Our geotechnical expertise is in evaluation, investigation, and design. The professionals at Rhea use real-world experience and the latest software to evaluate your site and design your geotechnical systems.
Geotechnical Engineering
Rhea’s services include the following:
Site Characterization
Foundation Design + Analysis
Retaining Structures
Dam/Levee Analysis + Design
Pavement/Subgrade Investigation + Design
Slope Stability
Forensic Geotechnical Engineering
Vibration Monitoring
Structural Design
Geotechnical engineering is one of Rhea’s areas of particular expertise. Our engineers conduct geotechnical investigations for bridges, roads, runways, retaining walls, buildings, dams, and other projects, ensuring that our clients can build safely and efficiently. Rhea’s experts characterize a project site’s underlying geology and work with clients to determine the designs and locations best suited for their goals.
Our team also evaluates the condition and stability of existing earthworks, including modified slopes and dams. When erosion is evident, Rhea develops inventive, cost-effective strategies to rehabilitate structures.
Whatever geotechnical challenges your project poses, Rhea can find a solution.
Clover Lane Bridge Replacement
Rhea conducted geotechnical analyses and foundation designs for the complete replacement of a bridge and culvert.
Geotechnical Subsurface Investigation + Retaining Wall Design
Rhea conducted a geotechnical investigation and redesign for a deteriorating retaining wall at a Pittsburgh university.
Road Connectors in a High Traffic Area
Rhea is providing surveying, environmental, geotechnical, and archaeological support for a major road connector project in Moon, Pennsylvania.
Dam Maintenance Program Development + Implementation
Rhea oversaw a complex dam maintenance project, including the controlled drawdown of the reservoir, and developed plans to deal with seepage, erosion, and overgrown vegetation at the site.
Geotechnical Investigation for Multimodal Parking and Transportation Facility
Rhea conducted a geotechnical evaluation of soft soils and bedrock in support of the construction of a new multimodal parking facility at a PA State Park.
Characterization of Coal Refuse Impoundment
Rhea’s team made innovative use of geophysical methods to define coal refuse impoundments where site conditions made conventional exploration techniques impractical.
Airport Taxiway Widening + Apron Rehabilitation
Rhea conducted geotechnical investigations, analyses, and designs for the improvement and expansion of a paved taxiway and apron at a Pennsylvania airport.
Water Treatment Plant Geotechnical Investigation
Rhea was tasked with conducting the geotechnical investigation including infiltration testing of varying depths throughout the site for a proposed water treatment plant and raw water intake pump station.
Geotechnical Investigation + Design for Burkey Bridge
Rhea was contracted to complete the geotechnical subsurface investigation and analysis, state agency coordination, geotechnical drilling oversight, and foundation design for a replacement bridge.
Geotechnical Investigation + Design for Barkley Bridge
Due to deterioration of the existing three-barrel crossing and degradation of the road surface, a complete design and construction overhaul was necessary to create safe access for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.