Services

Geotechnical Site Analysis

GMU has more than 40 years experience evaluating soil and rock conditions for clients before, during and after construction to verify stability, meet performance goals and reduce the potential for unexpected problems.

GMU’s engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers are specialists in evaluating soil, rock and groundwater conditions for proposed and existing development.

From the planning and design phase through construction and beyond, GMU has the specialized expertise needed to see the job is done right the first time.

• Geotechnical
• Civil
• Structural
• Pavement
• Special Inspection
• Laboratory Testing
• Blasting/Vibration
• Forensic

	Site Exploration GMU investigates subsurface geology and geotechnical conditions using a wide variety of drilling techniques and geophysical methods.
	Field Observation & Testing GMU provides comprehensive geotechnical observation and testing services during all phases of grading and construction, utilizing our decades of oversight experience to see projects are built according to plans.
	Slope Stability and Landslide Analysis GMU reviews soils conditions for planned hillside development and analyzes the stability of existing and proposed slopes. Our engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers are well trained in identifying potential landslides and providing solutions to stabilize slopes and allow for development.
	Liquefaction Analysis GMU is frequently called upon to perform detailed and comprehensive liquefaction, seismic-settlement and lateral spreading studies. We perform analyses on both proposed and existing developments using state-of-the-art techniques, and propose solutions to mitigate the potential hazards of liquefaction.
	Foundation Engineering GMU’s engineers regularly provide analysis during the design of foundations on sites with soils issues including liquefaction, compressible and collapsible soils, expansive soils, fill/bedrock transitions, and deep fills. Our engineers have provided strategic and cost-effective recommendations for all types of foundation and sub-grade improvement options, leading to successful development in some of the most challenging conditions.
	Seismic Hazard Analysis GMU’s engineers and geologists perform seismic-hazard analyses to determine the ground motion anticipated at proposed and existing developments. GMU provides site-specific responses and has experience with California’s wide range of soil and rock conditions.
	Geotechnical Instrumentation GMU’s staff is experienced in installing and monitoring a wide variety of geotechnical instrumentation and in-place monitoring systems, including slope inclinometers, peizometers, extensometers and strain gauges.
	Soil and Rock Testing GMU maintains a complete soil and rock mechanics laboratory, which allows the company to more quickly provide feedback and solutions to our clients’ geotechnical issues. The lab is approved by both the California Department of Transportation and the County of Orange Materials Testing Division, and is one of few labs that provide triaxial strength, permeability, pavement and corrosion testing.
	Groundwater GMU has conducted numerous large and small groundwater studies on aquifers throughout Southern California for water districts and land developers. Our staff is experienced in the installation of all types of groundwater monitoring devices and in groundwater modeling. We have also provided percolation testing related to surface water retention. GMU provides counsel on channel and other flood-control improvements, and has been involved in the design and implementation of bio-swales, permeable pavements, detention basins, and other projects to protect and improve Southern California’s groundwater quality.
	Seismic Refraction/Hard Rock Studies GMU has more than four decades of experience providing seismic refraction services for hard rock studies, which allow clients to more effectively plan their infrastructure and development projects.
	Fault Investigations GMU’s geologists have performed or directed fault investigations in various regions of Southern California. Our fault investigation team is highly skilled in interpreting geomorphology, structural geology, trench exposures and fault-related features.