BG's Services

General contractors, construction managers, foundation contractors, ground improvement contractors, and earthwork contractors must anticipate how the subsurface conditions at their project sites will complicate their work and how those conditions will vary. Bedrock GeoConsult helps contractors plan their construction and anticipate subsurface difficulties before construction starts, reducting the risk of construction delays and cost increases. During construction, Bedrock GeoConsult serves as geotechnical engineer, directly supporting the contractors when subsurface complications occur.

A project geotechnical report is supposed to be the source of needed subsurface information to develop construction plans and budgets. Unfortunately, geotechnical reports are often poorly prepared and do not address many concerns. Over the past 17 years, Steve Wendland has completed over 400 independent third-party geotechnical peer reviews for contractors prior to the start of construction; these peer reviews are vital tools for reducing subsurface risk. The peer review evaluates the geotechnical report and construction documents to assist contractors in the identification of geotechnical concerns, inconsistencies, and areas where clarification could benefit the project.

Geotechnical aspects of a project are often the largest source of risk. Subsurface conditions vary, foundation construction can be complicated, excavations might be unstable. Having an independent geotechnical engineer review the geotechnical report, designs, and construction plans and specs prior to the start of construction (or even during design) is an important tool in reducing that risk, especially on large projects or projects with geotechnical complications. Steve Wendland has completed third-party geotechnical peer reviews for hundreds of projects. The peer review assists the design team, geotechnical engineer, and owner in the identification of geotechnical concerns, inconsistencies, and areas where clarification could benefit the project.

Heavy cranes require bearing capacity analysis to determine if the ground under their tracks or outriggers can support the loads. Usually, a pad or foundation is needed to support the crane. Crane pads often consist of crushed rock with geogrids and layers of timbers or steel plates on top. Foundations are typically reinforced concrete pads or even drilled shafts. Bedrock GeoConsult provides evaluation of crane bearing conditions and guidance on the construction of crane bearing pads and foundations.

The stability of a steeply sloped or deep excavation is crucial to the safety of workers in the excavation and protecting nearby structures. Bedrock GeoConsult provides geotechnical and geological guidance when planning excavations, observation and guidance during excavation, and safety and stability assessments that are required by OSHA for steep or deep excavations.

Soil, rock, fill, and groundwater can cause lots of problems. Expansive clays can crack a floor or wall or lift a foundation. Groundwater seepage can destabilize an excavation or make a floor slab wet. Landslides can wreak havoc during construction or many years after construction is completed. Poorly compacted fill will settle over time, damaging buildings and pavements. Poorly planned construction or flawed design can lead to failures during construction. Bedrock GeoConsult assists contractors, owners, geotechnical engineers, and design teams with forensic analysis when geo-problems occur.

Bedrock GeoConsult provides top-tier forensic investigations and expert support when retaining wall failures occur during or after construction. Steve Wendland has provided expert analysis for over 20 claims related to failures of retaining walls across the nation and for a wide variety of retaining wall types.

Bedrock GeoConsult provides reviews of shoring submittals including detailed reviews of calculations and shop drawings and providing alternative concepts. Bedrock GeoConsult also provides observation of shoring installation and periodic on-site checks of shoring to verify safety and stability.

Landslides can occur as construction is in progress, or decades later. The damage may be minor or may soar in the tens of millions of dollars. Often, water is the culprit, with unanticipated groundwater seepage or poorly managed surface water making the slope unstable. Bedrock GeoConsult provides analysis of the cause of slope failures, expert geotechnical and geological engineering services for any claims, engineering guidance for repairs and reconstruction, and risk evaluations for existing slopes that are currently stable.

Underground space that is in commercial use requires periodic observation and evaluation by a licensed engineer to review the geologic stability. The City of Kansas City, Missouri, requires annual check ups by an engineer. The engineer must evaluate the stability and provide guidance on maintenance and repairs that are necessary to maintain the stability. Bedrock GeoConsult provides geologic engineering services for periodic assessments of underground space stability.