Challenge

Our client had plans to convert an old warehouse in Santa Rosa into condominiums. The site is located immediately adjacent to Santa Rosa Creek on the western edge of the historic Railroad Square area, so the client needed assistance with a geotechnical study to determine the most feasible option for construction so close to the creek.

Solutions

The client contracted with GLA’s wholly owned subsidiary RGH Consultants to perform a geotechnical study and to provide geotechnical field services during construction. Our team completed a comprehensive geotechnical study, including taking soil borings outside and inside of the existing building, digging test pits to expose foundations for the eastern and southern masonry walls, and performing cone penetration tests to explore subsurface conditions for lenses of potentially liquefiable soil. We also performed geotechnical analyses as part of the study, including liquefaction potential, stability analysis of the creek bank under general soil conditions and after liquefaction, and consolidation settlement. We recommended using a mat foundation to reduce the impacts of liquefaction and settlement. Our team continued to help after the conclusion of the study, providing geotechnical field observation, testing, and special inspection throughout the entirety of the two-year construction period.

Results

Our team’s comprehensive geotechnical study allowed us to provide the client with an evidence-backed and technically-feasible recommendation to reduce the impacts of liquefaction and settlement. Our services have provided the client with a lasting, cost-effective solution that will save them from having to make frequent building repairs.

We are particularly proud of our team’s ability to provide technically-feasible solutions for safe and secure housing.”