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.
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Benefits
We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits.
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Employee Stories
Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project.
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Current Openings
We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams.
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Agencies
HVJ has been proud to support hundreds of public agencies meet and exceed service expectations from their constituents.
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Consultant Clients
We’ve developed ongoing teaming relationships with many consulting firms based on delivering outstanding client satisfaction.
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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.
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.
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How It Works
Help us branchise – you help us build a branch office and then convert it into your own franchise.
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Who's A Fit?
Are you energetic and confident? See if this might be an opportunity that fits you.
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Success Stories
Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems.
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How do geotechnical engineering teams investigate the soil beneath a dam without endangering the dam itself? Protecting surrounding structures is a responsibility that extends beyond any one project for geotechnical engineers working near important, sensitive infrastructure like dams, levees, and bridges.
Before starting any investigation, teams must carefully consider how drilling affects nearby structures and use techniques that minimize the risk of damage. If this step is missed or rushed, work that is meant to improve infrastructure could actually endanger it.
A critical early step is to dedicate time to planning and research before drilling ever begins. Research can draw on information like geologic maps, previous geotechnical reports, and available records or drawings of existing structures to help evaluate soil conditions.
Our case study on the Lake Houston Dam Spillway explains the planning and solutions that our team used to protect the dam while drilling nearby, up to 100 feet below grade. We discuss how our experience in the area and in-depth analysis of HVJ’s past investigations near the site informed our drilling solutions.
HVJ Project Manager Fernando L. Aponte-Rivera, P.E., explains that the lesson extends beyond this project. “The more you know about the soil and structures already in place, the more confidence you have in preserving the integrity of existing structures while obtaining high-quality soil samples. What I appreciated most was collaborating across teams to achieve a common goal that kept safety and the community’s best interest at the forefront.”
Read the full case study to see how early planning made safe drilling possible!

Photo Courtesy of the Coastal Water Authority
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