Webinar - Understanding and Interpreting Geotechnical Reports
Join SOCOTEC’s expert-led webinar to learn how to interpret geotechnical reports and address geological hazards in the Western and Central United States.
Geotechnical reports are essential tools for reducing construction risk, yet they can be challenging to interpret for those outside the geotechnical engineering field. This webinar provides practical guidance on reading, understanding, and applying geotechnical reports for construction and design projects.
Focusing on challenges specific to the Western and Central U.S., such as earth fissures, expansive clays, and collapsible soils, the session explores key report components and their practical applications. Attendees will learn how to interpret boring logs, testing results, and engineering recommendations to make informed project decisions.
Objectives
What You'll Learn
- Understand the four main components of geotechnical reports, geologic setting, site-specific soil conditions, engineering analysis, and recommendations to extract critical information for project planning and design.
- Interpret boring logs and laboratory test results to understand subsurface conditions, including soil classification, and potential soil behavior (expansion vs. collapse).
- Recognize geologic hazards such as earth fissures, liquefaction, land subsidence, and seismic activity, and evaluate their potential impacts on construction projects in regional contexts.
- Apply mitigation techniques for problematic soils, including expansive clays and collapsible sands, to reduce construction risks and improve project safety.
- Understand the four main components of geotechnical reports, geologic setting, site-specific soil conditions, engineering analysis, and recommendations to extract critical information for project planning and design.
- Interpret boring logs and laboratory test results to understand subsurface conditions, including soil classification, and potential soil behavior (expansion vs. collapse).
- Recognize geologic hazards such as earth fissures, liquefaction, land subsidence, and seismic activity, and evaluate their potential impacts on construction projects in regional contexts.
- Apply mitigation techniques for problematic soils, including expansive clays and collapsible sands, to reduce construction risks and improve project safety.
Who Should Attend
- Civil Engineers and Structural Engineers who need to interpret geotechnical data for their design work
- Project Managers and Construction Managers overseeing projects where geotechnical considerations are critical
- General contractors who need to understand subsurface conditions before bidding on or executing projects
- Architects who must understand foundation requirements and site conditions
- Municipal Engineers and Public Works Officials managing infrastructure projects
About the Speaker
Steven Nowaczyk – Managing Principal Engineer
Steve Nowaczyk is a Geotechnical Engineer, working from the SOCOTEC office in Phoenix, Arizona. He has 35 years of expertise in managing and delivering complex projects across various sectors; including heavy civil infrastructure, transportation, energy, commercial, and dam safety.
Steve is known for providing innovative and cost-effective geotechnical solutions and has a strong background in soil mechanics, foundation design, ground improvement, site investigation, and forensic engineering.
He has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University, a Master of Science degree in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and is a registered professional engineer.
