Geotechnical Engineering Services

GZA designs exploration programs for nearshore geotechnical engineering using the testing and exploration methods that are tailored to the needs of the project to evaluate subsurface conditions as well as to satisfy the regulatory requirements for each type of project.

GZA works with the project team to develop foundation designs that best fit client needs, then supports the team through bid and construction phases to provide the highest level of service to our clients. Our diverse geotechnical engineering consultant experience for designing, reviewing and overseeing a variety of project and client types for local, national and international projects during construction of deep and shallow foundations has allowed us to develop cost-effective and/or innovative solutions to address the specific ground conditions encountered at each site. 

Whether working for the design team or providing contractor support services, the constructability and economics of alternative earth retention and dewatering systems are evaluated for each project. For constrained sites, the temporary earth support walls may be integrated into the permanent structure.  Where protection of adjacent structures is a critical design consideration, GZA's geotechnical engineering contractors uses finite element and finite difference computer-modelling analyses to evaluate water seepage, ground pressure, and lateral deformations of the ground and wall systems and associated impacts on the adjacent structures.

Just as ground behavior varies from site to site, so do the goals of our clients. GZA has completed thousands of instrumentation programs and have established ourselves as one of the more reputable and reliable geotechnical field measurement and foundation testing organizations in the country. Our extensive field capabilities are supplemented by our predictive modeling, data management, theoretical analysis, design and report preparation strengths.

At-risk slopes frequently abut critical railroad lines, highways, bridges, buildings and industrial facilities. We help owners and designers evaluate the risk of potential rock fall, and design cost-effective mitigation alternatives to stabilize the rock slope or to reliably catch the fallen rock without impacting the critical facilities.  Our ropes-access personnel allow us to interact directly with stabilization contractors in the field to optimize stabilization and reinforcement construction activities. 

GZA’s engineers use a full range of analytical techniques to assess the risk of slope failure. Once it is established that a slope is unstable, GZA develops alternatives for stabilization to identify the balance of risk and cost that safely meets the client’s goals.

GZA routinely evaluates seismic site classification and assesses liquefaction susceptibility. Where potentially unfavorable subsurface conditions and simple site classification would result in an over-conservative foundation design, or where it is required due to building or bridge design codes, GZA performs site response analyses to evaluate use of site-specific seismic design parameters.  These analyses are often used to reevaluate geotechnical seismic design considerations such as Seismic Design Category and liquefaction susceptibility.

Tunnel construction involves many risks related to soil, rock, and groundwater conditions.  Through evaluation of ground conditions and a thorough knowledge of construction methods, GZA helps clients manage these risks. The firm's experience includes sewer, water, highway, rapid transit, power tunnels and caverns.  GZA has provided services to both owners and contractors, which is a testament to our practical, cost-effective solutions for underground challenges and the confidence that our clients have in our abilities.

Our plan designs coordinate properly with technical specifications, QA/QC Plan, and bid item descriptions to properly define the work, and gain like-comparison contractor bids.

GZA provides a combination of geotechnical and environmental expertise in support of the study, budgeting, design, permitting and construction of GSHP systems.

Learn more about our geothermal projects.

Empowered by a team of dedicated engineers and decades of experience on small to mega-large construction projects, we are prepared to assist Contractors with Geotechnical Instrumentation, Design, Foundation Testing, Demolition, QAQC , as well as unforeseen events, swiftly.

Strengthened by the support of GZA’s full complement of services, our Contractor Services Division goes beyond traditional services to address geotechnical, structural, and civil engineering requirements as well as environmental, water, and ecological issues, without needing to go out of house.