GEOLOGICAL SERVICES

Engineering Geologic Reports

Engineering geologic reports are normally conducted in conjunction with geotechnical or soils reports.  Geologic investigations are performed by surface mapping of the sites and detailed logging of the subsurface explorations.  An engineering geologic report is often required where the site is in a hillside area or underlain by bedrock.  For hillside properties where slope gradient is 3:1 (horizontal to vertical) or steeper, the slope stability should be also analyzed, and the results and recommendations be discussed in the geologic and geotechnical reports.    

Geolotech, Inc. provides a reliable picture of the subsurface conditions and evaluates different foundation and building options for each project.  All site explorations, geotechnical and geologic analyses, calculations, map drafting, and professional report preparation are performed by the Geolotech team.  This enables us to conduct our site investigations promptly and complete the reports within the committed deadlines.

Landslide Investigation

Many properties within the Southern California have been mapped with landslide areas or are suspected to be underlain by potential slide planes.  It is the task of engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers to determine the existence and conditions of landslides based on surface and subsurface mapping of the suspected slide areas and by utilizing the available historical data and air photos.  The findings and mitigation recommendations, as well as the calculations to design structures capable of withstanding potential future slides, are presented in our landslide investigation reports.

Fault Studies

Detailed fault studies are often required for major developments in areas where faults are known to be active and suspected of being capable of rupturing at the surface.  Fault trenching is normally performed to evaluate the presence or absence of active or inactive faults, sometimes along with other subsurface investigation methods such as continuous coring and Cone Penetration Tests (CPT). 

Hydrogeology Reports

Geolotech, Inc., conducts hydrogeology studies to evaluate the feasibility of water well construction on residential or non-residential parcels, as well as groundwater monitoring and modelling for existing or future construction sites.

Geologic Opinion Reports

Limited Geologic Opinion Reports are often prepared for home buyers or land developers who are in the process of purchasing new properties, especially in hillside areas.  The site study is normally conducted by an engineering geologist who visually inspects the property during his/her site visit and reviews the available geologic data on the site and neighboring properties.  It should be noted that a geologic opinion report can not be used as a substitute for a detailed geologic report or used for obtaining permits.

Percolation Testing

Properties that are not served by the sewer system need to utilize private sewage disposal systems, also known as onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).  These systems often comprise seepage pits or leach fields to dispose the effluent from the septic tanks. Geolotech, Inc., conducts percolation testing along with detailed subsurface investigation to aid in the design of the septic systems and to calculate the subsurface absorption potential.  The findings are presented in OWTS feasibility reports that may be used by the septic engineers as well as the governing agencies in charge of permit issuance.