Geotechnical Engineering in Tampa, Florida
ABOUT
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, BTL Engineering provides service to the private and public sectors of the construction, engineering, and property insurance community throughout the state of Florida. We have been giving a sound mind to property buyers and property owners across the peninsula.
Originally incorporated in 1976 as Brown Testing Laboratories, Inc., it was eventually rebranded as BTL Engineering Services, Inc. As a fully certified geotechnical engineering lab supporting an ever-expanding Florida, BTL has led the way for construction materials testing.
In a state full of sand and loose soils, it is more necessary than ever to prepare a foundation for building. Safety is our main concern, so contact us before you purchase land or build a home and we will guide you through the necessary testing you need to have a safe foundation.
SERVICES
Sinkhole
Investigations
Worried about some cracking that has begun to appear on your property? We can tell you if a sinkhole is on your land or if there is another cause of concern. BTL has investigated thousands of sinkhole sites throughout the State of Florida over the past 43 years for the presence of sinkhole activity. Members of our staff have authored numerous technical papers on the investigation, occurrence and treatment of sinkholes.
Our step-by-step process can tell you everything you need to know. First, we analyze existing data such as aerial/historic mapping. Next, we visit your site and nearby buildings. Then, we use geophysical drilling techniques to tell us what’s happening underground. Finally, we document the data and send our thorough report to your door.
Foundation
Recommendations
Constructing a new building can be tedious work, but we can help make the process easier by testing your grounds and recommending the next steps that you should be taking. Soils should always be tested before being built upon to avoid any foundation problems in the future.
We typically propose to investigate the property grounds to check the existing soil condition and any possible geological hazards. This investigation gives us an understanding of the thickness of the soil, clay and rock stratum, and other properties that will help us figure out what needs to be done next.
Foundation recommendations including fill placement, subgrade preparation, foundation construction requirements, maximum allowable soil bearing pressure and other items are included in our reports. Along with that, we will also provide you with remediation requirements.
Construction
Material Testing
We provide various types of soil and concrete testing performed in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM, Florida DOT standards and others specifically designed to the construction at hand. Our specialized testing includes but is not limited to:
Density Testing (Compaction Test)
Modified Maximum Density
Standard Maximum Density
Moisture Content
Limerock Bearing Ratio (LBR)
Florida Bearing Values (FBV)
Grain Size Analysis
#200 Wash
Hydrometer Testing
Organic Content Testing
Atterberg Limits Testing
Concrete Compressive Strength Testing
Asphalt Extraction and Gradation
Bolt & Visual Weld Inspection
Forensic
Investigation
We specialize in forensic geotechnical investigation, which includes studying and diagnosing the cause of soil movement that leads to building, pool, retaining wall, pavement, and drainage distress such as cracks, settlement, and separations in walls, floors, concrete foundations, sidewalks, driveways, etc.
Our forensic evaluations services include site visit, subsurface soil exploration and analysis, sinkhole determination, ground penetration radar study, floor elevation survey, etc. We provide written reports of our findings, opinions, and repair recommendations.
Repair
Monitoring
After making repair recommendations for your structure, we also recommend retaining BTL personnel to monitor the installation of helical piers, grout, etc. to ensure that the contractors are meeting the recommended project specifications.
We will meet them on-site and guide them through the proper project requirements so that your structure foundation is as safe as it can be.
Subdivision
Development
Developing a new Subdivision involves a lot of different tests in a lot of different locations. If you send us your site plans, we will measure out and mark where you will need to test for:
Storm
Sanitary
Water
Building Pads
Roadway
Before testing is begun, we will verify the requirements needed for your city or county, and during the testing we will track what has been done and what still needs to be done. Once the project is complete, we will type up an engineer-approved final report.
Founded
Clients
BEHIND THE SCENES
CERTIFIED MEMBERSHIPS
CONTACT
Inquiries
For any inquiries please call
(813) 884-0755 – Hillsborough
(727) 733-9347 – Pinellas
(727) 846-1703 – Pasco
Employment
To apply for a job with BTL Engineering, please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@btleng.com.