The ground beneath your building is just as important as the structure above it.
In regions like Colorado and the wider Western U.S., challenging soil conditions such as expansive or collapsible soils can have a serious impact on the stability and safety of foundations, slabs, and other structural elements. That’s where geotechnical expertise becomes essential.
At Higgins & Associates, our engineers specialise in evaluating how soil conditions interact with the built environment – helping you avoid costly mistakes and structural failures.
Understanding the Risks of Expansive and Collapsible Soils
Expansive soils swell when wet and shrink when dry. Collapsible soils, on the other hand, can compact suddenly when exposed to moisture. Both can wreak havoc on foundations, driveways, and even structural walls – especially when not identified and accounted for during design or construction.
We’ve worked across Colorado and surrounding states, offering site-specific geotechnical evaluations and helping our clients understand:
- How local soil conditions could affect their projects
- The right foundation design choices for long-term performance
- The underlying causes of structural movement and damage
Learn more about our forensic engineering approach to grading and site issues
Our Geotechnical Services Include:
- Soil Analysis & Interpretation – We analyse and interpret soil samples to assess site suitability, risk levels, and potential structural impacts.
- Foundation Recommendations – Based on site conditions, we offer expert advice on safe, sustainable foundation systems tailored to the project.
- Distress Evaluation – We support clients in identifying geotechnical-related structural failures and recommend effective repair strategies.
- Design & Remediation Support – For both new construction and existing buildings, we help ensure geotechnical integrity from the ground up.
Supporting a Range of Clients Across the Western U.S.
Our geotechnical consulting services benefit:
- Developers and construction professionals looking to plan with precision
- Property owners dealing with foundation distress or cracking
- Insurers and legal professionals seeking technical evaluations of soil-related damage
With a deep understanding of regional soil behaviour and construction practices, we help our clients navigate the complexities of site conditions and avoid surprises that can derail a project or compromise a structure.
Build Smarter From the Ground Up
Whether you’re building new or dealing with issues on an existing site, geotechnical insight is the foundation of a safe, long-lasting structure. Our engineers at Higgins & Associates are here to help you make informed decisions from the ground up.
Explore how we address site grading, soil issues, and geotechnical concerns.
