Public Works Projects

The new County Government Facility in San Luis Obispo is a 6-level structure: two levels of subterranean parking, and four above-ground levels.  The total site area is approximately 38,000 square feet.  The majority of the structure is of cast-in-place concrete construction.  The uppermost level is of steel moment frame construction.  The structure utilizes a mat foundation.  The primary geotechnical concerns for the site development were the variable nature of underlying soils, significant depths of undocumented fill, the presence of existing basements in structures to be removed, and the potential for undue total or differential settlement, subsurface water, and the expansive nature of the soil.  Earth Systems Pacific conducted a soils engineering investigation entailing site reconnaissance, field exploration, laboratory testing, and geotechnical analysis.  Previously, an arm of the San Luis Creek had flowed through the site, and we reviewed historical documents to help assess the possible effects on the project. Preliminary geotechnical recommendations for site preparation, shoring and underpinning, grading, utility trenches, foundations, slabs-on-grade, retaining walls, and pavement sections were developed. Additionally, our personnel conducted a Phase I  environmental site assessment to evaluate areas of potential environmental concern as a result of past site usages.  During construction, we performed construction testing and inspection services such as grading observation and testing, asphalt inspection and testing, concrete sampling and testing, masonry sampling and testing, concrete batch plant inspection, special inspection of masonry, welding, epoxy anchor bolts, and inspection of excavations, and tie-back stressing.

The expansion of the Indio Juvenile Hall facility on Oasis Street in Indio involved the construction of a 7,770-square foot single-story building. The structure is of masonry construction with a concrete roof and slab-on-grade. Our personnel conducted a soils engineering investigation entailing subsurface exploration, laboratory testing of selected samples, engineering data analyses, and development of recommendations relative to foundation bearing capacity, foundations design, and site grading criteria. During construction of the facility, special inspection of construction materials was performed.

The Paso Robles Library and City Hall is a 28,000 square foot structure located on Spring Street in downtown Paso Robles. The two-story structure is of steel-frame construction, with exterior stucco/masonry veneer and concrete slabs-on-grade. A portion of the first floor was construction as a lower level with excavations for mechanical room extending 8 feet below grade. The project involved the removal of the previously existing City Hall, as well as excavations to remove the remnants of earlier structure that had occupied the site. During the initial stage of the project, our firm was retained to conduct a soils engineering investigation, a geologic hazards investigation, and Phase I and II environmental site assessments. Our recommendations took into consideration the City's desire to leave certain subsurface historical artifacts in place on the site. During construction, we provided testing and inspection of soils, concrete, masonry, steel and asphalt.

Our personnel conducted a geotechnical investigation for this addition to the existing Orange County Jail. The 30-bed Juvenile Hall measures 12,000 square feet. A 2,000 square foot classroom and a 2,000 linear foot security fence are also included. During construction, our personnel performed inspection of soils and construction materials.