--- title: Geotechnical Engineering Services | HVJ Associates description: We design foundations, earth structures, and pavement subgrades with a focus on public infrastructure projects with superior results. --- [![HVJ Logo](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVJ%20logo_141x71.png?width=110&height=71&name=HVJ%20logo_141x71.png "HVJ Logo")](https://www.hvj.com/?hsLang=en) ** [ Let's talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ** ** 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 → [About Us](https://go.hvj.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [News & Resources](https://www.hvj.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Locations](https://www.hvj.com/all-locations?hsLang=en) [Partners](https://www.hvj.com/partners?hsLang=en) 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 → FAQs What do you want to know?  Find the answers to common questions. Learn More → Success Stories Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems. Learn More → [![HVJ Logo](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVJ%20logo_141x71.png?width=110&height=71&name=HVJ%20logo_141x71.png "HVJ Logo")](https://www.hvj.com/?hsLang=en) ** [ Let's talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ** ** 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 → [About Us](https://go.hvj.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [News & Resources](https://www.hvj.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Locations](https://www.hvj.com/all-locations?hsLang=en) [Partners](https://www.hvj.com/partners?hsLang=en) 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 → Providers Our success strongly depends on our business associates that provide the products and services we need. 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 → FAQs What do you want to know?  Find the answers to common questions. Learn More → Success Stories Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems. Learn More → Search **Menu** ** ** [![Let's Talk](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5496911/6233d0db-c76c-4678-9152-08331c17b6f1.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5496911/6233d0db-c76c-4678-9152-08331c17b6f1) ![Marine Boring Geotechnical Engineering Project Image](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marine%20Boring%202.jpg?width=1200&name=Marine%20Boring%202.jpg "Marine Boring Geotechnical Engineering Project Image") # Geotechnical Engineering We design foundations, earth structures, and pavement subgrades with a focus on public infrastructure projects giving us detailed knowledge and enabling superior results. We reliably deliver satisfaction through a relentless focus on people skills and business processes. [![Get In Touch](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5496911/6464a63b-2c0a-4cc3-80b5-f6fbe75e3f14.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5496911/6464a63b-2c0a-4cc3-80b5-f6fbe75e3f14) ## Geotechnical Services Our deep understanding of public infrastructure project delivery, superior engineering knowledge and relevant experience is crucial but is not enough. We go past boilerplate solutions, through listening, to understand the specific project and client success drivers. HVJ reliably delivers what is needed, when it is needed, by anticipating problems to avoid them, taking ownership, and keeping commitments. ** #### Foundation Design Design of the subsurface portion of bridges, buildings, and other structures to support the required loads with tolerable settlement. ** #### Deep Foundations Designing drilled shaft, driven pile, and auger cast pile foundations to support heavy foundation loads and/or reduce foundation settlement to tolerable levels. ** #### Shallow Foundations Designing spread footings and/or mat foundations  to support the required loads at tolerable settlement levels. ** #### Retaining Walls Design of earth retention for cut, fill, or combined locations through Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE), Cast-in-place concrete, drilled shaft, tieback, or soil nail retaining walls. ** #### Slope Stability Assessing the stability of existing or proposed slopes, retaining walls, and structures and designing to address project requirements or right-of-way restrictions ** #### Slope Failure Repair Evaluating the cause of slope failure and designing measures to stabilize slope movement using geogrid, sheet pile, and other methods. ** #### Settlement Analysis/Design Assessing the amount of settlement a foundation, retaining wall, bridge, abutment, or other structure will experience and the time rate of settlement.  Designing measures to reduce settlement to tolerable levels. ** #### Shrink-Swell Soils Assessing the impact of shrink-swell soils on foundations and slopes and designing measures to reduce shrink-swell movements to tolerable levels. ** #### Fault Studies Assessing the risk of fault movement damage and recommending measures to reduce the impact of fault movement on structures, utilities, and/or pavement. ** #### Pavement Design Design of the pavement structure for road, parking, transit, port, and aviation facilities to support the expected traffic. ** #### Pavement Rehabilitation Assessing the cause of existing pavement distress and designing cost effective maintenance or rehabilitation strategies ** #### Subgrade Stabilization Designing improvement to the soil immediately under a pavement to reduce shrink-swell movement and/or improve the stiffness and durability of the subgrade through replacing with better material or mixing with cement, lime, flyash, or a combination. ** #### Dredge Placement Area Design Evaluating the remaining capacity of dredge placement and beneficial use sites for hydraulic dredging considering foundation settlement, current and future dike height, and dredge source material using U.S Army Corp of Engineers SETTLE and PSDDF software. ** #### Wharf Design Designing wharf facilities to achieve the water depth, crane load,  and deck load requirements for the facility with adequate global stability. ## Featured Geotechnical Projects [See All Projects→](https://www.hvj.com/projects?hsLang=en) ![Bayport Terminal-thumb](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bayport%20Terminal-thumb.webp?width=379&quality=high) ** #### Increasing Capacity for Port Houston: Bayport Wharf 7 As the perfect gateway for import and distribution of finished automotive vehicles, Port Houston saw double-digit growth in containers this past year while the global supply chain continued to experience significant challenges. This triggered immediate need for constructing a new wharf at Bayport Terminal, [View Project →](/bayport-terminal-wharf-7-at-port-houston") port ![exterior rh courtyard](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/exterior_-_rh_courtyard-thumb.webp?width=379&quality=high) ** #### Design Through Construction at UNT System Joe Greene Hall The University of North Texas System identified a need to add space for student housing on the growing Denton campus in 2016. In response, they initiated a project to build a 500-bed residence hall for freshman residents to open for students in the fall of 2019. [View Project →](https://www.hvj.com/greene-hall?hsLang=en) building ![HVJ Broadway Case Study](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVJ%20Broadway%20Case%20Study-thumb.webp?width=379&quality=high) ** #### Design Build Reduces Disruption in Historic San Antonio The City of San Antonio initiated a $24 million Design-Build project on Broadway Street from E. Houston Street to IH-35. The project is part of the City’s 2017 Proposition 1 Bond Package which allocates $42 million to reconstruction of the Broadway corridor with... [View Project →](https://www.hvj.com/broadway-street?hsLang=en) roads ### Get in touch with one of HVJ's geotechnical experts [![Get In Touch](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5496911/6464a63b-2c0a-4cc3-80b5-f6fbe75e3f14.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5496911/6464a63b-2c0a-4cc3-80b5-f6fbe75e3f14) ## Meet the Team ![Mike Hasen - HVJ Associates](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/Profile_Mike%20Hasen.jpg) #### Mike Hasen #### Technical Leader/ Geotechnical and OVTI Subject Matter Expert Mr. Hasen is the organization’s technical leader with special expertise in dredging and Owner Verification Testing and Inspection. [View LinkedIn Profile→](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhasen/) ![Jason Schwarz - HVJ Associates](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/Jason%20Schwarz%20Resized.jpg) #### Jason Schwarz #### Vice President - Operations Mr. Schwarz provides operations and technical leadership and is the geotechnical and CoMET subject matter expert in South Central Texas. [View LinkedIn Profile→](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-schwarz-5049181/) ![Hossam Esmail - HVJ Associates](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/Profile_Hossam.jpg) #### Hossam Esmail #### Senior Vice President Mr. Esmail manages all operations with extensive experience in geotechnical engineering for highway and municipal projects. [View LinkedIn Profile→](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hossam-esmail-1392437a/) ![HVJNTx photo_S Ahmed, square](https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/HVJNTx%20photo_S%20Ahmed%2c%20square.jpg) #### Saheem Ahmed #### Vice President Mr. Ahmed manages geotechnical operations and is the geotechnical engineering subject matter expert for North Texas. [View LinkedIn Profile→](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fadi-faraj-8a845b28/) ## Get in touch with a geotechnical expert We promise we won't spam your inbox with unnecessary emails. [Privacy Policy](https://www.hvj.com/geotechnical-engineering-services#) #### HVJ Associates, Inc. 6120 S. Dairy Ashford Houston, Texas 77072 Voice: [(281) 933-7388](tel:%201-281-933-7388) [ Let's Talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) #### Practices #### Sectors #### Company Copyright © 2022 HVJ Associates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.