel Migration Zone is where a river channel can be expected to move over time due to erosion, flooding or avulsion. Our staff geologists have the expertise and experience to conduct CMZ studies following the framework and guidelines developed by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington State Department of Transportation. We use historical aerial imagery, topographic data, geomorphic mapping, field surveys, and hydraulic modeling to identify and quantify the different components of the CMZ. We also evaluate the relative risk of erosion hazards and the reliability of the CMZ study based on the available data and information. Whether you are a landowner, a developer, or planner we can help you understand and manage the dynamic nature of river channels and their impacts on your property.
Coal Mine Hazard
Underground coal mines have inherent stability and unpredictability risks and can lead to types (and magnitudes) of losses that no one wants to face. We help manage those risks by conducting extensive investigations and monitoring ground conditions, identifying potential dangers like roof falls, collapses, or underground water inundation, propose ground control measures to mitigate potential disasters, and provide solid recommendations to ensure worker safety. In short, we help prevent headaches of all kinds.
AND MORE!
Call 360-878-9705 or email us
with any questions about additional services!