Centennial Corridor Project

BSK Associates has proudly partnered with AECOM to provide Quality Assurance Materials Testing and Source Inspection services for Phases 3 and 4 of the Centennial Corridor Project as part of the City of Bakersfield’s Thomas Roads Improvement Program. The Centennial Corridor Project constructs a new alignment and provides route continuity for State Route 58 from Cottonwood Road on existing SR 58 (East) to Interstate 5 (West).

The $48.6 million dollar Phase 3 project, known as Bakersfield Freeway Connector Project includes reconstruction of the westbound and southbound loop ramp at SR 99 entrance to Ming Avenue off-ramp and a new barrier-separated connector ramp to Ming Avenue. Major design elements include constructing two (2) new cast-in-place post tensioned prestress box girder bridges with four spans 1,165 feet in length and 39 feet wide, and one (1) cast-in-place post-tensioned box girder approximately 40 feet wide and 392 feet in length to widen the existing bridge, one (1) cast-in-place concrete pumping station with storage box and several retaining walls.

The $147 million dollar Phase 4 project, known as Mainline includes construction of a new freeway section between SR 99 and the Westside Parkway as part of the future SR 58 Centennial Corridor. The project includes construction of ten (10) new bridges including one (1) Viaduct, four (4) undercrossings, three (3) overcrossings, and two (2) connector overcrossings. In total, there will be approximately 40,000 cubic yards of concrete placed for bridge deck structures, approximately 673,000 cubic yards of import borrow, 41,100 tons of HMA paving, 41,200 cubic yards of continually reinforced concrete paving, and more than 83,000 linear feet of precast and cast-in-drilled hole concrete piling to support the structures.

BSK Associates has proudly served the City of Bakersfield and the surrounding communities since 1972. Bakersfield Freeway Connector Project and Centennial Corridor Mainline photos by City of Bakersfield.

 

Tehachapi Boulevard Bike Path

BSK Associates proudly served City of Tehachapi for their award-winning 1.5-mile Class One, two-lane paved bike path located on the north side of Tehachapi Boulevard between Hayes Street east and Steuber Road.  BSK’s scope of services for this project included Quality Assurance Materials Testing services for soil and aggregate base, asphalt consistency testing and concrete sampling and testing. The more than $1 million dollar project included an asphalt paved bike path, paint striping for enhanced safety to alert the cyclists and motorists at intersections, and new concrete curb separating the travel lane from the adjacent bike path.

 

Tehachapi Boulevard Bike Path. Photo Courtesy of City of Tehachapi

Tehachapi Boulevard Bike Path

Tehachapi Boulevard Bike Path

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tehachapi Boulevard Bike Path

Kern High School District ROC

In 2018, the Kern High School District started the construction of two (2) new building and the modernization of three (3) others at their Regional Occupational Center (ROC) campus in Bakersfield, California.  BSK Associates (BSK) had the privilege of serving the District by providing Construction Materials Testing and Inspection Services on this expansion project in 2018 and 2019.  This project included the construction of brand new Auto Center and Culinary Arts buildings and the remodel of the existing Cosmetology, Veterinary Science, and Construction Trades buildings.  BSK’s scope of services included the following:  subgrade soil compaction testing, concrete sampling and concrete batch plant inspection, post installed anchor inspection, welding inspection,  structural steel nondestructive testing, fireproofing, high strength bolting inspection, and floor flatness testing.

Regional Occupational Center photos by Kern High School District.

Kern High School District.

Regional Occupational Center photos by Kern High School District.

Kern High School District.

Regional Occupational Center photos by Kern High School District.

Kern High School District ROC. Regional Occupational Center photos by Kern High School District.

Regional Occupational Center photos by Kern High School District.

Regional Occupational Center photos by Kern High School District.

Regional Occupational Center photos by Kern High School District.

Regional Occupational Center photos by Kern High School District.

Beltway Operational Improvement Project

BSK Associates has proudly partnered with NV5 to provide Quality Assurance Materials Testing services for the Beltway Operational Improvement Project, an $81 million project as part of the City of Bakersfield’s Thomas Roads Improvement Program. This project includes operational improvements to interchange ramps and the construction of auxiliary lanes, retaining walls, and sound walls to improve safety and traffic operations along the SR 58 corridor east of SR 99 to Cottonwood Road, and at the SR 99/Ming Avenue Interchange.

 

Beltway Operational Improvement Project photo by City of Bakersfield.

SAC Remedial Investigation Feasibility Study

The Rancho Cordova (Sacramento) Office of BSK is currently conducting a multiple phase Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) of a shuttered metal product industrial facility in the Sacramento Valley that had 1,1-DCA, 1,1-DCE, PCE, TCE, 1,4-Dioxane, metals, Cr+6, and fuels in soil and shallow groundwater beneath the site.  With multiple potential areas of concern on site, BSK has been working with the regulatory agencies to clear areas of concern when appropriate.  The last of the RI/FS and sensitive receptor survey is being completed at this time, and interim remedial measures are being undertaken pending approval of a Remedial Action Plan.  BSK has supported this client’s environmental consulting needs in the area for approximately 20 years.

To Our Clients And Colleagues Regarding COVID-19

To our clients and colleagues:

The team at BSK Associates continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing changes that it is bringing. The recently issued shelter-in-place orders define most of our services as essential services, therefore we remain available to support our clients during this challenging time.

We are focused on maintaining communication with our clients and supporting their projects while observing the directions of the shelter-in-place orders. We will continue to place the highest value on the safety of our team and our responsibility to do our part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 throughout our communities. In recognizing the need to minimize potential exposures, we have asked employees who can effectively work from home to do so while ensuring our availability and responsiveness to client requests.

Please reach out to any one of the talented and knowledgeable professionals at BSK should you have any questions or if any assistance is needed.

Stay safe and join us in supporting the interests and future of our communities! BSK Associates

Soil Compaction Testing

Soil Compaction Testing

nuclear density gauge test

Soil Compaction Testing is a crucial step in the construction process. Ground that has not been properly compacted can be detrimental to the structural integrity of buildings, retaining structures, roads and pavements, just to name a few. Essentially, proper soil integrity could make or break your structure. Since soils are so critical to a structures reliability you will find that soil compaction testing is required most cases. For instance, most regulatory agencies such as, the Department of Transportation and American Society for Testing and Materials all require laboratory testing. Additionally, you will find that the California and Uniform Building Codes, the geotechnical engineer, and structural engineers will also require soil compaction testing.

Why Compaction Testing is Important

There is a very good reason for all the necessity. Basically, if soil tests are not conducted you risk shifting, cracking, and even the collapse of your building. Roadways could also result in disaster by cracking, sagging, potholes, or even sinkholes. In the end, it’s vital for the success of your structure to ensure you have reliable soil compaction testing. Moreover, having a company that has a seasoned and knowledgeable staff, as well as testing facility, is critical. Not only will a more experienced staff save you time, it will also save you money.

How soil Compaction Testing Works

A soil compaction test begins with samples. After excavation a field technician will collect soil samples. An experienced field technician will gather samples from several locations to attain representative samples of various soil types that may be on site. Each soil type, or mixture thereof, has different properties and can act in different ways.  A skilled lab technician will be able to recognize the potential properties of each, and be able to determine best spots for soil extraction. It can also be valuable to take a sample from the stockpile. This is usually done if the technician notices that the stockpile soil has different properties than the other site soil, or because several soil types are being blended together.

Once at the laboratory the process of determining the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density will occur. A lab technician will start by sifting and moisture conditioning of the soil. Once the soil is prepped the soil will go into a cylindrical mold to be compacted at various moisture contents and weighted.

The test is to see how much of the material can be compacted into the same volume at the various amounts of moisture. When a material is too dry it can not compress very tightly. As more water is added, it is able to compact in better and better, so it’s dry density (unit weight calculated removing the water weight) is increased. Once it hits the limit that the material will allow, the water starts displacing the material and the dry density will start dropping, creating a “curve”. The peak of this “curve” is considered the maximum dry density and the optimum moisture for that specific material. Again, it is of vital importance to have an experienced lab for this process.

Nuclear Gauge Testing

The last key step in soil compaction testing involves the use of a soils nuclear gauge. Back at the job site, a field technician uses a nuclear gauge that has two radioactive isotopes (roughly the same mass as the head of a pin), and emits extremely small amounts of radiation into the soil. Inside of the machine there are sensors that detect how much of the radiation makes it back to the machine. One of the sources is for detecting the hydrogen content, which is a direct correlation with the moisture content. The other source is for detecting the wet density.

Using both of these readings, the nuclear gauge calculates the in-place dry density. This number is compared to the maximum dry density that was determined by the lab testing and is expressed in the form of a percentage. Typical requirements are between 90% and 95% of the maximum dry density. If the material changes even slightly, it could drastically affect the results indicating failure. An experienced field technician will notice the change and pull another sample for a curve rather than have the contractor keep trying to work the material wasting time and money.

To find out more about soil compaction requirements in California click here.

Why BSK Associates

Soil Compaction Testing

As mentioned previously, having seasoned field and laboratory technician is key in this process. BSK Associates has been in the industry for over 53 years. Our history in the industry  ensures that our clients receives accurate results in a timely manner. We are a dedicated team focused on developing practical, cost-effective solutions for our clients, and working toward constant improvement within our profession.

Follow Us and Like Us

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?
Like us on Facebook.
Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.

BSK: Gem Lake Dam Project

BSK: Gem Lake Dam Project.

BSK photo from helicopter.

BSK: Gem Lake Dam Project.

We are excited to announce that BSK conducted a Geotechnical Engineering Investigation for Gem Lake Dam!

Gem Lake is located on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range near June Lakes. This rural area is a hiker’s paradise with beautiful trees and lush vegetation.

Gem Lake Dam was originally built in the 1920’s and is a key element of the Rush Creek Hydroelectric System. In fact, Hydroelectric Dam Systems produce 8-12% of the nations power, making these dam systems all the more important. Additionally, this particular hydroelectric system is considered an eligible renewable energy resource! Hence, all the more reason that BSK is so proud to be a part of this project.

Part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requirements is to have the ability to control water levels of these lakes. Thus, ensuring that in the case of a natural disaster, the public will be safe. Southern California Edison (SCE), who own the 3 dams that make up the Rush Creek hydroelectric system, is in the process of retrofitting these dams to guarantee the safety of the residents who live downstream of the dam.

How Are We Helping.

Gem Lake Dam is a reinforced concrete Arch Dam which consists of several arches. BSK’s responsibilities included the Geotechnical engineering investigation for the proposed valve replacement for Arch 8. This consists of; field exploration, laboratory testing, and engineering analysis. Basically, BSK will be assessing the condition of the soil below the new valve. Additionally, we will provide recommendations to the project designers for moving forward. Field exploration on this project began October of 2019. Site reconnaissance included geological survey, rock sampling, and ground resistivity testing. In addition, we conducted laboratory testing on the samples. These tests included; unconfined compression testing of rock; basically measuring how much force is needed to crush the rocks.

 

Gem Lake History and Findings.

BSK: Gem Lake Dam Project.

This will not be the first time the dam has seen work over its almost 100 years of existence. In fact, shortly after its conception, the dam began to show signs of deterioration. Upon investigation it was found that a high water/cement ratio was used, causing the efflorescence and deterioration. This finding, along with other concrete studies, is why the American Concrete Institute now recommends a water/cement ratio of no more than 0.45 for poured concrete. In turn, these types of regulations and findings led to the conception of what we do at BSK.

Why We Love It.

Earthquakes, floods, fires, and other natural disasters have taught us what needs to be done to keep the public safe. We have learned what our soil, buildings, water,  and roads need to withstand natural disasters. Due to this, we have enacted rules and regulations. BSK has Engineers and Geologists that are trained and educated to know how buildings need to be erected; what soil/foundation standards need to be in place. We have inspectors that are licensed to know if a buildings weld joints will react accordingly in an earthquake.  We have laboratories that can test if the water system has been exposed to an outside contaminant. In essence, our work at BSK deals with keeping the public safe. Above all, we take pride in knowing that what we do on a daily basis at BSK makes our communities safer and stronger!

BSK has Engineers and Geologists that are trained and educated to know how buildings need to be erected.

BSK: Gem Lake Dam Project.

Lastly, don’t forget to take a look at the view of Gem Lake Dam from a helicopter here.

Follow Us and Like Us: 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end, it’s all about community.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.

Looking for a Great Places to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

 

BSK: National Safety Preparedness

BSK: National Safety Preparedness Month

September is National Safety Preparedness Month and at BSK Associates we take safety and preparedness very seriously.

Developing a Plan.

There are several ways we can prepare for emergencies and natural disasters. However, planning is the best way to start. Department of Homeland Security advises that you begin by finding out the types of disasters  that could occur in your area. Next they recommend that you discuss your plan with your family and friends. Decide how you will stay up to date on emergency alerts and warnings. Choose a shelter plan. Figure out which route you will take to evacuate, and how you will stay in contact with your loved ones.

The next step recommended, when forming a clear and concise emergency plan, is to figure out your specific needs as a family.  Additionally, you need to have a plan in mind so that you will be able to meet those needs. Do you or a family member require certain medication? Does anyone have a disability? Do you have pets or children in school? If you do have children, it is recommended that you download the Emergency Plan for Parents guide. This is a free guide provided by FEMA. Additionally on this website you will find several other free downloadable guides that will help to aid in your emergency plan.

Lastly, you should always practice your plan as often as possible. This is especially important if you have children. Being prepared and practicing for a disaster helps children feel safer if there truly ever is a disaster.

Follow Us and Like Us: 

Safety Preparedness Month.

BSK is about community.

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We believe the well-being of our communities has a direct bearing on the success of BSK, and our employees. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK Associates events, community service outreach, and projects?

 

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.

Looking for a Great Places to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

BSK Pays it Forward

BSK pays it forward at the Central California Food Bank

BSK Associates Fresno staff volunteered at the Central California Food Bank Saturday, September 14th, 2019. Our volunteers assisted by preparing for local distribution for our communities; such as building school bags, packing meal boxes, and sorting food donations for 5 local counties.

“Once you start getting into giving back, it’s addictive.” Said Carmen Chacon, Office Administrator at BSK.

Central California Food Bank serves Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Kern, and Madera counties. The work they have done in their fight against hunger is impressive. The program feeds approximately 280,000 people each month. Moreover, the Central California Food Bank has several programs set up to help reach everyone in the community. Some programs include the Mobile Pantry Program, set up to distribute food in rural communities in the area. The Neighborhood Market Program, which sets up a free farmers market type event in disadvantaged areas of the community. Or, the BackPack Program, which supplies local children with a backpack full of food that will last through the weekend.

BSK Pays it Forward

BSK Pays it Forward

Their fight against hunger is a cause BSK Associates wants to help fight! Not only did BSK employees show up to the event but they brought their children and family too.

“I found more joy in seeing all the children working so hard and having fun”. Chacon said.

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities. We believe the well-being of our communities has a direct bearing on the success of BSK and our employees. Our community involvement goals are to have the most positive impact on the communities which we serve and, have our employees continue to make a difference in their communities through personal, office and firm sponsored activities.