geotechnical environmental inspection testing

News

February 14, 2020

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1. From the Ground Up!

geotechnial environmental construction special inspection materials testing laboratory building science envelope air barrier — GeoTest has worked on numerous public and private projects in the Puget Sound region since 1993. Our versatile array of services spans 5 major categories: Geotechnical, Environmental, Construction Special Inspection, Materials Testing & Laboratory, and Building Science. We are proud to continue to serve Northwestern Washington as we continue to grow and foster meaningful partnerships with our local communities. We look forward to working with you in 2020—From the Ground Up!

2. Marysville Civic Center Project

geotechnial environmental construction special inspection materials testing laboratory building science envelope air barrier — GeoTest is excited to be a part of the upcoming Marysville Civic Center project! This new $47.6 million facility will feature modern, energy-efficient building design and will include a new City Hall, Police Department, and Courthouse. GeoTest will be providing Structural Testing, Inspection, and Building Envelope services for this project.

3. Building Science

geotechnial environmental construction special inspection materials testing laboratory building science envelope air barrier — Maintaining the structural integrity of building enclosures’ air, moisture, and thermal barriers is critical in the Pacific Northwestern climate. GeoTest offers Building Science services to improve overall building performance, increase envelope durability, and meet energy code requirements. Our Building Science program also provides services to support regulatory compliance for new and existing building enclosures; such services include Building Envelope Inspection & Testing, Envelope Control Layer Detailing, Testing for Water Penetration & Air Infiltration, Commissioning Support, Rehabilitation Consulting, and Forensic Investigations.

4. Construction Special Inspection

geotechnial environmental construction special inspection materials testing laboratory building science envelope air barrier — Adherence to established standards is paramount during construction. The International Building Code (IBC) established the Construction Special Inspection & Materials Testing discipline to mitigate risk by upholding certain construction standards by inspecting materials, installation, fabrication, and implementation during the construction process. GeoTest provides clients with construction special inspection and materials testing services to verify if critical project components are in accordance with plans, specifications, and code requirements. Our team is comprised of registered WABO, ICC, ACI, AWS, and WSDOT WAQTC certified inspectors which provide a wealth of expertise for any type or size of project.

5. Geotechnical

An integral, yet often unrecognized, component of modern civil and structural engineering is perhaps the most fundamental when it comes to manifesting a preliminary concept design into an applied construction. Geotechnical Engineering focuses on the foundational interface between the Earth’s crust and the manmade structures residing in and upon it. The focal point of the Geotechnical profession literally begins From the Ground Up; the transformation of a vacant lot into a multi-million dollar stadium commences with geotechnical experts analyzing the suitability of a site’s surface and subsurface characteristics. Such details encompass everything from bearing capacity, soil composition at varying depths, slope stability, erosion, pavement design, stormwater, drainage, retaining wall design, to crustal movement (recent & historical) and mitigative efforts for natural hazards such as earthquakes/floods. GeoTest provides geotechnical engineering and geologic services to industrial, municipal, and residential clients. Our clients benefit from our extensive experience with the unique soil, bedrock, and groundwater conditions underlying the Puget Sound region. Our services incorporate multiple disciplines, always considering cost and constructability into our design and recommendations!

6. Materials Testing & Laboratory

A completed engineering project is only as strong as the sum of its parts. Each material component plays a critical role in ensuring the final product performs as intended. The Materials Testing field acts as a major quality measure via the sampling and testing of building materials over a project’s timeline, with the end goal seeking to fortify the durability and robustness of a design’s structural framework. Testing a structure’s constituent parts assures optimal performance integration upon project completion, as well as adherence to defined safety standards and regulations. GeoTest has two WABO-registered materials testing laboratories based in Bellingham (A2LA-R18 Accredited) & Arlington (AASHTO-R18 Accredited). Common material types tested by GeoTest include concrete, soil, asphalt, masonry, and aggregate.

7. Environmental

GeoTest provides environmental consulting and testing services during all phases of development. GeoTest conducts Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), groundwater monitoring, soil & water sampling/analysis, underground storage tank (UST) assessments, and closure monitoring for a diverse client base that includes the commercial, private, municipal, industrial, and petrochemical industries. We strive to keep projects progressing through methods that ensure regulatory compliance if environmental issues or contaminated soils are encountered during design or construction. Many of our projects involve multiple disciplines under a single contract, allowing us to offer unparalleled constructability insight and innovative solutions.

8. Reinforced Concrete (RC) Inspection

The WABO Special Inspection Registration Program provides building departments the ability to approve special inspectors. The International Building Code (IBC) specifies that “a special inspector shall be a qualified person who shall demonstrate his/her competence to the satisfaction of the building official, for inspection of the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection.”
GeoTest prides itself in offering the full set of WABO Construction Special Inspection categories, beginning with Reinforced Concrete (RC) Inspection. Reinforced concrete contains embedded wire mesh or reinforcing bars (rebar) to increase tensile strength, making the concrete less susceptible to cracking or breaking. Our American Concrete Institute (ACI)–certified personnel are experts in the inspection of concrete footings, walls, slabs, and columns, while also being adept in the sample acquisition of concrete for subsequent laboratory analysis. GeoTest’s Bellingham and Arlington-based laboratories provide our clients with standardized materials testing environments to analyze concrete mixes for code compliance.

9. Adapting to Covid-19

In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, GeoTest has taken action to benefit the health and safety of our employees and community. The work we do is critical to many communities and businesses of the Puget Sound region, and we are committed to being there when our community and clients need us most. As our teams continue to ensure that engineering and construction safety standards are being met, we have altered our business practices to adhere to new guidance put forth by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Our Administrative, Geotechnical, and Environmental teams are working remotely at or near full capacity. Our Construction Inspection and Building Science teams are taking the proper precautions (social distancing, avoiding gatherings in confined spaces, hand washing, proper planning) in response to new requests for field work. Our Materials Testing teams are ensuring the cleanliness of our laboratories while practicing social distancing precautions. At our Bellingham and Arlington facilities, we regularly disinfect commonly used surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, faucets, and lab equipment interfaces.

If you are feeling sick or have been contact with someone known to have Covid-19, we recommend reaching out to your local health care professional. The CDC’s coronavirus guidelines link is below for additional information.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/public-health-management-decision-making.pdf

During this stressful time, we emphasize staying calm and working together (at a certain distance, of course!). Take care of yourselves, families, and friends. As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the status of our current services. Lastly, the community’s safety is at the forefront of GeoTest’s mission as we adapt to meet project demands during these unprecedented times!

10. Prestressed Concrete (PC)

GeoTest takes great pride in offering the full set of WABO Construction Special Inspection categories, including Prestressed Concrete (PC) Inspection. Prestressed concrete contains embedded tendons (high-strength prestressed tendons typically consisting of single wires, multiple wires, or threaded bars) that increase the concrete’s strength and durability by bolstering its internal tensile strength. The tendons apply internal compressive stress which increases the strength and load-bearing characteristics of the concrete. Prestressed Concrete is used in a wide array of building and civil structures due to its improved serviceability performance and longevity when compared to Reinforced Concrete (RC). GeoTest supports our clients with critical special inspection and testing services during construction of Prestressed Concrete elements!

11. Shotcrete (SC)

First used in 1914, Shotcrete (SC) comprises the application of concrete/mortar through a pneumatically-driven (powered via pressurized air) hose and spray gun. The concrete leaves the hose at high velocity causing it to compact and consolidate upon impact of the intended target area. This target area typically includes reinforcing bars, steel rods/mesh, or fibers; all of which reinforce the concrete’s tensile strength. Shotcrete is commonly used on vertical or overhead surfaces due to the complexities that arise when using normal concrete application techniques for hard-to-reach areas. This high-velocity construction technique includes both wet and dry concrete mix types. GeoTest supports our clients with Shotcrete Special Inspection services—supported by our nationally-accredited Materials Testing laboratories—during construction of Shotcrete elements!

12. Structural Masonry (SM)

Structural Masonry (SM) comprises a load-bearing construction method that utilizes building materials such as bricks, concrete block, clay tiles, and stone. These materials are held together with mortar, which contains proportional amounts of lime, sand, and gypsum. Mortar differs from cement by containing lime instead of sand. Masonry walls come in many categories, including load bearing (structural), non-load bearing (non-structural), reinforced (via steel rods/rebar), hollow/cavity, composite, and post-tensioned (via tendons). GeoTest provides Structural Masonry inspection and testing services to ensure the physical properties of masonry structures comply with established codes and project specifications. Structural Masonry inspection is one of many WABO Special Inspection services GeoTest provides to clients.

13. Structural Steel & Bolting (SSB)

WABO’s Structural Steel & Bolting special inspection category comprises structural steel inspections, certified welder inspections, inspections of fabricator shops, cold-formed steel framing, and high-strength bolting inspections. Structural steel is a material category used for making steel construction materials in a variety of shapes. Many shapes of structural steel take the form of elongated beams with specific cross-sectional profiles. In the Pacific Northwest, buildings are commonly constructed using structural steel. The connections used for structural steel are often welded or bolted together. These connections are critical to a building’s structural integrity. GeoTest provides Structural Steel & Bolting inspection services to our clients as a part of our full WABO construction special inspection and materials testing service set. We take pride in communicating effectively with project stakeholders to deliver the best results to our clients!

14. Lateral Wood (LW)

The WABO Lateral Wood (LW) special inspection category concerns the International Building Code’s requirements for wood construction. LW special inspection is a quality control measure intended to ensure that wood features incorporated into a structure are constructed in conformance with accepted codes and standards. Special inspections pertaining to wood construction have only been required for the past 25 years. Structural provisions in building codes, including those for special inspection, have evolved based on experience following natural man-made disasters. Periodic special inspection is required for wood nailing, bolting, anchoring, and other fastening of elements of the seismic and main wind force-resisting systems, including wood shear walls, wood diaphragms, drag struts, braces, and hold-downs. GeoTest offers Lateral Wood inspection services as a part of our complete WABO special inspection set!

15. Structural Welding (SW)

Ironwork that specifically deals with the joining of materials—typically metals or thermoplastics—used to reinforce the structural elements of buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructural construction is known as structural welding. Welding, in general, uses high heat to melt material components together, which fuses the adjoined parts upon cooling. WABO’s Structural Welding (SW) Special Inspection program is designed to inspect all welded structural elements, such as reinforcing iron, rebar, structural iron, and structural steel. Structural Welding inspection is one of many WABO Special Inspection programs provided in GeoTest’s Construction Special Inspection set! GeoTest has structural welding inspectors that are certified by the American Welding Society (AWS).

16. Cold-Formed Steel (CF)

GeoTest provides critical Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Inspections to the Puget Sound Region. CFS members are made from structural sheet steel formed into specified shapes via roll-forming through a series of dies. No heat is required to shape the steel (unlike hot-rolled steel), hence the name cold-formed steel. CFS is a construction material with many advantages; it won’t shrink, split, absorb moisture, all while resisting warping, termites, and fire. The physical properties of CFS allow it to be used in a wide range of environments. The strength and ductility of CFS, for example, make it ideal for construction in regions subject to high winds or earthquakes. Since each piece of CFS contains a minimum 25% recycled content, it is 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan, and emits no volatile organic compounds — it’s an exceptionally sustainable building material. GeoTest provides Cold-Formed Steel Inspections as a part of our full WABO Special Inspection service set!

17. Proprietary Anchors (PA)

Proprietary Anchors pertain to drilled anchors, connectors, or hangers that are used to affix structural building materials such as concrete, masonry, steel, cold formed steel (CFS), or wood. Proprietary (patented) anchors differ from conventional (unpatented) anchors in that conventional anchor bolts are usually cast-in-place and require careful attention to bolt length and location to avoid problems. Proprietary anchors are typically installed (often using epoxy) post-construction, permitting a larger degree of freedom in anchor placement. For this reason, proprietary anchors are becoming popular in masonry and concrete construction. Proprietary anchors can be divided into two generic categories: expansion-type anchors and adhesive/chemical-type anchors. GeoTest can assist the project needs of clientele by providing proprietary anchor inspections as a part of our full WABO special inspection service set!

18. Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (FP)

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19. Fire-Resistant Penetrations and Joints (FS)

Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (FP) are passive fire-protection materials directly applied to structural building elements. These materials are intended for application to structural steel, concrete, and other substrates. FP materials are typically made with either a cement or mineral-fiber base. FP provides excellent fire protection, thermal insulation, and acoustic properties, and is one of the many WABO Special Inspection (SI) categories. GeoTest also provides Fire-Resistant Penetrations and Joints (FS) inspections to buildings that require a specific fire resistance rating. FS systems prevent the spread of fire or smoke within a building through the sealing of gaps and penetrations with materials designed to resist the free passage of flame. GeoTest provides Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Material and Fire-Resistant Penetrations and Joints inspections as part of our full set of WABO SI service categories.

20. Quil Ceda Creek Casino Renovation

GeoTest is proud to be a part of the Quil Ceda Creek Casino renovation project scheduled for completion in 2021. GeoTest is providing the project team with construction special inspection and materials testing services (via our Arlington laboratory). Our services included testing and inspection of Soils, Structural Steel, Adhesive Anchors, Fireproofing, Masonry, and Concrete. Additionally, we provided specialty services such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Scanning, Floor Flatness/Levelness Testing, and Floor Moisture Testing.
The all-new casino will be placed on a 15-acre parcel just west of I-5 Exit 199 at Fourth Street and Marine Drive. The construction project totals 494,000 square feet:
CASINO – The gaming floor will be 126,700 square feet with 1,500 slot machines and 16 table games.
RESTAURANTS & BARS – There will be one full-service restaurant, a food hall with multiple cooked-to-order venues, and three full-service bars.
ENTERTAINMENT – Facilities include an Entertainment Lounge and a private party meeting room.
PARKING – A 6-story parking garage with 1,067 parking spaces is under construction. In addition, there will be 684 surface parking spaces.

21. New Residence Hall, Western Washington University (WWU)

GeoTest has a fruitful, collaborative history with Western Washington University (WWU), as many of our current employees are WWU alumni. GeoTest is currently working with WWU project teams in the design and development of a new residence hall at the Bellingham campus. During the initial design phase, GeoTest provided geotechnical observations, recommendations, and analytical reporting prior to the commencement of the project’s construction phase [see the attached image for a leaf fossil excavated from Chuckanut Sandstone near Bellingham, WA]. GeoTest is currently providing construction special inspections services in the form of reinforced/prestressed concrete, structural steel, lateral wood framing, and structural welding inspections.

As a pioneer that provides integrated engineering inspection and consulting services, GeoTest has spearheaded a Building Science program within its suite of available services. Understanding the various phenomena that affect buildings over time is critical in the planning, design, & construction phases of building development. Our inspectors are expertly trained in assessing building characteristics such as envelope, environmental barriers (air/water/thermal), penetration/leakage testing, energy code compliance, and much more!

22. Sehome High School Renovation

The new Sehome High School is a 190,000 square foot, two-story building designed for 1,200 students in the Bellingham School District. Designed by Dykeman Architects and completed in 2019 by Dawson Construction, the project replaces the original high school (built in 1966) with a modern facility constructed on the original site. The new school has a two-story academic wing and a performing arts/physical education wing. The new building also includes modern classrooms, science labs, and visual/performing arts spaces, in addition to a library, gymnasium, commons area, and cafeteria. A new synthetic surface track, synthetic turf playfields, six tennis courts, multiple parking areas, and bus access points were also included in the new school’s construction.
GeoTest provided construction special inspection and materials testing services on this project, comprised of concrete testing, masonry inspection, sports field density/permeability testing, sieve/proctor analyses, grout testing, and structural steel inspection. GeoTest also provided an array of building science services spanning envelope inspections to air leakage tests!

23. Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

Culture of Care Week

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) works to ensure the continued success of the commercial construction field by advocating for federal, state, and local measures that support the industry. Just this year, AGC launched the Culture of CARE program at a national level. Headquartered in Seattle, the Washington state AGC chapter (AGCW) has invested in resources to elevate diversity, inclusion, and CARE (Connectedness, Awareness, Respect, Empathy) to prevent workplace racism and sexism. The AGC’s Culture of CARE initiative responds to current workforce needs, and the need to bring opportunities in construction to traditionally underrepresented groups.
The AGCW has more than 600 member companies, and has significant programs involving government/labor relations, group insurance, workplace safety, and workforce development. GeoTest is proud to participate in the AGC’s Culture of CARE week by taking the CARE Pledge (https://www.agcwa.com/culture-of-care-pledge/). Our staff is our most valuable asset; we embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, gender identity, expression, language, national origin, physical/mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. Through this commitment, we seek to promote diversity in our workplace while valuing human relationships throughout our industry and community.

24. Marysville Civic Center Project (In-Progress)

GeoTest is proud to be a member of the Marysville Civic Center project team in 2020! This new $47.6 million facility will feature a modern, energy-efficient building design that includes a new City Hall, Police Department, and Courthouse. GeoTest is currently providing WABO-approved special inspection services for this important City of Marysville project. These critical services include inspection and testing of Concrete, Structural Steel, Structural Welding, and Building Envelope.

25. Thornton Street Overpass (In-Progress)

GeoTest is proud to be a member of the Thornton Street Overpass project team! This City of Ferndale project will improve and connect Thornton Street via an elevated crossing at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway right of way and tracks. The new overpass will provide access between Malloy Avenue and the Portal Way roundabout, which is anticipated to become a principal route for the majority of Ferndale residents living on the City’s west side. GeoTest is providing construction materials testing services for this important project. These services include testing of concrete, shotcrete, soils, gravel aggregate, and hot mix asphalt (HMA).

26. SnoPUD Clean Energy Technology Center

& Modular Data Center (In-Progress)

GeoTest is proud to be a member of SnoPUD’s Clean Energy Technology Center and Modular Data Center Project teams. Currently in construction in Arlington, WA, this new microgrid is designed to provide grid resiliency while also integrating renewable energy. The project includes an already installed 500-kW community solar array with smart inverters, a 1 MW/1 MWh lithium-ion battery storage system, and several vehicle-to-grid charging stations for SnoPUD’s electric vehicle fleet. The battery system will provide back-up power to the Clean Energy Technology Center, the Modular Data Center, and a planned community office. GeoTest is providing field services such as soil observations, field density/moisture reporting for structural fill, floor flatness testing, and inspection services for installed adhesive anchors, lateral wood framing, and reinforcing steel. Working out of our Arlington-based laboratory, GeoTest is also providing materials testing services for concrete and soils reinforcing steel on this important energy infrastructure project!

27. Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge

GeoTest is proud to have been a member of the Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge project team! Passing its final safety inspection on August 26th, 2020, the Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge is officially open to the public! GeoTest provided geotechnical consultation services and quality control bolting inspection services during the construction phase of this critical community-based project. Geotechnical services included critical pile installation recommendations during the construction phase, as well as additional consultation pertaining to cribbing under the bridge and settlement management to protect Marine Drive. Connecting communities long separated by geography, the pedestrian bridge walkway joins a historic Everett neighborhood with the evolving Everett waterfront. The City of Everett decided it best to postpone any official grand opening because of concerns with the COVID-19 virus.

28. Alderwood Elementary School Replacement

GeoTest is proud to be a member of the Alderwood Elementary School project team! Construction of the replacement school began in July of 2020 in Bellingham, WA. Everett-based Dykeman Architects designed the school to support 450 students (pre-kindergarten through fifth grade). The building will include classrooms, an administration office, a library, a full-sized gymnasium, cafeteria/commons area, a kitchen, and a covered play area. Outdoor amenities will include separate bus and parent drop-off, playfields, walking paths, hard/soft outdoor play areas, and parking.

GeoTest is providing construction special inspection and materials testing services for this important community-based project. Inspection and testing items for this project include structural steel, concrete, asphalt, lateral wood framing, and earthwork. The professionals at GeoTest are experienced in the sensitivities required when undertaking renovation and new-construction projects involving youth educational facilities. Our team is especially sensitive during renovations of active schools, placing the safety and security of students at the forefront when carrying out project tasking!

29. Sumas Elementary School Replacement

The Nooksack Valley School District has scheduled the construction of a new Sumas Elementary School and the demolition of the existing facility. Phase One of this project consists of foundation support, an approximately 44,270 sq ft new covered plan shed, and all related site work and demolition of the existing school. GeoTest’s Geotechnical Department conducted site explorations via soil borings and test pits to gain greater insight into the soil and groundwater conditions present at the site. Sampling and subsequent laboratory testing was conducted to determine the engineering characteristics of site-based soils. GeoTest provided a finalized geotechnical report that detailed recommendations pertaining to foundation support, bearing elevations, frost penetration depth, re-use of on-site soil, lateral earth pressures, seismic/excavation considerations, and criteria for structural fill. GeoTest attended Design Review meetings for the planned Rammed Aggregate Pier installation and reviewed project material to provide design recommendations. Currently, GeoTest’s geotechnical field inspectors are providing observational inspection services for the installation of the Aggregate Piers. During the construction phase, GeoTest is providing Construction Special Inspection & Materials Testing services, including services pertaining to Earthwork, Concrete, Wood Framing, Masonry, Structural Steel, and Asphalt. Additionally, GeoTest is providing Building Science consultation services during the construction phase.

30. Happy 2021!

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