Barghausen Consulting Engineers’ Post

When Topographic Surveys are needed Topographic surveys, also known as base maps, may be required as part of civil engineering design and construction projects, including: New construction Remodeling projects Utility design Road or bridge design or improvements Grading or drainage projects. Together with a boundary survey, topographic surveys are used by architects and engineers to create accurate and appropriate designs based on existing conditions. #Surveying #LandSurveying #Geomatics #Geospatial

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Retaining Walls are quite commonly used by civil engineers to help land developers accommodate grade changes during site development. A commonly overlooked factor is the availability of designer-specified soils onsite. Without considering site soils, soils often need to be brought in from offsite (“imported”) at additional expense to the developer. When hiring a wall designer, ensure your designer consults with the site geotechnical engineer to optimize the design with the least expense to the developer. The construction team also needs to be on the same page and working together to ensure long-term performance of these walls. The detail matters and a little extra effort upfront will pay dividends to the Owner. #construction #engineering #engineer #northcarolina #charlottenc #aboveandbeyond

Elevate your surveying game with #VanHarten's top-notch services! From land surveys to construction layout, we've got you covered. Check out to learn more. #Surveying #LandDevelopment"

The Art of Red Brick Sewer Inverts In the realm of civil engineering and urban planning, the unsung heroes are often the elements that remain unseen. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on a crucial yet often overlooked component of our wastewater management systems. Red brick sewer inverts. Why red brick? I recently discovered, red brick inverts are not just a nod to traditional construction methods, they are a testament to durability and functionality. The use of red bricks in sewer inverts provides a robust solution to guiding wastewater flow through manholes seamlessly. This method ensures longevity and reliability, even under the constant stress of urban wastewater. The installation of red brick inverts is a craft that requires precision and expertise. Each brick is meticulously placed, creating a smooth channel that facilitates efficient water flow and minimizes blockages. It's a perfect blend of time-honored masonry skills and modern engineering. By investing in quality materials like red brick for our sewer systems, we're taking a step towards more sustainable urban environments. These inverts are not only effective in their function but also contribute to the longevity of the sewer network, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Let's take a moment to appreciate the hardworking individuals who install these inverts, one manhole at a time. Their dedication ensures that our cities run smoothly, even if it's out of our sight. As we continue to develop and enhance our urban landscapes, let's remember the importance of every component, no matter how small or hidden. The red brick sewer inverts are a prime example of infrastructure done right - efficient, durable, and built to last. #CivilEngineering #UrbanPlanning #Infrastructure #Sustainability

It shows the important of slope stability…

What we have just seen shows how important it is to create a geological-geotechnical study and a geological model with the data obtained. Support design is made by analyzing the geological model and the obtained geotechnical parameters. If these are not fulfilled, disasters are inevitable.

Poor slope protection and unstable fill material triggered the landslide at the tunnel site The landslide at the tunnel construction site can be attributed to several factors. Poor slope protection, such as the absence of retaining walls or adequate drainage systems, left the area vulnerable to collapse. The use of loosely compacted fill material further weakened the stability of the slopes, making the earth prone to shifting under pressure. Heavy rainfall likely saturated the soil, increasing its weight and causing it to slide. Additionally, the stress caused by ongoing tunnel excavation may have destabilized the surrounding ground, contributing to the failure. Together, these factors created an environment where the slopes could not hold up, leading to a massive landslide that affected the construction site. video rights : Respective owners DM for removal /credits #tunnel #slopeprotection #collapse #engineering #geotechnical #civilengineering #civilconstruction #engenharia #engenhariacivil #engenheiro #engenheirocivil #ingeniero #ingenierocivil #technology #architecture

Poor slope protection and unstable fill material triggered the landslide at the tunnel site The landslide at the tunnel construction site can be attributed to several factors. Poor slope protection, such as the absence of retaining walls or adequate drainage systems, left the area vulnerable to collapse. The use of loosely compacted fill material further weakened the stability of the slopes, making the earth prone to shifting under pressure. Heavy rainfall likely saturated the soil, increasing its weight and causing it to slide. Additionally, the stress caused by ongoing tunnel excavation may have destabilized the surrounding ground, contributing to the failure. Together, these factors created an environment where the slopes could not hold up, leading to a massive landslide that affected the construction site. video rights : Respective owners DM for removal /credits #tunnel #slopeprotection #collapse #engineering #geotechnical #civilengineering #civilconstruction #engenharia #engenhariacivil #engenheiro #engenheirocivil #ingeniero #ingenierocivil #technology #architecture

GTA recently provided geotechnical consultation services to facilitate the design and construction of the 166,000-SF, seven-story, Class A office/retail building at 515 Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown. Here are some interesting details about the scope of the project: ▶️ The subsurface profile was typical of karst geology in an urban landscape and included demolition debris from the former Colonial Theater - a highly variable rock surface with fine-grained residual soils and several very soft soil layers. ▶️ Due to the high column loads, initial preliminary design concepts included deep foundations consisting of micro piles. However, GTA was able to offer significant cost savings using a limited foundation over-excavation and replacement scheme in conjunction with deeper soil improvement, void stabilization, and compaction grouting techniques. ▶️ These combined over-excavation and stabilization methods minimized the total and differential settlements across the building footprint, which was underlain by variable materials consisting of shallow rock pinnacles and deep weathered soft soil troughs. ▶️ GTA's work included technical guidance throughout site excavation with sinkhole remediation recommendations, underpinning of the adjacent historic county courthouse, soldier pile and lagging installation, and design of a temporary precast modular block wall for excavation support along Hamilton Street. ▶️ Additionally, we conducted comprehensive construction testing services for soils, concrete, masonry, structural steel, and sprayed fire-resistive materials in general accordance with Chapter 17 (Special Inspections) of the International Building Code. #GeoTechnologyAssociates #EnvironmentalConsulting #GeotechnicalEngineering #GeoTechnical #Engineers #Construction #Observation #Testing

slope stabilization is essential for safeguarding infrastructure, lives, and ecosystems from natural hazards. Successful design depends on understanding the underlying causes of instability, careful planning, and the application of appropriate techniques to ensure both short-term performance and long-term stability.