Landslide Mitigation: Overcoming the Risk

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Landslide mitigation can help in areas prone to landslides, such as in Malibu, California. Image Courtesy Pixabay.com

Landslide mitigation can help in areas prone to landslides, such as in Malibu, California. Image Courtesy Pixabay.com

The city of Malibu is one of California’s most beautiful coastal destinations. Located along the famed Pacific Coast Highway, the area is framed by the Pacific Ocean as well as the Santa Monica Mountains.

While coastal zones and properties are highly desirable, they can be difficult to build on. In part, this is due to erosion, rainfall, soil composition, and poor grading. Malibu has steep, clay slopes that are prone to landslides. Continue reading

World of Concrete 2015: Our Impressions

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As seen at World of Concrete 2015. A unique sample of a concrete wall.

As seen at World of Concrete 2015. A unique sample of a concrete wall.

Did you make it to this year’s World of Concrete? The World of Concrete event is the third largest convention in Las Vegas, after NASCAR and the Bull Riders Association, with more than 50,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibitors. At this year’s World of Concrete there were two outdoor exhibit areas with heavy construction equipment (including test drives for novices), concrete demolition demonstrations, concrete slab finishing, and concrete sculptures and artwork. Continue reading

California’s Economy, the Construction Industry & 2015

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California's economy is still recovering from the recession. Image Courtesy Pixabay.com

California’s economy is still recovering from the recession. Image Courtesy Pixabay.com

Leta and I recently attended the 2015 U.S. and Inland Empire Economic Forecast. Dr. Esmael Adibi, a renowned economist and advisor to California leaders, presented his annual forecast for the state’s economy. The event was sponsored by many groups and companies active in the construction industry, including homebuilders, engineering firms, and construction products manufacturers.

This was a great event that provided some clear insight on what’s in store for 2015 when it comes to California’s economy and its growth as it pertains to our industry. Continue reading

Rainfall – The Good and the Bad

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Rainfall image courtesy pixabay.com

Rainfall image courtesy pixabay.com

In the last several weeks Southern California has received much needed rain, helping to alleviate the state’s drought conditions. It’s critically important to our ecosystem that we get enough rainfall each year. However, it can be devastating to property owners and to public areas, especially if a property is not properly prepared to handle large amounts of it. Areas of concern can range from water intrusion into buildings to unstable slopes becoming mud slides. Continue reading

When to Call a Plumber or a Leak Detection Service

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Water Pipe

Water pipe image courtesy of pixabay.com.

Without water most foundation problems would not exist. If you experience rapid foundation movement and the sudden appearance of cracks and separations, it may be time to call a plumber. This is especially true if the evidence of movement is near bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Leaks can occur in pressurized plumbing lines, most often in hot water lines. Have you noticed warmth coming from your slab floor, or sudden spikes in your gas or water bills? These can be symptoms of a hot water leak. Sewer lines can also leak. Tree root intrusions are one of the most common problems associated with a leaking sewer line. Continue reading

Push Piers v. Helical Piers in Expansive Soils

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Building Foundation

Building foundation image courtesy pixabay.com.

Push piers and helical piers are commonly used to level and stabilize foundations that have experienced movement. Although both types of piers can be used to lift foundations that have experienced settlement, only helical piers can withstand uplift forces which can occur in expansive soils. A detailed investigation of soil moisture conditions and expected changes in the future is required to determine the possibility of future uplift. If uplift is expected then helical piers are a better solution than push piers. Continue reading