Geotechnical

ZS Engineering provides a resourceful team of licensed geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists experienced in identifying and mitigating geotechnical and geologic hazards throughout the southern California. We provide all of the necessary geotechnical services required for a project through different phases - preliminary planning, land use decisions, design, and construction.

Our geotechnical services during early planning stage and design phase include: 

• Desktop geotechnical feasibility and due diligence studies
• Geological input for preparation of EIR/EIS documents
• Geologic and seismic hazard evaluations for planning input
• Subsurface geotechnical studies to characterize site conditions, and the suitability of onsite soils to support building construction
• Design parameters for foundations and building structures
• Laboratory testing for soil and rock properties
• Analysis of slope stability and seismic shaking hazards
• Remedial earthwork designs to mitigate or eliminate geotechnical constraints 

ZS Engineering supports a project during the design phase with a detailed geotechnical site investigation. To develop design parameters that mitigate the project constraints, meet regulatory requirements, and can be implemented efficiently, we first determine subsurface geotechnical conditions by drilling and sampling onsite soils. Our studies are generally designed to provide the information needed for specific project decisions, determined by either our client team of engineers and contractors, or the regulatory agencies that provide site permits. Our geotechnical services during design phase include: 

• Evaluation of geotechnical constraints and opportunities
• Subsurface geotechnical studies to characterize site conditions, and the suitability of onsite soils to support building construction
• Design parameters for foundations and building structures
• Laboratory testing for soil and rock properties
• Analysis of slope stability and seismic shaking hazards
• Remedial earthwork designs to mitigate or eliminate geotechnical constraints
• Interface with regulators of the appropriate review agencies 

During construction, our work typically consists of geotechnical observation and testing of the field activities being undertaken by the client’s contractor. Our objective is to be in conformance with the project specifications and the regulatory requirements of the permitting agencies. Our ability to solve field problems quickly and effectively keeps field costs under control, while confirming that the contractor is meeting the job requirements. 

During construction phase, our geotechnical services include: 

• Geotechnical observation and testing during site grading and/or construction
• Instrumentation for monitoring settlement and temporary slope stability
• Rapid response to unexpected site conditions through design modifications
• Certification of conformance with project specifications based on available testing and observations during construction

Construction Inspection and Materials Testing

ZS Engineering has a team of geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, and deputy inspectors specialized in their respective fields for construction support (including soils, concrete, masonry, structural steel, and welding).

We will provide qualified soils technicians with extensive construction and grading experience. Our technicians will work with your design representative and the contractor to ascertain that all project earthwork and materials requirements are achieved. ZS Engineering personnel will also provide field verification of engineering plans and specifications and provide construction observation pertaining to the geotechnical, geologic, environmental, and materials aspects of each project.

ZS Engineering provides but is not limited to the following aspects of construction inspection and materials testing services: asphalt, asphaltic concrete, reinforcing steel, reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry, and structural steel welding.

Environmental Services

ZS Engineering’s environmental services commonly begin in the early phase of a real estate transaction, often during due diligence, but may be considered necessary at any stage of development or redevelopment. We have qualified environmental professionals with substantial industry experiences to help our clients with the services in Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I) and Remedial Investigation (Phase II).

We have assessed numerous sites for industrial, commercial, agricultural, and undeveloped and redeveloped (brownfields) properties ranging from small lots to very large size parcels. ZS Engineering performs all work in compliance with applicable standards as described below:  

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for commercial properties (ASTM E1527-05)
• All Appropriate Inquiry
• Transaction Screening Assessments (ASTM E1528)

If a Phase I ESA suggests the presence of possible contamination or if contamination is known to exist at a site, then additional investigation may be warranted. ZS Engineering has the expertise to conduct Remedial Investigations (RI), also referred to a Phase II ESAs, to further evaluate sites. These investigations are intended to assess limits of contamination, characterize the type of contaminants, and evaluate contamination migration and/or human health risks.

Our environmental scientists have extensive experience working with various drill rigs; hydraulic push sampling equipment; and soil gas probes for the collection of air, soil, soil vapor, and groundwater samples to support the following types of studies and investigations: 

• Soil and groundwater investigations
• Soil vapor surveys
• Hydrogeologic investigations/studies