Geotechnical & Site-Related Forensics
Our geotechnical and site-related forensic services focus on identifying the root causes of soil, foundation, and site-drainage issues that contribute to building movement, distress, or failure. These evaluations integrate field observations, historic site data, and available geotechnical reports to determine how subsurface conditions may have affected the structure.
What This Service Covers
Foundation Settlement & Differential Movement
Assessment of cracks, sloping floors, sticking doors/windows, and other symptoms of structural movement. We determine whether observed distress is related to soil conditions such as consolidation, shrink–swell behavior, compaction issues, or improper fill placement.
Slope Stability & Retaining Wall Distress
Evaluation of slope movements, erosion, retaining wall rotation, and drainage failures. We identify contributing causes including water infiltration, surcharge loading, inadequate reinforcement, improper backfill, or long-term soil creep.
Site Drainage & Surface Water Intrusion
Investigation of improper grading, inadequate drainage pathways, clogged or undersized drainage systems, and the role of site runoff in causing moisture intrusion at foundations, subfloors, or crawl spaces.
Pavement & Flatwork Distress Related to Subgrade Conditions
Assessment of cracking, settlement, or heaving in concrete and asphalt surfaces caused by poor compaction, expansive soils, or subsurface moisture problems.
Geotechnical Report Interpretation & Forensic Review
Review of prior geotechnical studies to verify whether recommendations were followed and whether site conditions differ from the original assumptions used in the recommendations
Typical Scope of Work
Background Review
- Review of geotechnical reports (if provided)
- Review of site grading plans and foundation drawings
- Review of historic aerial images and topography
On-Site Inspection
- Visual assessment of structural movement indicators
- Mapping of cracks, settlement patterns, and soil distress
- Evaluation of surface drainage paths and water management
- Documentation of retaining wall and slope conditions
Analysis & Forensic Interpretation
- Determine whether geotechnical factors contributed to observed structural issues
- Differentiate between soil-related movement vs structural/material deficiencies
- Identify root causes and contributing mechanisms
Conceptual Repair Recommendations
- Soil remediation approaches (e.g., over-excavation, recompaction, chemical stabilization at concept-level)
- Drainage corrections including grading improvements, swales, downspout routing, and waterproofing at foundations
- Conceptual recommendations for retaining wall stabilization or replacement
Common Issues We Help Diagnose
- Foundation settlement or heaving
- Cracks at slab-on-grade floors
- Cracking at walls due to differential movement
- Moisture intrusion at foundations or stem walls
- Retaining wall leaning or failure
- Repeated pavement cracking or sinking
- Soil collapse or erosion near structures
- Poor compaction beneath additions or new construction
Single-family homes and accessory dwelling units are exempt.If you received a Notice to Comply from Culver City, your building is officially in the program.
When This Service Is Needed
- New or progressive cracking inside the home
- Long-term movement or tilting of retaining walls
- Water pooling near the structure
- Sudden changes in grading after rainfall events
- Construction where geotechnical recommendations may not have been followed