GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

DBA as the Geotechnical Engineer of Record completed a comprehensive geotechnical exploration and evaluated alternatives for the construction of a 667,000 SF warehouse structure on a 55 acre parcel that was an historic scrap yard and landfill containing upwards of 35 feet of municipal solid waste (MSW). A combination of dynamic compaction and an innovative settlement control system comprised of over 10,000 controlled modulus grout columns were utilized to allow this structure to be constructed using a shallow foundation with standard slab on grade design. This project stands as the largest controlled modulus column (CMC) project in the US to date.  This innovative approach resulted in saving significant construction costs by eliminating the need for an expensive two way structural slab which would have been required if a conventional deep foundation alternative were utilized. Detailed subsurface information obtained during our site investigation was used to model the subsurface profile and develop parameters for the estimation of the subsurface behavior under the anticipated building loads. A full scale load test was completed which simulated the anticipated maximum slab loads confirming successful settlement control was achieved prior to building construction. DBA also provided full service quality control inspection and material testing during construction.   Click here for a copy of a project case study report prepared by the Ground Improvement Contractor, Menard in Partnership with Nicholson Construction Company.

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY CONTROL AND MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES

The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, PA

The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia is the first major addition to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in over sixty years. The facility is to include a two-story, 93,000-square-foot building, with an additional level below grade. The new building is to include classrooms and a 150-seat auditorium on the lower level with facilities for painting conservation and research on the second floor. DBA has been retained by the Foundation to provide Construction Quality Control and Materials Testing Services in accordance with International Building Code Special Inspection Requirements. Our full time inspection covers the inspection of all the structural components of the proposed construction including Structural Steel Fabrication and Erection, Cast in Place Concrete, Reinforcing Steel and Masonry.