How do you accurately characterize, assess, and evaluate the performance of earthwork and grading projects supporting our infrastructure?
Infrastructure is a vital component of our modern society. The reliability of our infrastructure is based, in part, on the stability of the ground on which it is founded and the earth with which it is built. Virtually all new infrastructure projects and land development involve modification of the ground surface topography by grading — the excavation, hauling, and placement of rock or soil material — to create building pads, roadway subgrade, and foundations. Grading and earthwork are typically the least expensive and most reliable means of improving relatively shallow, weak, or compressible soil conditions by removal and replacement of the suspect material.
Exponent's engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers specialize in characterizing subsurface conditions, determining the site grading history and their effects on stability, and evaluating the performance of cut or fill slopes and compacted fill through monitoring and computer analysis. We conduct field investigations of graded site failures, determine slope failure causes, analyze dam and levee performance and failures, as well as provide emergency response and evaluation services in the event of hazardous failures and associated structural damage. Exponent also has the construction experience necessary to provide consulting services during large grading projects by assessing ground conditions and project specifications and evaluating differing site conditions and entitlement for change orders.
services
For 50+ years, we’ve thrived on solving unstructured problems that require bespoke solutions. Some of our services include:
• Field investigation of failures of graded sites whether they be for buildings, dams, levees, or other structures
• Evaluation of the means and methods used for earthworks and compliance with grading requirements
• Field investigations to assess various aspects of as built earthworks from the composition of the fill to its placement to the grading and drainage around structures
• Analysis of ground movement or failure causes and determination of relative contribution of earthworks and grading
• Evaluation of conformance with specifications and differing site conditions claims
• Analysis of proposed change orders and field directives
• Emergency response and evaluation of earthworks (e.g., dams, levees, slopes, etc.) failure hazards and damage to buildings and structures
Our Capabilities Are Unparalleled
With expertise in over 90 disciplines and hundreds of capabilities, tools, and methodologies — we get to the root of even the most complex challenges and give you the objective answers you need.
Remote Sensing Analysis
Improve site understanding with remote sensing and geospatial analytics, including GIS.
Mining & Forestry
Scientific and engineering expertise to help achieve safe, reliable, sustainable production.
Earth Structures
Decades of experience addressing the multitude of complex challenges that can arise when earth and engineering meet.
Design & Construction Consulting
Extensive civil engineering expertise to empower decision-making and help reduce design and construction risks and failures.
External Hazards: Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Accurate assessment, mitigation, and remediation support for external hazards and natural disasters.
Experts
Our global and comprehensive expertise across industries gives us a deep understanding of current challenges, best industry practices, and the implications of emerging technologies.
Senior Managing Engineer
Insights
