Did You Feel That? From earthquakes to sinkholes, BIA responds.

NATURE STRIKES: Earthquakes, Hurricanes and Floods

Our Forensic engineers are available 24/7 to provide physical damage assessment, structural condition assessment, and inspection of structural damage after earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.  We also design appropriate remedial actions to restore structural integrity when necessary for buildings which may have sustained major structural defects. 

This summer, our Forensic team responded to several calls after the Virginia earthquake including the inspection of an office building and a school building.  Fortunately, both of structures sustained only minor damage.  Another structure – a high-rise apartment - was not as lucky.  During our investigation of the building, which was already undergoing renovations, our forensic team also uncovered shortcomings in the contractor's work.

UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT:  Sinkholes

Our region has received substantial amounts of rainfall this summer.  This excess precipitation, on top of already saturated ground from the wettest August on record, has led to significant stream and river flooding.  In our region, there are vast areas of karst geology - limestone and dolomite - which along with the overwhelmed stormwater basins and conveyance systems, have contributed to the formation of numerous new sinkholes.  The BIA Environmental group have been responding to several emergencies, where growing sinkholes are threatening to undermine pavements, utility lines, and structures. 

As a full service, multidiscipline engineering firm, BIA engineers work closely – and quickly.  The surface view of a sinkhole often does not tell the entire story---it may look small at the surface, but upon excavation, a cavern is revealed.  Sinkholes can cause utility interruption to underground electrical wires, gas lines, or water lines and depending upon proximity of buildings, undermine the foundation of a structure.  BIA’s Environmental and Forensics teams work in close association to identify the sinkhole and then create a remediation plan, which could include excavation, backfill and pressure grouting.  Whether the sinkhole is on a residential property, roadway, or commercial location, we can prepare plans for more long-term stabilization measures.