GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Geotechnical Engineering is the process of designing systems made of or supported by soil or rock. It involves modifying the soils or designing structures to ensure adequate bearing capacity, resistance to overturning, slope stability and minimal movement due to expansive soils. In central Texas, highly expansive clay soils are a big concern. A thorough and accurate investigation, within economical limits, is imperative to the successful design of the project.

Our geotechnical investigation includes drilling test borings to obtain soil samples, testing those samples in our laboratory and providing a report detailing the engineering recommendations specific to your project. This report provides the design information required to successfully design structural elements. We typically provide recommendations for:

• Deep and shallow foundations
• Retaining walls
• Pavements
• Soil Embankments

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Structural engineering is primarily the analysis and design of structural elements to support and resist loads. Structural integrity affects the performance, serviceability and safety of the constructed product. Most commonly, structural engineers are involved in the design of buildings, bridges and other structures.

Gessner Engineering provides structural design for a large variety of commercial, residential, educational and industrial projects. Our designs extend from the foundation to the roof. Our structural design is equipped to address all aspects of structural engineering. With an intimate knowledge of soil characteristics and performance, our engineers provide insight and use specific foundation design procedures to meet the clients’ needs. Based on the project scope and scale, we select the tools necessary to provide an efficient and constructible design. We regularly design structures built from timber, wood, steel, concrete and masonry.

Gessner Engineering is staffed and equipped with the latest software and tools required to meet the needs of this project in the most efficient manner. We utilize AutoCAD and REVIT Structure to integrate all engineering and architectural disciplines. We adopted the Building Information Modeling (BIM) platform in 2007. This concept provides a greater understanding of complex relationships between elements and reduces construction conflicts.

Our design process begins with the development of the primary structural system model in REVIT. The platform allows connectivity to the RISA family of design software products, which are used to design the primary structural system, before it is imported back into REVIT to add secondary and component framing. The end product is then planned and the sheets are formatted. Final steps include dimensioning and annotating the documents for construction. Our use of technology and innovation has lead to involvement with projects of higher complexity.

CIVIL ENGINEERING

At Gessner Engineering, civil engineering refers primarily to land and site development, hydraulics and hydrology. A civil engineer designs parking lots, the layout of residential and commercial developments and the utilities serving these facilities. Additionally, civil engineers design elements around buildings such as parks, ponds and the infrastructure to prevent flooding of adjacent and downstream properties.

The civil engineering on one property can drastically affect the adjacent properties, as well as systems for sanitary sewer, water and storm water. For this reason, civil engineering is heavily regulated by municipalities, the state and federal government. These entities require specific parking, landscaping, environmental controls and drainage limitations.

Our civil engineering department focuses on site and land development, with supporting hydrology and infrastructure design. Using AutoCAD Civil 3D, as a supplement to our engineering design software, enables our engineers to minimize conflicts while providing an efficient site design. We work with governing authorities to ensure the development meets the needs of the client and local ordinances.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING

Construction Materials Testing (CMT) is the monitoring and testing of materials as they are installed on your project. Thorough testing ensures the project owner receives the quality of material and installation specified by the design professional. When combined with appropriate construction administration by the design team, CMT provides assurance that materials used for the project meet or exceed specifications. It is a bridge between the design and construction.

Typical testing involves:

• Soil analysis – Determining if the fill materials meet the recommendations of the geotechnical engineer.
• Soil compaction – Determining if the contractor has compacted the fill properly to the specified density and moisture requirements or specifications.
• Concrete pier monitoring – Determining if the piers were drilled to the correct depth and are bearing in the recommended soil strata.
• Concrete testing – Determining if the concrete delivered to the site meets the required strength determined by the project specifications.
• Steel inspections – (Bolt, weld, decking), as required.
• Testing specific materials (as required), such as grout and asphalt.

COMPLEX DESIGNS - Gessner Engineering utilizes AutoCAD and REVIT Structure to integrate engineering and architectural disciplines. We adopted Building Information Modeling (BIM) in 2007 to reliably deliver more efficient and economic projects. This evolving concept provides a greater understanding of complex relationships between elements, reduces dead references and catches conflicts. Our design process begins with the development of the primary structural system model in REVIT. The platform allows connectivity to the RISA family of design software products, which are used to design the primary structural system, before it is imported back into REVIT to add secondary and component framing. The end product is then planned and the sheets are formatted. Final steps include dimensioning and annotating the documents for construction. 

ACCURATE DETAILING - Precision and detail are critical elements to the success of a project. Our extensive portfolio of custom residential projects detail explicit elements not typical to residential construction. Years of experience has provided our engineers with the understanding and ability to adequately predict the behavior of steel. It is our responsibility to provide quality designs for the framework (e.g. beams, columns, bracing, etc.) to ensure the geometry of the structure works. At Gessner Engineering, providing high-quality designs take precedence; granting our clients the promise of a solid process from design through construction. Our commitment to project integrity smooths the path to completion.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS - Gessner Engineering’s team members develop inventive solutions for unique situations. We welcome these opportunities to combine innovative components with advanced design techniques for unique solutions. Additionally, we have LEED® Certified professionals on staff to address environmental concerns. Our relationships with architects are forthright and uncomplicated. We look forward to creating solutions for our client’s challenges and strive to actualize the most excellent end result. 

Gessner Engineering provides geotechnical, structural and civil engineering, and construction materials testing services for a variety of commercial projects. Project experience includes office and medical buildings, restaurants, churches, banks, retail centers and hotel design.

Gessner Engineering provides geotechnical, civil and structural engineering, and construction materials testing services for a large variety of educational projects. The completed structural designs extend from the foundation to the roof and address all aspects of structural engineering. Structures built from timber, wood, steel, concrete and masonry are regularly designed. The geotechnical engineers have an intimate knowledge of soil characteristics and performance, and use specific foundation design procedures to meet the needs of the client. Gessner Engineering is staffed and equipped with the latest software and tools to complete the project in the most efficient manner. Civil engineering services include entire water system network design, site design and pavement design.