Investigations, Geotchnical and Hydrogeological Reports, and Permit Applications
Every project starts with the same question: what’s in the ground below us, and how will it behave during construction and over the life of the structure? We scope each investigation to answer that quickly and decisively. Depending on access and risk, we combine our in-house Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) and Seismic Cone Penetration Testing (SCPT) with targeted boreholes/test pits and piezometers to build a continuous model of soil layers and groundwater. On site we log conditions, water levels, and construction constraints; back at the office we review the data, correlate it to engineering properties, and reconcile field observations with local geology so there are no surprises later. From there, we process the data into usable design inputs. In situ testing (SPT/DCPT/CPT/SCPT, Shear Wave (Vs)) profiles are classified and checked for consistency; pore-pressure dissipation and shear-wave velocity data are interpreted for settlement, stiffness, and seismic site class, and any drilling/lab results are organized for our use in design for your project. Our in-house soils testing (moisture, Atterberg limits, particle size/hydrometer, Proctor/modified Proctor, CBR/penetration index, specific gravity, organic content, unit weight) provides fast turnaround. When further specialized testing is needed (consolidation, triaxial, advanced chemistry), we coordinate with advanced labs and fold results into the same reconciled model. The outcome is a single, consistent set of parameters ready for foundations, shoring, preload/settlement estimates, piling, pavement sections, and construction review.
Your geotechnical report distills the investigation into a clear narrative and a set of buildable recommendations: subsurface profile, design subgrade elevations, bearing levels and capacity, settlement estimates, seismic and liquefaction screening, shoring/excavation dewatering notes, compaction specs, and construction review requirements. When groundwater matters, an additional or combined (depending on complexity of conditions) hydrogeological report addresses water table behavior, permeability, drawdown predictions, cut-off options (e.g., secant/soil-mix/jet-grout), dewatering system concepts (wellpoints), discharge considerations, and a monitoring plan. Both reports include the practical details contractors and reviewers look for including geotechnical design recommendations, acceptance criteria and field review requirements, and any instrumentation we recommend to manage risk during excavation and construction.
To keep permitting smooth, we prepare submissions tailored to your municipality. That typically means a concise design memo and/or full report, drawings with design details and excavation notes. Where required by the BC Building Code or the Vancouver Building By-law, we provide Letters of Assurance and coordinate directly with the authority having jurisdiction. The Schedule B identifies the registered professional responsible for the geotechnical design and commits them to field review; it’s required for Part 3 and some Part 9 buildings and must be submitted before construction of the applicable components.
Issuing Schedule B (Assurance of Professional Design and Commitment for Field Review) isn’t just a rubber stamp, it means we’ve reviewed the permit set for geotechnical scope, confirmed the investigation is adequate for the proposed work, defined a field review program (e.g., key excavation stages, shoring/anchor testing, prepared foundation subgrade checks), and will provide completion assurance at the end of construction (Schedule C, where applicable). Our process follows the Province’s Guide to the Letters of Assurance and EGBC joint practice guidance so your permit file is complete and reviewable.
