What is Forensic Geotechnical Engineering?

Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering that deals with the behavior of earthen materials and how they interact with man-made elements such as foundations, flatwork, or pipelines. Issues that geotechnical engineers may be asked to evaluate include the suitability of potential construction sites, how the soils at the site will behave in their native state or when they are reworked as fill, the ease with which soil and/or rock can be excavated, or if materials at a site are able to support the proposed construction.

We cover a wide area across the Southwest. We currently have offices in Arizona and New Mexico.  We are frequently referred by structural engineers and geotechnical engineers in both Arizona and New Mexico.

What Do We Do?

Peterson Geotechnical Group specializes in forensic geotechnical evaluations. Typically, this includes studying and diagnosing the cause of movement that has led to cracks, separations, and other types of distress in relatively newer buildings. Our evaluations typically culminate with written reports of our findings, opinions, and repair recommendations for the project. Common issues that may arise that a forensic geotechnical analysis can help with include:

• Damages Resulting From Water Loss
• Structure Analysis Related to Foundation or Soil Movement
• Moisture Intrusion
• Drainage & Flooding
• Expansive Soils
• Collapsible & Compressible Soils
• Retaining Wall Failures
• Asphalt Pavement Distress and Settlement
• Tripping Hazards From Concrete Flatwork Cracking & Vertical
• Offsets
• Corrosion to Concrete & Masonry

We are frequently called upon to help diagnose the causes of foundation cracks or movement, settlement and to offer recommendations for stabilizing and repairing the affected structures.

If you are in Arizona, New Mexico or any area throughout the Southwest and are in need of slab repair or inspection, contact us today.