Site investigation, laboratory testing and geotechnical recommendations are provided by geotechnical sub-consultants and accredited testing laboratories, selected, coordinated and supervised by KALKATIC, and sealed by the responsible professional.
Our structural group works directly from those results, so the foundation, slope or shoring design that follows is built on the investigation rather than handed over a fence.
Why clients bring us in
- Investigation scoped around the structure being built, not a standard borehole count.
- Our structural engineers brief the investigation and then design from its results, so the two are not working to different assumptions.
- Construction-phase QA that verifies what the design was based on.
Coordinated scope
Geotechnical Engineering & Material Testing
The scope below is what we coordinate on your behalf. Most files use a subset — we scope to the question in front of us.
Desktop study & background review
Historical aerial photography, Alberta Water Well Database, surficial and bedrock geology, site reconnaissance.
Site investigation
Solid and hollow stem auger drilling, cone penetration testing, vane shear testing and sonic drilling.
Laboratory testing
Moisture content, Atterberg limits, grain size distribution, compression and shear, unit weight, sulphate and organic content.
Foundation & site recommendations
Site development, underground utilities, shallow and deep foundation options, retaining walls and temporary shoring.
Slope stability & earthworks
Slope assessment, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, railway and pavement design, ground vibration monitoring.
Modelling & analysis
Slope stability, finite element, seepage and groundwater flow, lateral pile and pile structural analysis.
Construction QA
Excavation and backfill inspection, subgrade verification, proof rolling, pile installation monitoring and QA/QC testing.
When to call
Typical triggers.
- A foundation is settling, heaving or cracking and the cause is below grade
- A site has to be developed and the soil conditions are unknown
- A slope, retaining wall or shoring design needs supporting analysis
- Construction is underway and subgrade or pile installation needs verification
Related expertise
* Delivered by registered sub-consultants, coordinated and supervised by KALKATIC.