Calgary’s variable subsurface—from coarse fluvial gravels and glacial till to weak Cretaceous bedrock—demands non-invasive investigation before any major construction or environmental assessment. Our geophysics category integrates high-resolution methods that comply with the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) seismic site classification and Alberta Transportation’s geotechnical guidelines. We routinely apply MASW / Vs30 profiling to derive shear wave velocities for seismic design, and ground penetrating radar to map buried utilities, rebar, and stratigraphic contacts in real time.
These techniques support foundation engineering, slope stability reviews, infrastructure condition assessment, and due diligence on commercial and residential developments across the Calgary region. For deeper stratigraphic imaging or bedrock mapping, we pair surface wave methods with seismic refraction and reflection tomography, while electrical resistivity (VES) helps delineate groundwater pathways and contamination plumes in complex alluvial settings. Each survey is calibrated to local geology, delivering actionable data for engineers and regulators.
Design of corrosion-protected, post-tensioned anchors for retaining walls, foundations, and slope stabilization. Includes bond length optimization, lock-off load calculation, and creep analysis.
Cost-effective anchor systems for excavation support during construction. We size tendons for short service life, using conservative bond stresses and proof-testing protocols to meet safety codes.
On-site pullout testing per ASTM D4435, including proof load, creep monitoring, and acceptance criteria. We provide real-time data to confirm design assumptions before the contractor proceeds.
NBCC 2020 – Seismic and geotechnical provisions for anchored systems, CSA A23.3-19 – Design of concrete structures (anchor bond and load transfer), CSA S6-19 – Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (anchor factor of safety), ASTM D4435-13 – Standard test method for anchor pullout resistance
For a standard project with up to 20 anchors, the design and verification testing typically falls between CA$1,570 and CA$5,200, depending on site complexity, number of test anchors, and reporting requirements. Larger or more complex scopes may exceed this range.
Bond length is calculated using the interface shear strength from triaxial tests on undisturbed samples, adjusted for installation method and grout quality. We apply a factor of safety of 2.0 for permanent anchors and verify with on-site pullout tests to confirm the design value.
For permanent anchors in aggressive groundwater conditions, such as those along the Bow River, we specify Class II corrosion protection per CSA A23.3. This includes a fully encapsulated tendon with a corrugated plastic sheath and cementitious grout cover.
Yes, we incorporate seismic load combinations from NBCC 2020, including peak ground acceleration values for Calgary's site class. The anchor capacity is checked under seismic loading with a reduced factor of safety of 1.2, and the bond length is increased if the seismic demand exceeds static capacity.