Services

	Geotechnical Reconnaissance and Research KFMg utilizes a variety of remote sensing techniques including, false-color infrared aerial imagery, airborne and satellite thermal infrared imagery, airborne radar imagery, and satellite thematic mapper imagery. This provides an enhanced understanding of local geology and supports pointed and cost-effective design of field investigation programs.
	Geotechnical Investigations In addition to conventional drilling methods (e.g., hollow-stem, rotary-wash, bucket-auger drilling, and continuous core drilling) KFMg has expertise in interpretation of cone penetration test (CPT) and seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) data. KFMg also utilizes ground penetration radar (GPR), seismic refraction surveys, and electrical resistivity measurements for subsurface investigations that can be effectively used in earthquake fault study investigations, and in preliminary site characterizations.
	Site-Specific Geologic and Seismic Hazard Evaluations KFMg has the experience to investigate seismic hazards in complex geologic regions such as Southern California. Investigations are carried out from the problem-solving perspective rather than from simply a problem-describing perspective. In practice that means that as data is collected in the field, we simultaneously evaluate the data, update site interpretations, and describe the preliminary results to the client so that the investigation plan can be modified to better fit the proposed project
	Geologic and Geotechnical Reports KFMg has been highly successful in submitting and obtaining approval for geologic and geotechnical reports and in supporting interdisciplinary design teams on the most challenging projects. KFMg realizes that its reports must be comprehensible not only to our peers and technical reviewers, but also to less technical design team members, and other professionals, planners and clients with various non-geotechnical backgrounds.
	Slope Stability Analyses KFMg has extensive experience with both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional slope analyses in drained and undrained conditions under static and seismic loading. KFMg has selected the best-recognized software programs SLOPE/W and Clara for the 2- and 3-D analyses, and is fully conversant in other commercial packages, e.g., PC Stable or G-Slope. For deformation analyses of seismically induced landslides KFMg can carry out Newmark-based analysis, as well as coupled analyses, of such permanent displacements or more sophisticated finite-element based analysis.
	Probabilistic and Deterministic Risk Assessment Studies Quantitative risk assessment studies are gaining more and more interest as they provide a rational basis for evaluation of project feasibility, risk, and for comparison of various design concepts. For seismic probabilistic and deterministic analyses KFMg uses EZFRISK (by Risk Engineering), and FRISKSP and EQFAULT (by Thomas F. Blake Computer Services and Software) computer software. For probabilistic landslide potential and settlement analyses KFMg uses SLOPE/W and @RISK packages.
	Liquefaction Potential Analysis Evaluation of liquefaction potential and associated settlement and lateral spreading of a project site is often an important design consideration on projects in Southern California. KFMg uses state of the art methodology recommended by the California Geological Survey and published by NCEER and in leading professional publications. The methods are constantly reviewed, updated, and programmed into our proprietary programs in MathCAD and Excel.
	Engineering Analysis of Foundations and Retaining Walls: Notwithstanding all the peculiarities of seismically "challenged" Southern California, most projects eventually require conventional foundation design recommendations. KFMg uses conventional field Standard Penetration Test (SPT) blowcounts in addition to laboratory testing data and modern CPT–based interpretations to provide the foundation for our designs. KFMg personnel were instrumental in the introduction of a new foundation technology, the so called “intermediate foundation system of rammed aggregate piers”, in Orange County.
	Advanced Numerical Modeling From time to time projects emerge that require unconventional evaluation approaches and design methodologies. KFMg has significant experience in stress-strain, seepage and infiltration steady-state and transient flow modeling. These concepts are often used for foundation and excavation design, embankment, slope, dam performance and assessment evaluations, soil-structure interaction evaluation, design of subdrain systems, infiltration/percolation modeling of alternative landfill cove. KFMg uses SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, SIGMA/W, TEMP/W for the modeling.
	Services During Grading Operations KFMg’s strength is in seeing the entire project through by the same professional team and with the involvement of the same support personnel. Thus, the observation and testing of fill and backfill, preparation of foundation subgrade, installation of drains, implementation of remediation measures, and interfacing with the building officials is significantly simplified since the personnel has a detailed knowledge of the details of such projects.