Rockridge Geotechnical (RG) performed the geotechnical investigation and provided recommendations for the design and construction of ground improvement, foundations, retaining walls, and earthwork. The building is adjacent to the historic Paramount Theater.

Working with the structural engineer during foundation design, we performed engineering analyses to estimate total and differential settlement of the proposed building and evaluate potential impacts to the adjacent theater structure. The magnitude of the estimated settlements was not tolerable for a shallow foundation system on unimproved soil, so we recommended the building be constructed on a mat foundation supported on a ground improvement system to reduce total and differential settlements. A ground improvement system consisting of auger cast columns (ACCs) was selected as the most economical system.

Rockridge Geotechnical prepared calculations and drawings for the ACC ground improvement system and provided observation and testing during installation of the ACCs. RG also provided geotechnical observation and testing during other aspects of construction, including shoring installation and mat subgrade preparation.