Geotechnical drilling rig

Geotechnical Engineering

When dealing with the earth, you face very real and often uncertain challenges. Materials, formations and groundwater conditions raise questions that need answers for safe, practical, cost-effective project designs. A wide variety of clients have found that KCTE can provide these answers.

KCTE has developed a reputation for high quality and responsive technical service, using state-of-practice techniques and test procedures to investigate, analyze, and develop recommendations for simple and complex problems relating to groundwater, soil, or rock.

We provide geotechnical expertise in site reconnaissance, field exploration, field and laboratory testing, geotechnical evaluation, and consultation during construction. Integral to KCTE's success has been the ability to customize project teams, drawing professional resources from our service group for unparalleled project performance.

  • Soil and Foundation Investigations
  • Deep Foundation Design for Piling/Shafts
  • Settlement and Subsidence Analysis
  • Earth Retaining Structures and Deep Excavations
  • Tunnels, Micro Tunnels, Pipelines, and Utilities
  • Geological Reconnaissance and Mapping
  • Landslide Investigation, Analysis, and Stabilization
  • Cause of Failure Investigation
  • Forensic Science, Legal Testimony
  • Seismic & Soil Liquefaction
  • Earth Dam Analysis and Design
  • Soil and Rock Instrumentation
  • Flexible and Rigid Pavement

Equipment Capabilities

Our vast breadth of experience and inventory of sophisticated equipment enable us to provide comprehensive geotechnical investigations from the preliminary geological evaluation and site selection to construction observation and testing, and final documentation. KCTE's success is measured by the partnerships developed with repeat clients and ability to recognize the clients' perspective and goals.

  • Vibration Monitoring
  • Slope Inclinometer and Monitoring
  • Field Resistivity
  • In Situ Permeability
  • Truck-mounted Drills
  • Continuous Sampler Tubes
  • Field CBR
  • Field Vane Shear
  • Pile Load Tests

Laboratory Test Capabilities

KCTE can also deliver geotechnical testing services nationwide - from soil and rock classifications to sophisticated triaxial shear and consolidation tests. Laboratory testing is performed using ASTM, AASHTO, and other applicable specifications and guidelines. Special testing services and field laboratories can be provided, as necessary. These laboratories provide us with the data needed to evaluate foundation designs as part of geotechnical engineering services.

  • Index Tests
  • Consolidation or Swell Tests
  • Unconfined Compression Tests
  • Triaxial shear tests, including unconsolidated-undrained, consolidated-drained, or consolidated-undrained, with pore pressure measurement
  • Direct Shear Tests
  • Hydraulic Conductivity Tests