Foundation and Slab Engineering Design

SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. provides geotechnical engineering design services for a multitude of foundation and slab configurations and types.  SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. works with the client and design team early in the project planning phase to develop a scope of work that meets the requirements of the agency of jurisdiction, building codes, and structural loading conditions. We recommend specific field, laboratory, and engineering evaluation protocols for assessing the site and its features.

Using specialized field exploration equipment, we conduct field investigations using conventional hollow stem or solid flight truck-mounted or track-mounted drilling methods, cone penetration testing equipment (CPT) methods, bucket auger drilling methods, and down hole logging. Field investigations are directed under the supervision of a licensed engineer or geologist.

Laboratory Testing

Each of SALEM Engineering Group, Inc.’s in-house soil mechanics laboratories operate under the direct supervision of a geotechnical engineer, and all testing is performed by our trained and certified laboratory technicians.  Our full-service laboratories are inspected, accredited, and annually certified by local governmental agencies.  Each of our laboratories are certified with at least one of the following certifications: CALTRANS, AASHTO, AMRL, City of Los Angeles, District of State Architects (DSA), and/or CCRL.  Additionally, our testing equipment is calibrated annually using standards certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Engineering Evaluation and Analysis

SALEM  Engineering Group, Inc. offers geotechnical engineering evaluation and analysis to our clients from highly qualified and professional staff that are familiar with local and regional geology, current building codes, construction practices, and technological advancements in our field of expertise. Our staff has extensive experience in geotechnical engineering design involving highly detailed investigations.

Soils as a whole are difficult to understand and in the engineering world, require some of the largest factors of safety during design. Selecting a geotechnical consultant that understands the nuanced changes in soil strata and potential impacts to the structural system is extremely important. SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. is experienced in assessing geological and geotechnical soil conditions, analyzing the soil conditions and preparing estimates of bearing conditions and anticipated settlement, and presenting them to the design team in a clear and concise manner for design of structures.

Liquefaction Susceptibility Evaluations

Liquefaction occurs when seismic forces affect saturated, loose, and granular layers generating excess pore water pressure, accompanied by a reduction in soils’ strength. Whether planned or existing structures, SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. can provide a liquefaction mitigation solution for each project. Along with various location experience, SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. uses specialized software to evaluate post-liquefaction settlement during seismic shaking. In addition, SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. can provide analysis of dynamic densification “dry sand settlement” along with mitigation solution for your project.

Faulting/Earthquake Engineering

The study of faulting and earthquake hazards draws on the disciplines of structural engineering, structural dynamics, seismology, geology, geotechnical engineering, and probability to comprehensively assess foundation and structure performance related to seismic influences.

Deep Foundation and Ground Improvement Assessments

SALEM Engineering Group, Inc.’s team of professional engineers provide design services for deep foundation systems such as helical piles, driven piles, sheet piles, pile caps, drilled caissons and other deep foundation techniques for commercial, industrial, residential, and municipal projects, among others. SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. also evaluates and provides recommendations for ground improvement using innovative techniques to change the basic engineering properties of soils to allow for more efficient and cost-effective design. When dealing with unsuitable soil conditions, and/or unstable existing structures, SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. selects the appropriate ground improvement technique based upon local knowledge and hands-on experience in a variety of ground improvement approaches.

We can provide solutions to optimize design, reduce cost, and provide multiple alternatives for the client and design team.

Shoring Evaluations

SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. designs temporary and permanent shoring, bracing, and underpinning systems required for excavation and construction. We often integrate multiple systems to facilitate the construction process. This includes utilizing specific proprietary bracing systems and designing bracing systems with conventional construction materials. Our work includes designing temporary and permanent bracing for walls and other structural elements, underpinning of adjacent foundations, sheet piling, soil nailing, and both tied-back and cantilevered soldier piling.

Slope Stability Analysis and Earthwork Specifications

SALEM Engineering Group, Inc.’s experienced staff of engineers and geologists have performed numerous slope stability analyses on natural and fill slopes and 2 and 3 dimensional soil and rock slopes for sites across the United States. Competent and thorough slope stability analysis requires detailed knowledge of soil strength parameters such as friction angle and cohesion, obtained through field exploration and laboratory testing. It also requires a thorough understanding of the failure mechanisms and conditions in order to adequately identify and assess the potential for failure. SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. provides recommendations for stabilization of existing unstable slopes and construction of new sites including retaining structures, erosion control measures, and other stabilization methods.