Geotechnical Engineering
Our job is to understand how soil, rock, and groundwater will behave when construction meets reality, and then design solutions that keep your project safe, efficient, and built to last.
Every site is different, and our multidisciplinary team knows how to adapt designs to suit the ground beneath your feet, the climate above, and the timelines you’re working with.
How We Help
Site characterization and subsurface investigations
Every successful geotechnical project starts with knowing the ground beneath it. TREK explores, samples, and tests soils, rock, and groundwater to understand conditions, predict behavior, and manage risks. Using targeted fieldwork, lab testing, and smart mapping, we deliver accurate, cost-effective data to guide safe, reliable design.
Key Services:
- Sub-surface investigations and in-situ testing supervision
- Soil and groundwater classification
- Bedrock core logging and geological analysis
- Laboratory testing of soil and rock (standard and advanced)
- Geotechnical instrumentation (piezometers, inclinometers, settlement plates, thermistors)
- GIS-based sub-surface mapping
- Permafrost assessment and terrain analysis
Foundation engineering and load testing (PDA, CAPWAP, static)
Strong foundations start with understanding the ground beneath your structure. TREK evaluates soils and rock to predict how they’ll support loads and interact with engineered elements. When conditions are challenging, we design solutions like deep foundations, ground improvements, or frost-protection systems to ensure stability, safety, and long-term performance.
Key Services:
- Geotechnical site characterization
- Shallow and deep foundation design (footings, mats, piles)
- Load-displacement analysis and numerical modeling
- Dynamic and static pile testing (PDA & CAPWAP)
- Frost, permafrost, and ad-freezing foundation solutions
- Construction observation and forensic evaluation
Excavations, shoring, and slope stabilization
Temporary excavations and shoring are essential for safe construction, but they require careful planning. TREK evaluates soil, groundwater, and site conditions to design stable, cost-effective solutions that protect workers, structures, and adjacent properties.
Key Services:
- Site characterization and geotechnical assessments
- Slope stability and stabilization design
- Lateral earth pressure calculations for shoring systems
- Reinforced earth structure design
- Construction observation and monitoring of ground movement and vibration
Riverbank protection and erosion control
Rivers, lakes, and natural slopes are constantly reshaped by wind, water, and weather, sometimes threatening nearby infrastructure. TREK assesses slope stability, erosion risk, and groundwater conditions to design protection measures that safeguard buildings, utilities, roads, and bridges. Our solutions combine field monitoring, advanced modeling, and proven construction methods for reliable, long-lasting results.
Key Services:
- Site characterization and geotechnical assessments
- Slope monitoring and groundwater instrumentation
- Slope stability analysis (finite-element, limit-equilibrium, probabilistic)
- Design and specifications for stabilization and erosion control
- Tender support, construction oversight, and quality assurance
Water retention and dam design
Water retention structures and dams are critical for mining, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric projects, but failure is not an option. TREK designs and monitors these structures to prevent erosion, settlement, slope movement, and overtopping. Using advanced modeling, probabilistic analysis, and field-tested engineering, we ensure long-term safety and reliability.
Key Services:
- Geotechnical site characterization
- Advanced finite-element modeling (seepage & deformation)
- Slope stability assessments (limit-equilibrium & probabilistic)
- Laboratory testing of hydraulic and mechanical properties
- Instrumentation installation and monitoring
- Construction inspection and field testing
- Dam safety reviews
- Observational approach for design and construction
Waste containment facilities and landfill liners
Waste containment facilities protect the environment by safely managing hazardous and non-hazardous materials from tailings dams to landfills and wastewater lagoons. TREK provides geotechnical design, quality control, and monitoring to ensure embankments and liners meet regulatory and project standards while preventing settlement, slope instability, or leaks.
Key Services:
- Site characterization and geotechnical assessments
- Laboratory testing (compaction, permeability)
- Slope stability and stress-deformation analysis
- Geotechnical instrumentation (piezometers, settlement sensors)
- Embankment design, closure planning, and cover systems
- Mobile lab services and field compaction testing
- Construction QA inspection for liners (HDPE, GCL, BGM)
- Borrow source evaluation and aerial photography interpretation
Bridges & Embankments
Bridges and embankments demand careful coordination of geotechnical, structural, and hydraulic factors. TREK assesses soil conditions, slope stability, and embankment settlement to design safe, durable foundations and support structures. Using advanced modeling, pile testing, and field observation, we ensure your infrastructure performs reliably under load and environmental stresses.
Key Services:
- Site characterization and laboratory testing (strength, consolidation)
- Geotechnical instrumentation (settlement sensors, piezometers)
- Embankment settlement analysis and mitigation (wick drains, ground improvement)
- Slope stability assessment and stabilization design
- Foundation design (Limit States & Allowable Stress)
- Excavation, shoring, and reinforced earth structures
- Construction observation and quality control
- Materials testing (soil, concrete, asphalt)
Cold Regions Engineering
Northern Canada presents unique geotechnical challenges, from permafrost to frost heave and thaw settlement. TREK specializes in understanding these delicate conditions, designing foundations, embankments, and infrastructure that withstand climate change and permafrost degradation. We combine thorough site investigation, thermal modeling, and practical mitigation techniques to ensure safe, long-lasting northern development.
Key Services:
- Site assessments with Inuit and First Nation community engagement
- Specialized sub-surface investigations for permafrost, ground temperature, and ice content
- Thermistor installation and remote monitoring
- Terrain analysis and linear infrastructure planning
- Thermal modeling and climate change impact assessment
- Foundation design for northern conditions (thermosyphons, adfreeze piles)
- Remote site supervision and quality control testing
Where We Work
Buildings
From industrial plants to high-rise towers, we support every stage, site investigation, foundation design, slab and pavement construction, temporary shoring, underpinning, and quality control testing. We also tackle the unique challenges of building additions, working carefully to protect existing structures.
Transportation Infrastructure
Highways, interchanges, bridges, tunnels, we design geotechnical systems that stand up to extreme climates, challenging soils, and heavy traffic. Our collaborative approach helps align design objectives with construction realities for the most cost-effective solutions.
Community Infrastructure
Sewer and water networks, flood protection, treatment plants, and utility corridors. Our designs factor in groundwater control, excavation safety, and long-term durability for critical public infrastructure.
Energy
From hydroelectric dams to power line foundations, we handle complex geotechnical challenges for generation, transmission, and distribution projects often in demanding terrain and climates.
Mining & Industrial
We bring deep experience in tailings dam design, mine closure planning, heavy equipment foundations, and industrial site development plus advanced testing to confirm performance before and after construction.
Featured Projects