Geotechnical
Engineering
Soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at every site are different. We assess the specific site conditions and design earth structures (slopes, channels, and dikes), foundations (retaining walls, bridges, buildings, tanks), and subsurface structures (clarifiers, lift stations, buried utilities, tunnels) to economically achieve the specific project objectives.
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Construction Materials
Engineering
& Testing
Construction material performance is key to the function and durability of any project. We engineer and test materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt so you get what you pay for and the project performs as expected.
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Civil/Pavement
Engineering
A successful project starts with clear understanding of the project’s specific needs. We prepared street rehabilitation PS&E, traffic control designs, pavement designs, and asset management systems based on careful understanding of design requirements.
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Environmental Geology
& Engineering
Impact from hazardous waste, wetlands, faulting, and/or NEPA processes are serious concerns for project development. We identify such concerns early in project development, and provide strategies to mitigate impacts and provide the proper regulatory approval so the project can proceed on time and achieve the project goals.
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Roads & Bridges
Congestion and failing road surfaces cause delays, vehicle damage, and even driver safety issues. Solving these problems requires our specialized knowledge of pavement and roadway structures.
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Water, Wastewater & Flood Control
Drinking water, flushing toilets, and dry streets for granted – until they are gone. We specialize in keeping these systems running effectively.
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Airports, Ports & Dredging
Expanding and maintaining ports and airports is crucial to our economic development. HVJ’s specialized pavement, wharf, and navigation channel experience makes it happen.
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Rail & Transit
Rail and public transit facilities enable efficient transportation of people and goods. Our detailed knowledge of AREMA requirements keeps projects on track.
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Buildings & Parks
Schools, universities, courts, parks, solid waste facilities are all critical to our society. HVJ has specialized knowledge and experience with a multitude of public projects.
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HVJ Difference
Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive.
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Culture
We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results.
Learn More →
Benefits
We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits.
Learn More →
Employee Stories
Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project.
Learn More →
Current Openings
We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams.
Learn More →
The Opportunity
Own a successful engineering business by adding our proven systems to your engineering talent and network.
Learn More →
How It Works
Help us branchise – you help us build a branch office and then convert it into your own franchise.
Learn More →
Who's A Fit?
Are you energetic and confident? See if this might be an opportunity that fits you.
Learn More →
Success Stories
Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems.
Learn More →
Geotechnical
Engineering
Soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at every site are different. We assess the specific site conditions and design earth structures (slopes, channels, and dikes), foundations (retaining walls, bridges, buildings, tanks), and subsurface structures (clarifiers, lift stations, buried utilities, tunnels) to economically achieve the specific project objectives.
Learn More →
Construction Materials
Engineering
& Testing
Construction material performance is key to the function and durability of any project. We engineer and test materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt so you get what you pay for and the project performs as expected.
Learn More →
Civil/Pavement
Engineering
A successful project starts with clear understanding of the project’s specific needs. We prepared street rehabilitation PS&E, traffic control designs, pavement designs, and asset management systems based on careful understanding of design requirements.
Learn More →
Environmental Geology
& Engineering
Impact from hazardous waste, wetlands, faulting, and/or NEPA processes are serious concerns for project development. We identify such concerns early in project development, and provide strategies to mitigate impacts and provide the proper regulatory approval so the project can proceed on time and achieve the project goals.
Learn More →
Roads & Bridges
Congestion and failing road surfaces cause delays, vehicle damage, and even driver safety issues. Solving these problems requires our specialized knowledge of pavement and roadway structures.
Learn More →
Water, Wastewater & Flood Control
Drinking water, flushing toilets, and dry streets for granted – until they are gone. We specialize in keeping these systems running effectively.
Learn More →
Airports, Ports & Dredging
Expanding and maintaining ports and airports is crucial to our economic development. HVJ’s specialized pavement, wharf, and navigation channel experience makes it happen.
Learn More →
Rail & Transit
Rail and public transit facilities enable efficient transportation of people and goods. Our detailed knowledge of AREMA requirements keeps projects on track.
Learn More →
Buildings & Parks
Schools, universities, courts, parks, solid waste facilities are all critical to our society. HVJ has specialized knowledge and experience with a multitude of public projects.
Learn More →
HVJ Difference
Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive.
Learn More →
Culture
We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results.
Learn More →
Benefits
We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits.
Learn More →
Employee Stories
Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project.
Learn More →
Current Openings
We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams.
Learn More →
Agencies
HVJ has been proud to support hundreds of public agencies meet and exceed service expectations from their constituents.
Learn More →
Consultant Clients
We’ve developed ongoing teaming relationships with many consulting firms based on delivering outstanding client satisfaction.
Learn More →
HVJ Difference
Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive.
Learn More →
Culture
We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results.
Learn More →
Benefits
We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits.
Learn More →
Employee Stories
Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project.
Learn More →
Current Openings
We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams.
Learn More →
The Opportunity
Own a successful engineering business by adding our proven systems to your engineering talent and network.
Learn More →
How It Works
Help us branchise – you help us build a branch office and then convert it into your own franchise.
Learn More →
Who's A Fit?
Are you energetic and confident? See if this might be an opportunity that fits you.
Learn More →
Success Stories
Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems.
Learn More →
Austin has experienced significant growth in recent years, requiring Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) to undertake several expansion projects to meet transportation demands. In 2021, ABIA identified a persistent problem of air cargo activity exceeding airport capacity, leading them to initiate the construction of a new $16.5 million new cargo facility. The 90,000 square facility is on 12 acres of land near other cargo facilities. It is an integral part of the airport’s expansion priorities that will allow e-commerce companies such as Amazon.com to expand distribution operations. HVJ was selected as part of an IDIQ contract to provide materials testing services for the new facility.
As part of the early construction process for the cargo facility’s building pad, we needed to overcome uncertainty about the construction materials to ensure they met construction requirements. We typically conduct these investigations before construction, but in this case, we were brought in later to determine if the already-placed material was sufficient. The strict engineering requirements and large footprint made materials a particularly vital issue requiring attention to detail and extreme accuracy.
Our goal was to use our extensive materials testing experience to present the client with workable options to investigate the already-placed materials. Our investigation needed to eliminate any uncertainties and ensure the materials would be suitable to meet construction goals. We also needed to complete our investigation as quickly as possible to avoid an interruption and delay to the project.
HVJ’s construction materials project manager joined the on-site team due to the extra detail and accuracy needed. We provided multiple options for the investigation and discussed these options in detail with the client team, ensuring that all stakeholders understood the possibilities and had confidence in the solution. The choices included creating test pits using contractor equipment, performing shallow borings using a soil push tube sampler and contractor equipment, and (if time allowed) then drilling borings using a drill rig. After discussing with the client and considering the time constraints, we ultimately recommended using test pits to sample the material and to perform laboratory testing soon after. Our team efficiently obtained accurate layer information in the field and then communicated this information directly to the lab.
We completed the laboratory testing of the soil samples and created a data matrix for soil samples obtained at two separate test pits at different depths within the building pad. Our team analyzed the data and determined with high confidence that the material placed at the project site met the gradation and plasticity requirements of the select fill material as prescribed by the Geotechnical Engineer of record.
The testing allowed the facility’s construction to continue on schedule, and our team’s on-site presence allowed us to build a strong working relationship with the client. Thorough, frequent communication and the client’s receptiveness to various options resulted in a smooth process. Everyone was confident in the agreed-upon solution, and we educated ABIA to help them plan for future projects.
"Unbelievable level of service and input, ensuring all facets of reports are understood and comprehended, and exemplary level of knowledge brought to the table."
Otis Pousson, City of Austin