Residential Geotechnical engineering

Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, Montana

WAI has provided geotechnical and geological services from initial exploration through construction observation, including the Inn at Saddle Ridge and many high-end residences. Portions of the site are located on dormant ancient landslides. WAI mapped and analyzed the slides and continues to design stabilization measures, including shear keys and micropile tiebacks.

Teton County Residence

This site is perched atop a bluff about 120 feet high that drops down to the Snake River. The Snake is actively undercutting the toe of this slope along most of the perimeter of the lot, destabilizing the existing slope and causing small failures. Stability analyses of the slope indicated that it may be vulnerable to significant movement if subjected to intense earthquake shaking. On the basis of the stability analyses, micropile reinforcement was recommended to resist movement and protect the building when the slope adjacent to the site moves. Additionally, the lot is underlain by potentially collapsible loess down to depths of more than 17 feet. WAI recommended underpinning the entire house and garage foundations using helical piers driven to refusal in the alluvial gravels below the collapsible loess.

Teton Valley Highlands Residence, Kelly, WY

This lot at Teton Valley Highlands is situated adjacent to a very steep bluff about 210 feet high that drops down to the Gros Ventre River floodplain. The proposed building envelope is within 20 feet of the bluff edge in order to provide the best view of the nearby Teton Range. Shallow slump scarps were observed on the bluff slopes about 40 vertical feet above the valley floor. Additionally, published geologic maps of the area indicate that the bluff has experienced numerous large deep-seated landslides east and west of the site, the nearest of which is about 1.5 miles east. WAI provided a geotechnical investigation to support foundation design and performed stability analyses of the slope in order to determine an appropriate setback from the slope.

Residence in Wilson, Wyoming

This site is located on a sloping lot above the town of Wilson, at an elevation of about 6,250 feet. The house, garage, and driveway comprise a footprint of 19,000 feet. A 2.5-acre pond was built about 120 feet downslope of the building site. WAI provided a geotechnical investigation of the building and pond sites to support foundation and pond design.