Wildfires have a significant impact on the properties of the soil. The heat of the fire burns away all of the vegetation and organic matter on the surface of the soil, which makes some nutrients more readily available to the soil while turning others into gases that are lost (chiefly nitrogen). In addition, the heat…
The name speaks for itself: a sinkhole is a hole that has formed from the originally normal ground that has sunk in, but how and why do they form? Sinkholes are just one example of the potential instability you might face when considering an area for new construction – and they’re a reminder of the…
Have you ever heard of “cover crops?” If not, get used to hearing about them. Cover crops are special and specific types of crops which build soil fertility, reduce fertilizer run-off, and help reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. Think of them as a way to maximize agricultural efficiency while simultaneously looking out for this planet of…
Many of us have heard this famous expression: “All Politics is Local.” Incidentally, the same idea applies to the geotechnical and environmental engineering profession. In that sense, we can say “All Geotechnics is Local!” Local building codes, guidelines for work in the profession, and standards of care vary greatly by both region and local agency…
Considering some new construction on your home? Here’s something you should definitely familiarize yourself with: some jurisdictions (such as the city of Glendale) allow for analyses known as “modified soils reports” for small addition projects. So, what are modified soils reports? Typically these involve a short site visit by a soils engineer, followed by a…
With the ever-increasing value of land in metropolitan areas, property owners are encouraged to make improvements on underutilized properties. This generally involves making additions to dwellings or structures when ample land is available. Property improvements are typically done in coordination with remodeling projects. Sometimes, even the smallest dwelling addition can trigger the soils/geology report requirement…
Geotechnical engineering plays an enormously important role in the building of any structure. The soil and rock the building sits atop will form the all-important foundation, and needs to be solid enough to support whatever is being built upon it. Without a proper foundation, a building could soon collapse and cause catastrophic damage or loss…
Ever since the first farmers settled and began to cultivate fields of crops to feed themselves and their neighbors, they have been pressed to produce higher yield and better quality harvests. Early on, farmers developed the first fertilizers, and noted that by incorporating manure, bone meal, and other plant and animal products back into their…
San Francisco’s fourth-tallest skyscraper has a big, expensive problem: it’s sinking. Not only that, but it’s sinking twice as fast as originally feared. How does something like this happen? What can be done? The Curious Case of The Sinking Tower Usually, you might think that a massive, 58-story skyscraper in one of America’s wealthiest…
After a school collapsed in Mexico City this month following a devastating 7.1 earthquake, leading to multiple fatalities, officials are coming to the grim conclusion that the building’s foundation may not have been adequate. The resulting analysis is an unfortunate illustration of the critical importance soil engineering plays in constructing new buildings. A School Built…
