Soils
SGH’s work with soils primarily focuses on the impact of soil characteristics on structures (soil-structure interaction). We address soil loads and hydraulic loads on pipes, retaining walls, and slabs. We analyze soil-supported structures and model soil stiffness for slabs, pipes, and buried piles. We evaluate soil and seismic loads imparted on the foundations and walls of high-hazard buildings in the nuclear industry. We also understand and evaluate soil chemical properties (resistivity, pH, sulfates, etc.), physical properties (grain size, Atterberg limits, etc.) and behavior criteria (slope stability, drainage rates, etc.) to investigate performance and durability related aspects of soils-related components.
Evaluating native soils and backfill soils around buried pipes are critical to successful long-term performance.