Responsibilities include preliminary engineering with respect to subsurface geotechnical conditions and surficial geology as applied to proposed design of transportation projects. Project responsibilities include expediting the construction process and assistance with future maintenance. This Activity provides engineering data including geotechnical design parameters for structural foundations, soil embankment foundations, surficial construction soils, undercut and subgrade stability, subsurface water control, bridge-end backfill recommendations, stability of rock and soil slopes and fills, geologic studies and the effective use of naturally occurring materials.
Procedures include investigative borings, collecting undisturbed soil and rock samples, geophysical testing, and installing and monitoring geotechnical instrumentation. This Activity operates both a soils laboratory and a geotechnical strength laboratory. The results of these studies are combined with a graphic Subsurface Profile Plans Sheet and written recommendations are then presented to the designers. Projects are coordinated with the offices responsible for the project such as Bridge Design, Roadway Design, Operations, Local Government Assistance, Office of State Engineer and other governmental agencies.