From Geotechnical Survey to Full Design

 At FECON, we specialize in providing comprehensive geotechnical assessments to cater to various project needs. Our services include:

• Development Permit and Subdivision, and Variance Application: We offer preliminary and detailed geotechnical assessments to support your development permit, subdivision, and variance applications.
• Building Permit Application: Our team is experienced in conducting geotechnical evaluations to assist with building permit applications, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Geohazards Assessment: We assess and mitigate geohazards such as earthquakes, landslides, slope failures, and other related risks to ensure the safety and stability of your project.
• Geotechnical Problem Solutions: Our expertise extends to addressing various geotechnical problems, including ground subsidence, foundation settlement, foundation cracks, and unstable slopes. We provide effective solutions tailored to your specific needs.
• Seismic Upgrades: We offer seismic upgrade services for existing facilities, aligning them with the latest National Building Codes (NBCC) to enhance their resilience and structural integrity.
• Geotechnical Design for New Developments: Our team excels in providing geotechnical design services for new developments, ensuring optimal foundation and structural support based on site-specific conditions.
• Temporary Design and Geotechnical Support During Construction: We offer temporary design solutions and on-site geotechnical support throughout the construction phase to address any geotechnical challenges that may arise.
• Independent Review: Our experts conduct independent reviews of geotechnical designs and construction projects, offering valuable insights and recommendations to optimize performance and mitigate risks.
• Insurance Claim Support: We provide professional support for insurance claims related to ground and foundation damages, offering expert assessments and documentation to facilitate the claims process.

Geotechnical Engineer of Record (EoR) Services: 

FECON is capable of serving as the Geotechnical Engineer of Record for your projects. We provide the necessary Letters of Assurance as required by the BC Building Code and Development and Building Permit, including:

• Schedule B: Assurance of Professional Design and Commitment for Field Review
• Schedule C-B: Assurance of Professional Field Review
• Appendix D: Landslide Assessment Assurance Statements

With our expertise and commitment to excellence, FECON ensures that your projects receive reliable geotechnical assessments, innovative design solutions, and exceptional support throughout the entire process.

In the early planning and feasibility stages of a project, conducting a geotechnical desktop study can provide valuable insights into preliminary geotechnical information and professional opinions that contribute to the further development of the project.

A geotechnical desktop study involves accessing and analyzing general site conditions using a range of relevant information. This includes published maps, images, previous documents and reports, as well as available geotechnical data in the vicinity of the project site. The local experience and expertise of the geotechnical professional, especially from similar sites, also play a crucial role in this study.

The primary objective of the desktop study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the site's geotechnical characteristics, identifying potential risks, challenges, and opportunities. The findings and recommendations derived from this phase serve as a basis for advising the client on the next steps, which often involve detailed site exploration and soil testing.

Following the desktop study, the next phase typically entails conducting field investigations to obtain more precise geotechnical data. This includes collecting soil samples, conducting laboratory tests, and performing in-situ measurements. The data obtained from these investigations forms the basis for engineering analyses and design calculations that support the project.

By investing in a geotechnical desktop study, clients can benefit from early-stage evaluations that help shape project plans, identify potential constraints, and inform decision-making. This proactive approach ensures that the subsequent engineering and construction processes are well-informed, efficient, and tailored to the specific geotechnical conditions of the site.

Geotechnical exploration and soil testing play a crucial role in obtaining site-specific soil and groundwater data. These activities provide valuable insights into the subsurface conditions, enabling us to make informed engineering decisions. At FECON, we excel in developing and optimizing geotechnical exploration and testing programs tailored to the unique characteristics of each site.

Field Exploration:

Our field exploration techniques encompass a range of methods to collect soil samples and gather essential data. From excavating test pits to utilizing advanced drilling techniques, such as auger, mud rotary, and sonic drilling, we ensure that the field program is customized to meet the specific needs of your project. These methods allow us to target desired depths and obtain representative soil samples for classification and laboratory testing.

In-Situ (Field) Testing:

To evaluate soil and water properties, we conduct various in-situ tests. These include the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCPT), Cone Penetration Test (CPT), and shear wave velocity (Vs) measurement. These tests provide valuable data on soil behavior, strength, and compaction characteristics, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the site's geotechnical conditions.

Laboratory Testing:

Our laboratory testing procedures encompass a wide range of soil tests, including moisture content, grain size distribution, and Atterberg limits tests. By analyzing soil samples in a controlled environment, we obtain critical information about soil properties, allowing for accurate geotechnical analysis and design.

Program Development and Execution:

FECON specializes in developing and optimizing geotechnical exploration and testing programs to extract the most valuable data for your project. We understand the importance of high-quality and cost-optimized execution, as it directly impacts the accuracy and reliability of the information obtained. Through our strong connections with experienced drilling contractors, we coordinate and supervise the field program, ensuring a successful geotechnical survey program.

The Importance of Geotechnical Exploration:

Neglecting or having an incomplete geotechnical exploration poses significant risks and can adversely impact your project, leading to escalating costs and extended timelines. A comprehensive geotechnical exploration program provides essential insights into subsurface conditions, identifying potential challenges and allowing for effective and cost-efficient solutions.

By partnering with FECON and leveraging our expertise in geotechnical exploration and testing, you can mitigate uncertainties and make informed decisions. Our focus on delivering representative and reliable geotechnical information empowers you to navigate your project with confidence, reducing risks and ensuring successful outcomes.

In the Vancouver Lower Mainland area, seismic assessment and design are essential requirements outlined by codes for new developments due to the high seismic activity in the region. The seismic design process significantly influences the overall construction cost and plays a vital role in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of your projects.

At FECON, we bring a wealth of experience in geotechnical earthquake engineering, seismic assessment, and numerical modeling. Our team possesses a unique blend of expertise derived from academic research and practical industry knowledge. This combination allows us to optimize your seismic design while considering the cost-effectiveness of your project.

Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering:

With our specialization in geotechnical earthquake engineering, we understand the complex interaction between the soil and structures during seismic events. Our expertise enables us to assess the seismic hazards specific to your project location accurately. By considering factors such as ground motion characteristics, site geology, and soil behavior, we develop effective strategies to mitigate potential risks.

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) :

At our company, we pride ourselves on our expertise in Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA), a crucial aspect of seismic risk evaluation and earthquake preparedness. Our specialized team is well-versed in conducting site-specific PSHA, adhering meticulously to the stringent guidelines laid out in the sixth-generation seismic model for Canada, as outlined in the 2020 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC2020).

Our PSHA process encompasses a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of seismic hazard to assess the probabilistic nature of seismic events, taking into account factors such as fault lines, ground motion amplification, and historical earthquake records. We go the extra mile by generating earthquake time histories specific to the site. These time histories are a crucial resource for engineers, as they offer realistic and detailed representations of the seismic hazard at the location, including factors like magnitude, frequency, and ground motion characteristics.

Seismic Assessment and Numerical Modeling:

FECON excels in conducting comprehensive seismic assessments using state-of-the-art and state-of-practice tools. Our high proficiency in seismic numerical modeling enables us to accurately simulate and predict the response of soil and structures to seismic events. We utilize a variety of industry-leading programs, including SHAKE2000, DEEPSOIL, Strata, FLAC 2D and 3D, and Plaxis 2D and 3D. By leveraging these advanced modeling techniques, we can evaluate the dynamic behavior of your project under seismic loads, assess soil liquefaction potential, and optimize the seismic design.

Optimized Design and Cost Efficiency:

Through our in-house capabilities and expertise, we strive to optimize your seismic design while maintaining cost efficiency. The results derived from our advanced numerical modeling techniques provide more accurate and tailored insights compared to simplified methods. By harnessing the power of these tools, we can develop the best possible design solutions that align with your project's specific requirements and objectives.

By partnering with FECON, you can rest assured that your project's seismic assessment and design are in capable hands. Our commitment to excellence, coupled with our extensive experience, cutting-edge tools, and a wide range of seismic numerical modeling programs, allows us to deliver superior results while optimizing costs and ensuring the safety and reliability of your structures.

At FECON, our experienced staff provides a wide range of geotechnical analysis and design services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. With our expertise and state-of-the-art tools, we deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific project requirements. Our services include:

Earthquake and Landslide Risk Assessment:

We conduct thorough assessments to evaluate the potential risks associated with earthquakes and landslides. Our analysis considers factors such as site geology, seismicity, slope stability, and ground motion characteristics. By identifying potential hazards, we develop strategies to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of your project.

Soil Liquefaction, Earthquake Ground Lateral Deformation, and Settlement:

We specialize in analyzing soil liquefaction potential, earthquake-induced ground lateral deformation, and settlement. Our advanced techniques and numerical modeling capabilities allow us to accurately predict and assess the effects of seismic events on soil behavior, ensuring the stability and performance of your structures.

Advanced Seismic Deformation Analysis:

Using advanced methods and numerical modeling, we analyze the seismic deformation characteristics of soil and structures. This analysis helps us understand the response of the ground and assess the potential impact on infrastructure during seismic events. By simulating various scenarios, we optimize the seismic design and enhance the resilience of your project.

Numerical Modeling in 2D and 3D:

FECON employs cutting-edge numerical modeling techniques in both 2D and 3D to simulate complex geotechnical problems. This enables us to evaluate soil-structure interaction, analyze slope stability, assess groundwater flow, and optimize design solutions. Our advanced modeling capabilities provide a deeper understanding of site conditions and improve the accuracy of our analyses.

Seismic Upgrade and Retrofitting of Existing Facilities:

We specialize in seismic upgrade and retrofitting of existing facilities to enhance their resilience against seismic events. Our team conducts detailed assessments, develops retrofit strategies, and implements customized solutions to strengthen the structural integrity of your buildings and infrastructure.

Slope Stability Analysis:

FECON performs comprehensive slope stability analyses for both natural and man-made slopes, including dams, embankments, and engineered slopes. Our advanced methods consider factors such as soil properties, groundwater conditions, and slope geometry to assess stability and develop effective mitigation measures.

Our expertise also extends to other areas of geotechnical analysis and design, including seepage and water flow analysis, excavation and shoring design for building foundations and basements, settlement analysis of soft or organic soils, bearing capacity analysis of shallow and deep foundations, temporary and permanent excavation design, soil retaining, underpinning, and shoring design, and soil and rock anchor design.

With FECON, you can trust in our comprehensive geotechnical analysis and design services to deliver reliable solutions for your projects. We are committed to excellence, utilizing advanced techniques and leveraging our experience to ensure the success of your endeavors.

At FECON, we understand that field review and construction support are crucial for the success of any construction project. As the Geotechnical Engineer of Record (EoR), we play a vital role in ensuring that the construction work aligns with geotechnical designs and recommendations. Our field review services are in compliance with the requirements of the BC Building Code and similar Codes.

Benefits of Field Review:

Field review allows our experienced geotechnical engineers to closely monitor the construction progress and verify that it meets the specified geotechnical requirements. Through periodic site visits at key stages of the project, we meticulously assess the implementation of geotechnical designs and identify any deviations or areas that require attention. This proactive approach helps address potential issues early on and ensures the successful completion of your construction project.

Field Review Activities:

Our comprehensive field review services encompass a range of activities, including:

Excavation and Shoring:

We review excavation and shoring activities to ensure proper techniques and structural support systems are in place. This involves evaluating the excavation process, assessing soil stability, and verifying the installation of shoring elements to maintain the safety and stability of the project site.

Subgrade Review:

We conduct subgrade reviews to assess the quality and suitability of the underlying soil for the intended construction. This involves evaluating soil properties, compaction, and moisture content to ensure a strong foundation for your structures.

Fill Placement and Compaction:

Our field review includes monitoring the placement and compaction of fill materials. We verify that the fill is properly compacted to meet the required density and compaction specifications, ensuring the stability and performance of the engineered fill.

Pile Driving:

We oversee the pile driving process, ensuring that it adheres to the geotechnical design requirements. Our engineers verify the installation methods, assess pile integrity, and confirm that the piles are effectively transferring the structural loads to the underlying soil or rock.

Soil/Rock Anchor Installation and Testing:

FECON provides field review for the installation and testing of soil and rock anchors. We verify that the anchors are correctly installed, meeting the design specifications, and perform testing to ensure their effectiveness in providing stability and support.

Temporary Slope and Excavation During Construction:

We closely monitor temporary slopes and excavations during the construction phase to ensure their stability and safety. Our field review assesses slope angles, stability measures, and erosion control measures to mitigate potential risks associated with temporary earthworks.

Our dedicated geotechnical engineers are committed to providing thorough field review and construction support services. By partnering with FECON, you can be confident that your construction project receives the necessary oversight and expertise to ensure compliance with geotechnical designs and recommendations.