TDCJ Training Building

Our Solution

HVJ drilled additional soil borings and installed piezometers to evaluate subsurface conditions where groundwater issues had been encountered and to monitor groundwater level variations across the training complex. The findings characterized groundwater conditions, evaluated the potential for hydrostatic uplift and artesian pressure, and informed building-specific recommendations.

Our investigation revealed distinct differences in groundwater behavior among the three buildings. Building A showed the greatest variability, with perched water and active seepage. These conditions appeared to be influenced by finer-grained soil layers that retain moisture after rainfall or construction disturbance. At Building B, groundwater was encountered at depths of approximately 5.6 to 7.9 feet, providing substantial clearance below the slab. At Building C, groundwater was deeper at one location and present as localized perched water at another, with adequate separation from the slab elevation in both locations.

Based on these findings, HVJ recommended French drain systems for Buildings A and C to intercept shallow perched groundwater and reduce moisture migration. HVJ did not consider a French drain necessary for Building B under the observed conditions. For all buildings, we recommended directing downspouts away from the structures, maintaining positive surface grading, and monitoring groundwater levels after significant rainfall events.

HVJ also addressed construction safety and constructability. Because the proposed drain trenches would be located near existing foundations and within sandy soils, the recommendations emphasized maintaining stable trench walls, controlling groundwater where water-bearing sands are encountered, removing soft or loose soils, and backfilling trenches the same day whenever feasible.

This building-specific approach gave the project team clear guidance for managing groundwater while accounting for the varying conditions and risks across the site.

 The Results

Our recommendations provided a targeted approach to groundwater management: French drains for the more sensitive areas, appropriate downspout discharge and surface grading around all buildings, and monitoring to identify unexpected groundwater changes.
By distinguishing between areas requiring active drainage and areas where routine observation was sufficient, HVJ gave the project team practical, site-specific recommendations to control seepage, reduce moisture migration, and protect building performance.

The facility’s construction continued as planned, and it opened in late 2026. It features modern classrooms, scenario-based training environments, a virtual reality training room, a mock cell demonstration area, a physical training room with an observation catwalk, barracks for trainees, and a six-lane indoor firing range. The center can accommodate up to 400 participants and will serve as a cornerstone of TDCJ’s long-term strategy to prepare, empower, and equip its workforce.