Wilfred Avenue Widening, Rohnert Park

For this recently finished project, BAI provided full-time construction observation, geotechnical testing, and on-site engineer services.

Our Caltrans-certified field and laboratory testing staff provided quality control testing to ensure construction performance according to project specifications.  Our project engineer provided added value by also performing full time public works inspections.

Project Features:

  • Construction inspections and testing
  • Utility trench backfill testing
  • Street widening
  • Lime treatment
  • Caltrans Specifications
  • Pedestrian bridge

Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project – Santa Rosa

BAI was contracted by the City of Santa Rosa to perform an integrated geotechnical investigation and environmental site assessment (ESA) for the proposed Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project in Santa Rosa, California.  Lower Colgan Creek is part of the Agency’s flood control system. BAI’s geotechnical and environmental data will be used to develop specifications for a 6,523-linear foot stretch of channel that will be re-contoured by grading into a 7,281-linear foot, more natural, meandering configuration with a restored riparian habitat.

Based on the findings of the Phase I ESA, BAI designed a Phase II soil sampling and analytical testing program that provides soil chemical characterization for use by the future grading contractor.  BAI integrated the Phase II soil sampling with the geotechnical subsurface investigation that provided a value added service for the client.

BAI services for Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project included document review and research, Phase I and Phase II ESAs, subsurface exploration and monitoring well installation, soil and groundwater sampling and laboratory testing, and engineering and geologic analyses, to provide conclusions and recommendations regarding:

  • Embankment stability and gradient recommendations;
  • Slope revetment/erosion protection alternatives;
  • Site preparation and grading, including treatment of existing fill and expansive soils;
  • Foundation support for the planned South Dutton Avenue extension vehicle bridge;
  • The presence of contaminated soils and groundwater within the project footprint;
  • Characterization of fill for landfills;
  • Seismic ground motion values;
  • Drainage and lateral earth pressures for retaining walls such as box culverts and arch culverts;
  • Support for pavement sections;
  • Construction considerations;
  • Additional geotechnical services;
  • Landfill approval for soil disposal.

BAI delivered a comprehensive report of findings that summarized the results of our reconnaissance and subsurface exploration from both the geotechnical and environmental standpoints.  This report will be used in the preparation of the construction specifications when the project goes out to bid.

Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Project Planned Station…

As part of the Stacy Witbeck/Herzog team, BAI performed geotechnical investigations and geologic hazard evaluations along the length (approximately 41 miles) of the Initial Operating System One (IOS-1).  This stretch included investigations for bridge abutments at 10 bridge replacements, new track, and dozens of grade crossings.

Our work consisted of researching available pertinent reports and existing data for all 14 station sites and 10 bridge sites, conducting subsurface geotechnical investigations at station locations, replacement bridge sites, and at over 100 key locations throughout the rail alignment.  Our investigations targeted geotechnical factors that may influence design and construction of fills, bridges, and station elements.  Project challenges included developing efficient, effective approaches for addressing weak, compressible or expansive surface soils, liquefaction potential in response to earthquake shaking, settlement of bay mud under fill, pile driving through bay mud into hard Franciscan rock, and shallow groundwater.

Specific challenges included the following:

  • Weak deposits, such as young bay mud, are prone to compression and settlement when loaded, and consequently are not suitable for support of fills or structural foundations.
  • Potentially expansive surface soils that underlie much of the SMART alignment in Sonoma County.
  • Groundwater at depths less than 10 feet deep, and the associated potential for caving; necessity for dewatering of excavations extending below these depths.
  • Seismic considerations, including the effects of earthquake shaking on foundations, embankments and retaining walls, and the loss of shear strength and potential soil volume reduction in loose, saturated sandy/silty soils below the groundwater table via liquefaction.
  • BAI provided construction observations and testing including pipe pile installations and cut and fill slopes and retaining structures.

Pena Creek Bridge Replacement, Sonoma County

BAI worked with OPAC Engineers and the County of Sonoma, Department of Transportation to investigate the foundation conditions for a replacement bridge in the heart of Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County.  BAI overcame site access challenges to drill deep test borings at each abutment and one boring in the creek channel (see drill rig in photograph).  BAI deftly navigated regulations regarding drilling within the river channel at the appropriate times so as to protect the resources from disturbance during the investigation.

Hauser Bridge Replacement, Sonoma County

BAI worked with OPAC Engineers and the County of Sonoma, Department of Transportation to investigate the foundation conditions for a replacement bridge over the South Fork of the Gualala River in the steep coastal ranges of Sonoma County.  BAI overcame site access challenges to drill deep test borings at each abutment and one boring in the river channel (see drill rig in photograph).  We also investigated the existing cut slope conditions on the west side of the bridge to give recommendations for cutting further into the slope, thereby increasing bridge approach visibility and safety. BAI deftly navigated regulations regarding drilling within the river channel at the appropriate times so as to protect the resources from disturbance during the investigation.