Subdivision/Multi-Unit
Varsity Berkeley Apartments – Berkeley, CA
Geotechnical Investigation
Construction Observation and Testing Services
AKA conducted a geotechnical investigation and provided geotechnical engineering services during construction of the Varsity Berkeley Apartments in Downtown Berkeley. Completed in 2015, the Varsity Berkeley is a 5- to 6-story building with 73 residential units, a below grade parking level, and rooftop terrace. AKA’s geotechnical investigation included drilling borings at the site, conducting laboratory tests, and providing recommendations for the mitigation of expansive surficial soils, existing fill soils, and relatively shallow groundwater conditions at the site. Groundwater in this general area rises and falls with seasonal changes in rainfall patterns and it was necessary to evaluate probable “high” groundwater elevations for use in project design. By compiling and reviewing local groundwater measurements from our in-house database, AKA was able to provide reliable estimates of seasonal and maximum groundwater elevations for use in the design of temporary and permanent improvements at the site. AKA also provided comprehensive geotechnical observation and testing services during construction and provided consultation to resolve on-site geotechnical issues.
Valdez Micro Units – Oakland, CA
Geotechnical Investigation
Construction Observation and Testing Services
AKA performed a geotechnical investigation and provided geotechnical engineering services during construction of the Valdez Micro Units project in Downtown Oakland. Micro units are meant to be a more affordable option for people who are willing to sacrifice living space to be in an urban area and this project is the first micro units project to be constructed in Oakland. Completed in 2016, the Valdez Micro Units project included the construction of a 5-story building with live/work space at the front of the first floor, and residential units behind and on the upper floors of the building. AKA’s geotechnical investigation included drilling borings, conducting laboratory tests, and providing recommendations for the mitigation of existing fill soils, weak surficial soils, and expansive soils at the site. As part of the investigation, an evaluation of liquefaction potential and effects was conducted. The results of our evaluations showed that liquefaction was not a significant concern at the site. AKA also provided comprehensive geotechnical observation and testing services during construction and provided consultation to resolve on-site geotechnical issues.
Hillcrest Heights – El Sobrante, CA
Geotechnical Investigation
Construction Observation and Testing Services
Slope Movement Monitoring
A 65-unit subdivision was proposed in a section of the East Bay Hills known to contain landslides. AKA studies revealed three major landslide complexes crossing the site and deep remedial grading services were recommended to stabilize this area. Monitoring of the complex grading during construction was performed to provide stable street and building pad areas for future development. In some locations, fill depths reached approximately 50 feet. A tie-back shoring wall was installed and monitored during construction along the upslope boundary of the new subdivision to minimize movement into the site from a non-repaired landslide existing under apartment buildings on the uphill property.
Old Blackhawk Road Subdivision – Danville, CA
Geotechnical Investigation
Construction Observation and Testing Services
AKA completed a geotechnical investigation of the site of a six-lot custom home subdivision in Danville, California. The subdivision developer is the well known luxury custom home builder, Mark Becker Homes. The project involved home sites adjacent to and on both sides of Sycamore Creek. Construction of a new bridge crossing along with access roads and utility infrastructure were a part of this project. Geotechnical challenges associated with the site included potential for liquefaction of the relatively young creek sediments, as well as creek bank stability issues.
Montebello Terrace – Oakland, CA
Geotechnical Investigation
Construction Observation and Testing Services
An early 1900s iron pyrite mine area was to be reclaimed for a major housing project. Grading began but financial difficulties stopped the project. Several years later, AKA was asked to re-evaluate the site, including locations of past mine activity as well as previous grading, to develop recommendations for new city streets and 70 detached individual houses. Recommendations for both building foundations and numerous retaining walls to contain the cut and fill slopes on the site were developed. The rock cuts at the site were monitored for long-term stability. Monitoring was performed during construction. One lot was subsequently deleted from consideration for construction when an adit to the mineshaft was discovered and sealed.
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