Geotechnical
FSG provides a wide range of Geotechnical design and quality control services including:
- Slope stability and stabilisation
- Soft Soil
- Excavations
- Temporary Works design
- Numerical Analysis
- Risk Assessment
- Forensic Engineering
Slope stability and stabilisation
A number of FSG staff are RMS certified site assessors for slope risk analysis and have experience in the assessments and /or design of 100s of slopes. Innovations such as light weight fill for landslide stabilization and borehole shear testing have been used by Dr Burt Look.
Geostudio Slope/W is the key software used by FSG for slope stability assessment. This is often coupled with Seep/W and Sigma/W for analysis where seepage and stress/deformation affects the design.
Soft Soil
Construction on soft ground is an area of significant challenge and risk in the field of geotechnical engineering. Many engineering problems such as slope instability, bearing capacity failure, or excessive settlement are due to low shear strength and high compressibility of soils. The selection of geotechnical parameters and design approach are often critical in these types of soils.
Engineering judgement is sometimes required in deciding which value is the most appropriate. Good engineering judgement comes from a sound understanding of soil behaviour and past experiences in dealing with similar types of soil and geotechnical problems. FSG’s senior engineers, have over 100 years of experience which ensures the most effective practical solution will be provided to the client.
Excavations
While the steepening of a design slope angle may reduce both the amount of excavation and haulage of waste material, it also increases the risk of failure. Major slope failures incur significant cost, disruption to operation and damage to equipment. Engineers are often faced with a difficult task of balancing the slope formation cost and failure cost. At FSG, we have a holistic understanding of costs and risks associated with excavation works and with the advantage of the consolidated knowledge and experience, deliver the optimum design solution for each specific project.
Construction sequence is also a significant parameter which affects the stresses induced in the retaining structure and has to be considered as part of the design in excavations. FSG’s engineers work in close collaboration with our clients to ensure our design satisfies all projects’ requirements.
Retention Systems
FSG provides design services for various types of retention systems. Our geotechnical knowledge combined with extensive practical experience enables us to apply a real world understanding of soil-structure interaction and apply this to the design of complex retention systems. We design safe and cost effective retention systems based on robust analyses and sound judgment.
Ground Improvement
Ground improvement is an area of significant growth and innovation. The knowledge and experience of our personnel in the design and construction of a broad range of ground improvement systems, including rigid inclusions, soil mixing, stone and sand columns, dynamic compaction, dynamic replacement and jet grouting is a significant asset in developing design solutions for difficult ground conditions. Again, practical experience and commercial understanding is used in conjunction with the most advanced computer modelling software and analytical techniques to optimise both design and constructability outcomes.
Temporary Works design
Many construction sites need temporary works in order to facilitate permanent works construction. Temporary works design is an area of specialist engineering and an innovative, but rigorous approach is required. It is also an area of high risk, with failure of temporary access platforms observed far too often. Improper temporary works design can cause significant risks including the failure of temporary and permanent works and/or damage to adjacent premises. FSG has shown a proven track record in designing temporary works for a wide variety of projects across Australia.
Numerical Analysis
Numerical modelling of geotechnical problems can be highly beneficial if is undertaken with significant care. Incorporating geological models into state-of-the-art numerical analysis must be done by experienced engineers who have a robust understanding of soil characteristics and software limitations so the outputs can be assessed in a meaningful way. At FSG, we confidently utilise Numerical Analysis in conjunction with other methods to represent practical and cost effective solutions for complex geotechnical problems.
Risk Assessment
FSG’s team of experienced engineers and engineering geologists evaluate ground conditions holistically in order to identify potential geotechnical failure modes. Numerical modelling is performed as required to validate field observations. Risk assessment can be done in different stages of a project including design, construction, operation, and closure in wide range of sections like mines, dams, slopes, excavations, landslide management and geohazards.
Forensic Engineering
Different types of damage can occur in a geotechnical structure or a foundation due to: Settlement of structures, expansive soil, lateral movement, erosion, deterioration, bearing capacity failures, shrinkage cracking of concrete foundations, groundwater and other causes. FSG’s experienced personnel investigates damage, deterioration, and collapse in any geotechnical structure. We provide a full range of forensic geotechnical and foundation engineering services including evaluating of the cause of damage and developing repair recommendations.
