Rockridge Geotechnical (RG) provided geotechnical engineering services and a geologic hazards evaluation for the new modular buildings to be constructed at the existing East Palo Alto Charter School (EPACS) campus. New fill was required to bring the finished floor up to match the site grades adjacent to the building. Other improvements include a new asphalt play yard, a new asphalt-concrete driveway and fire lane, new access ramps, and an optional overflow parking lot.

The primary geotechnical concerns affecting the improvements were the presence of relatively weak and compressible existing fill, the native soil underlying the site, the need to raise the site grade above design flood level, and providing adequate foundation support. The portable buildings were supported on spread footings bottomed in engineered fill. Static settlement from raising site grade will affect various aspects of the planned development, including utilities and building entrances. RG recommended the potential adverse impacts of the settlement on the proposed improvements be reduced by placing the fill several months prior to construction of the perimeter retaining wall and the foundations for the portable buildings.