Engineering Geologic Study

Our expertise lies in performing detailed Engineering Geologic Study in association with the planning and construction of custom single-family residences and residential subdivisions. However, we also provide engineering geologic services for guesthouse, retaining wall, swimming pool, spa, tennis court, patio, deck, addition, and private sewage disposal system construction. The engineering geologic staff of Mountain Geology, Inc. is also highly skilled in performing site specific seismic and fault hazard evaluations and geologic studies involving landslide identification and mitigation.

Detailed engineering Geologic Study are required in most areas for proposed hillside residential/commercial development, hillside grading, hillside construction projects, private sewage disposal systems, landslide studies, seismic hazard evaluations, and feasibility studies.

A detailed engineering Geologic Study includes:

Research
  • Building and Safety / Public Works files
  • Permit records
  • Previous geology / geotechnical reports
  • Previous grading plans
Office Analysis
  • Review and analysis of available regional geologic maps
  • Review and analysis of available topographic maps
  • Analysis of available air photographs
Subsurface Exploration
  • Machine and hand-labor excavated test pits and trenches
  • Boring exploration (bucket-auger, hollow-stem-auger, mud-rotary)
  • Geophysical exploration (cone penetrometer testing, seismic reflection / refraction)
  • Detailed geologic field mapping
Seismic Hazard Evaluation
  • Review of State Hazard Zone maps
  • Computer analysis of known nearby faults
  • Computer evaluation of past earthquakes
  • Fault rupture hazard evaluation
  • Liquefaction, ground shaking intensity, rockfall, tsunami, landsliding potential determination
Preparation of a Written Report
  • Our complete findings, conclusions, and recommendations are presented in a detailed report
  • A total of six (6) copies are mailed to client or authorized agent
  • Additional copies of reports and maps are available upon request
  • A personal discussion of our findings, conclusions, and recommendations is available upon request
Construction Inspections
  • Engineering geologic observation / inspection of grading activities (i.e. keyway, bench, removal bottoms)
  • Geologic inspection of footing excavations
  • Geologic inspection of swimming pool / spa bottom excavations
  • Geologic inspection of subdrain and wall backdrain installation
Fees