Defining the geological, hydrological, and geophysical conditions for a major construction project

High-Rise Towers - Geotechnical Investigation

When building high-rise towers, geotechnical investigations are necessary to enable safe construction. The client engaged us to provide geotechnical services for the proposed development of two towers (200 and 32 metres, respectively) within a busy central business district. They required geotechnical investigation and geophysical surveys to determine subsurface conditions likely to be encountered during the construction phase of this project—and we were there to help.

Our team defined the geological, hydrological, and geophysical conditions on the site. Because of the scale and footprint of this major project, we encountered many challenges including the location of the site in a seismically active area exhibiting weak, faulted material. The ground conditions varied considerably within the site—even between boreholes that were approximately 20 metres apart. We completed drilling several vertical and inclined boreholes, core orientation and downhole surveys, geological face mapping, seismic testing (vertical seismic shear wave profiling), and installing piezometer well installations (to monitor ground water).  

With challenging subsurface conditions identified, the client can proceed with this major construction project.