Services

Terran Geo provides Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and Monitoring for Single Family Dwellings and minor projects within the Lower Mainland.  Erosion and Sediment Controls are required for earthworks and construction to minimize on site erosion and manage sediment laden water from disrupting storm systems and natural streams.  Several Jurisdictions, including the City of Surrey and Maple Ridge, require assurance letters and plans to be submitted as part of the building permit process.

Terran Geo designs excavation and shoring plan and complete the necessary field reviews to ensure conformance. The complexity of the excavation, which also includes the ground conditions and risks to workers, will determine whether a shoring system is required. Shoring systems may include temporary lock blocks, soil anchors/nails, piles, shoring cages, and/or timber post/lagging. Terran Geo regularly review excavations and prepare written instructions to comply with Work Safe BC requirements.

Terran Geo completes geotechnical site investigation report for the property to characterize the ground conditions, identify geotechnical hazards, provide recommendations to address hazards and for building considerations. The geotechnical site investigation may include drilling, test pits, in-situ testing, and laboratory testing depending on the scope and objectives of the project. For further information on typical methods used for geotechnical investigations, please refer to our Resources page.

Ground Improvement may be recommended to improve the load bearing soils for structures.  This may involve preloading, densification, vibro-compaction, and/or replacement of incompetent soils.  The structure type, displacement tolerance, and cost benefit will dictate the method of improvement. In absence of ground improvement measures, deep pile foundation system may be used.

Terran Geo is involved with landslide forensics and slope stability modelling for residential developments. Terran Geo follows Engineer and Geoscientists of British Columbia (previously known as APEGBC) Guidelines for Residential Developments. Landslide risks are compared with a Level of Landslide Safety or jurisdiction’s bylaw requirements as part of the permitting process. For further information, please refer to our Resources page.

Terran Geo completes standard laboratory soil testing including Atterberg limits for fine grained soils, grain size analysis, standard and modified proctors, and moisture tests. We offer field testing including density (compaction) testing using non-nuclear soil density gauge or dynamic cone penetrometer (Wildcat), and deflection testing (Benkelman Beam test).

Terran Geo can be retained to provide a written opinion on the following subject matters:
Landslide, slope stability concerns

Retaining walls

Site drainage and building envelope

Settlement

Foundation

Ground Improvement

Excavation/shoring

Soil conditions

Stormwater Management Systems

Our opinions are based on our experience working with varies challenges across the lower mainland. Our clients typically would ask for our consulting opinion prior to committing to detailed investigation works and reports to understand the risks associated with a project.
Terran Geo is also involved with providing a peer/independent review of works by others.

Terran Geo designs segmented walls (Allan Block, Valley Stone, Lockblocks, RediRock, Rock Stacked…) and Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Walls for residential developments. Terran Geo will work with stakeholders, contractors and jurisdictions to identify and address constraints set by local government bylaws, Official Community Plan Guidelines, and environmental requirements to design a feasible engineered wall.

Terran Geo designs stormwater management systems for residential and commercial developments. These systems are designed to manage roof and groundwater to prevent water ingress into the building envelope, and manage on-site drainage. These systems may include rock pits, detention ponds, swales, sump/pump systems, infiltration trenches, and french drains. The selection of the appropriate storm system will depend on ground conditions, local topography, and bylaw requirements in the development area.