Home
What We Do
Forensic Engineering Sciences
Subsidence Investigations
The geotechnical engineers and geologists at HSA have extensive experience in conducting geotechnical and geophysical investigations to investigate sinkhole occurrences. HSA has performed more than 6,000 sinkhole investigations at sites throughout the southeastern United States. Much of this work has been conducted for residential, commercial, and insurance purposes to evaluate the cause of settlement cracking and damage in compliance with regulatory statutes. In addition to our experience in conducting subsidence investigations for private companies, HSA has also conducted several sinkhole studies for municipalities for school sites, government facilities, and landfills. Part of our industry involvement includes instructing insurance agents in the procedures used by geotechnical firms to test for sinkhole activity (we are certified by the Department of Financial Services to provide continuing education to insurance adjusters), participating in annual insurance industry meetings, and sponsoring seminars on topics such as legislative actions on sinkhole studies.
We have the systems, equipment and personnel that are familiar with sinkholes and their remediation. HSA’s Drilling Department has multiple drill rigs ranging in size from large truck mounted rigs to smaller limited access rigs capable of entering through a standard 3-foot-wide-gate or door opening. We have an in-house Geophysics Department that specializes in ground penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) and multi-channel analysis of surface wave (MASW) surveys, which are utilized to provide an economical and rapid overview of the subsurface conditions, and identify suspicious variations that may require further exploration with soil borings. Where structures are involved, we may undertake a floor level topographic survey to quantify the area affected and our Structural Forensics Department can assist in damage assessments. The key to preventing and resolving problems during the execution of the sinkhole study and remediation is careful advanced planning and close communications between management and technical personnel in both the client and the HSA organization. Experience has taught us that problems can normally be anticipated and resolved before they occur.
Services provided:
- Subsidence Risk Assessment and Remediation
- Drilling Services
- Geophysics
- Relative Floor Elevation Surveys
- Structural Forensics
- Remediation Protocol Development