Geotechnical Design Expertise
for NDOT's Project Neon
Key Information
Project Name: Project Neon
Provided by: Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company
Client: Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) c/o Atkins and Kiewit
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Services Provided: Geotechnical Design Consulting, Geophysical Analysis
Highlights: Design geotechnical lead consultant for the expansion of 3.7 miles of Interstate 15, including 29 new bridges, in downtown Las Vegas, the largest public works project in Nevada history.
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The Challenge
Contributing to Nevada’s Largest Infrastructure Project
For Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, Project Neon presented an immense challenge: the widening of a critical highway corridor, the addition and/or replacement of 29 bridges, and the reconstruction and reconfiguration of a highly trafficked interchange (300,000 vehicles daily) in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. The project aimed to improve traffic flow and enhance roadway safety in one of the most congested areas in the state.
With the Interstate 15 corridor serving as a key transportation artery, the project required a thorough understanding of subsurface conditions, especially considering the complexity of the terrain and the proximity of existing infrastructure. The integration of new roadways, bridge structures, and retaining walls also demanded highly specialized geotechnical and geophysical evaluations to ensure long-term performance, safety, and structural integrity.
For Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, Project Neon presented an immense challenge: the widening of a critical highway corridor, the addition and/or replacement of 29 bridges, and the reconstruction and reconfiguration of a highly trafficked interchange (300,000 vehicles daily) in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. The project aimed to improve traffic flow and enhance roadway safety in one of the most congested areas in the state.
With the Interstate 15 corridor serving as a key transportation artery, the project required a thorough understanding of subsurface conditions, especially considering the complexity of the terrain and the proximity of existing infrastructure. The integration of new roadways, bridge structures, and retaining walls also demanded highly specialized geotechnical and geophysical evaluations to ensure long-term performance, safety, and structural integrity.
The Solution
Advanced Geotechnical and Geophysics Services
To address the technical challenges of Project Neon, Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, brought together a multidisciplinary team of geotechnical and geophysical experts who delivered a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the scale and complexity of the project:
- Geotechnical Evaluation: Our team conducted an in-depth geotechnical evaluation of the subsurface conditions across the 3.7-mile project corridor. This foundational work involved analyzing soil and caliche properties, groundwater conditions, and soil behavior to support the safe and cost-effective design of bridge foundations, retaining walls, and embankments.
- Drilled Shaft Load Testing Program: We designed and implemented a full-scale drilled shaft load testing program to assess axial capacities under actual field conditions. Through precise monitoring and interpretation of the load tests, we developed performance-based design parameters that directly informed foundation sizing and construction methods, ensuring both structural reliability and cost efficiency.
- Deep Foundation Integrity Testing: Our team analyzed data collected using advanced nondestructive testing techniques, including Cross-Hole Sonic Logging (CSL) and Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP). Our experts were heavily involved in the analysis of the integrity testing results and evaluated the internal quality and continuity of drilled shaft foundations. These tests verified the integrity of deep foundation elements reaching depths up to 110 feet, reducing uncertainty and enhancing confidence in long-term performance.
- Pre- and Post-Construction Property Condition Assessments: To support risk management and community relations, we conducted detailed property condition assessments for structures adjacent to the construction zone. These evaluations established baseline conditions and provided documentation for comparison after project completion, promoting transparency and accountability.
- Ground Vibration Monitoring: Given the proximity of sensitive infrastructure, our team directly implemented and performed continuous ground vibration monitoring throughout key construction phases. This data helped mitigate risks, guide construction methods, and reassure stakeholders that surrounding structures were protected from potential impact.
The ResultS
Infrastructure Built on a Foundation of Confidence
Our contributions to Project Neon resulted in measurable outcomes for NDOT and its partners:
Safe and Reliable Foundations
The deep foundation systems—designed and validated through robust load testing and integrity assessments—provided the structural resilience required for 29 bridge structures and numerous retaining walls.
Optimized Design
The real-time data collected through our geotechnical and geophysical evaluations enabled design refinements that reduced construction risk and supported cost efficiency.
Minimized Construction Impact
Continuous vibration monitoring helped prevent damage to adjacent structures and ensured public confidence throughout construction.
Streamlined Communication and Accountability
Comprehensive property condition assessments served as clear documentation for pre- and post-construction conditions, facilitating transparent stakeholder engagement.
Trusted Experts in Geotechnical Design Consulting
Project Neon stands as a powerful example of how expert geotechnical consulting and advanced geophysical services can elevate the success of large-scale infrastructure projects. Our involvement helped ensure the long-term performance of a vital transportation corridor while minimizing construction risks in one of Nevada’s most densely developed areas.
Whether your next project involves complex interchange development, deep foundation design, or sensitive urban construction, SOCOTEC brings the trusted expertise and technical precision needed to deliver results.
