Geotechnical Services

Our Services Overview

DIG Engineering provides end-to-end geotechnical support for projects of every size across Metro Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, the Sea-to-Sky corridor, and throughout B.C., from single-family homes and infill lots to high-rise towers with deep parking garages, commercial/industrial site, to municipal infrastructure, and civic centres. We plan and execute tailored investigations, deliver permit-ready geotechnical and hydrogeological reports, and design with practical efficient solutions . Our team of senior engineers, EIT's and field technologists are eager to help you and your project with all of your geotechnical needs

In the field we provide construction quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC), movement and groundwater monitoring, and soils testing, supported by an in-house geotechnical soils lab, two nuclear density gauges (densometers), and we can be hired for stand-alone services such as West Coast CPT (CPT/SCPT), density testing, or peer review and expert opinion. You work directly with the engineers responsible for your design, who stay involved through construction so decisions are fast, risk is managed, and costs are optimized.

Cone Penetration Testing
Our in-house West Coast CPT delivers fast, continuous soil profiles and shear-wave (SCPT) data, ideal for soft/loose (silt/clay and sand) and potentially liquefiable sites. Same-day interpretation turns field results into clear, practical recommendations.
Investigations, Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Reports, and Permit Applications
Tailored investigation scopes (DCPT/SPT/CPT/SCPT, borings, piezos) plus in-house soils testing produce permit-ready reports and design collaboration. We handle Schedule B/CB, reviewer comments, and deliverables like design subgrade elevations and dewatering notes and much more.
Excavation, Shoring, and Non-Encroaching Shoring Design
Property-line basements need safe, constructible support including shotcrete and anchor, soil nail, soldier pile & lagging, secant/tangent walls, internal bracing, underpinning. We design both encroaching and non-encroaching options and provide sequencing, testing, monitoring, and acceptance criteria for contractors to maintain a safe excavation. We also prepare Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESC) for excavations, review and testing, to maintain compliance with municipal and environmental standards.
Seismic & Liquefaction Assessments (Site Response, Deformation, Ground Improvement and Deep Foundations)
SCPT, downhole shearwave, and MASW Vs profiles and site response analyses define seismic demands for structural design parameters and liquefaction risk. We translate that into mitigation, densification, soil treatment, or deep foundations with verification criteria built in.
Slopes & Retaining Structures (Stability, Landslide Assessment, Retaining Walls)
From coastal bluffs to block walls, we assess stability (static/seismic) slope stability, then design efficient retaining structures or provide safe setbacks if applicable. Solutions include drainage, nails/anchors, MSE (block/facing and geogrid reinforcement), and reinforced concrete walls with clear detailing for construction.
Pavement & Municipal Subgrade Engineering
Better pavements start with a reliable subgrade—SPT, CBR, grading, and drainage informed by local MMCD practice. We provide new and rehab sections, specs, and proof-rolling/acceptance criteria that keep projects moving.
Project Management/Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Field Review QA/QC: density testing, prepared foundation subgrade and design subgrade elevation checks, slope safety inspections, anchor and pile testing, installation review and verification, and responsive site memos. Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) review, field inspections and testing, and reporting are included. Instrumentation and monitoring (settlement, piezometers, inclinometers, vibration) keep risk and delays low.
Geotechnical Forensic/Peer Review & Expert Opinion
Independent geotechnical review protects and reduces risk. We provide fast, defensible peer reviews and expert opinions, including checks on neighbouring shoring designs and anchor encroachments, plus forensic investigations of walls, buildings, pavements, utilities, and slopes with clear repair recommendations. Paul Davies, P.Eng., is regularly called as an expert witness for mediation, arbitration, and court, and our reports are concise, reviewer friendly, and ready for action.