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BSK: Understanding Deep Foundations

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BSK: Understanding Deep Foundations

 What are Deep Foundations?

Deep foundations are a type of foundation that is used to transfer building loads further down the earth to utilize stable soil. This process is utilized when the existing soil is not stable enough to handle a foundation.

Deep foundations are essential for safety and maintaining the integrity of a building. Especially in California where we have liquification issues within our soil. Proper use of deep foundations will keep a building erect during an earthquake and prevent a structure from collapsing under duress.

Why use a Deep Foundation?

There are several reasons why you would want to use a deep foundation for the integrity of a structure. However, the main reasons would include weak soils, compromised soils, undocumented fills, and liquification.

Weak Soils: Essentially, weak soils is a term used when the existing soils could possibly fail if a shallow foundation were to be used.

Compressible Soils:  These are the soils that have the capability to decrease in volume; soil densification. Basically, when a structure is placed on compressible soil, without deep foundations, over time the soil will compress and pull down.

Undocumented Soil: This term is used when we do not know the stability of the soil.

Liquification: Soil liquification occurs when saturated soil becomes loses strength, usually in an earthquake. Basically, what was solid becomes liquid.

Types of Deep Foundations

There are two main types of Deep foundations; Driven Piles and Drilled Piers. A driven pile is driven into the ground, as you would imagine a nail being driven into a wall with a hammer. In essence, the pile is driven into the earth with a strong hammer. Moreover, with drilled piers, a hole is drilled, a cage is installed, and the hole is filled with concrete.

There are several types of driven piles and drilled piers, there are also specialty piles, such as micro piles.

Driven Piles

Driven Piles usually consist of; Timber Piles, Concrete Piles, Steel Piles.

Timber Piles would usually be used in a marine type environment. They usually last around 30 years and typically support between 15 to 20 tons.

Concrete Piles can be pre-cast or cast-in-place. They are usually reinforced with rebar to prevent breakage. Concrete piles are often used to support buildings that are very heavy; such as a high-rise structure.

There are two types of steel piles; steel H piles and steel pipe piles. H piles are solid piles and often used in commercial construction for bridges and large buildings. Steel piles are often used as an interlocking unit with other sources.

Drilled Piers  

Drilled Piers include Augercast Piers, Helical Piers. While Augercast piers are drilled holes filled with concrete and rebar a helical pier is twisted in and used to lift things up. Often you will see the use of helical piers in situations where foundations need repairs.

Specialty Piles  

In addition to the typical piles and piers referenced above there are several specialty piles that can be used. One of the most popular being Micro piles. Micro piles are usually used for underpinning and are extremely useful in areas that have limited access. They can also be a very cost-effective way to stabilize the foundation. To learn more about deep foundations check out the Deep Foundations Institute.

Why BSK?

BSK’s team of geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists have the technical ability to provide creative, practical, and technologically sound recommendations suited to your budget. We are well versed in the soil and geological conditions throughout California. Furthermore, we have a solid history of providing cost-effective investigations and recommendations for your soil needs.

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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.

 

 

 

What is Superpave?

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What is Superpave?

What is Superpave?

The history of Superpave dates to the 1980’s. During that time, it had become apparent that some pavement wasn’t performing as well as others. While one section of highway would be in great shape, just down the road, another section would be degraded and need repair. Due to that, in 1987, congress decided that we needed to improve our highway system. Subsequently allotting $150 million into a 5-year program called the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). The goal of this program was to:

  • Determine why some pavement functioned better than other pavement.
  • Develop guidelines and tests that would ensure all pavement used will hold up to the highest standard.
  • Collaborate within the industry to guarantee the new qualifications were being used.

In 1992, Superpave was introduced. SHRP had found that by implementing 3 mechanisms our asphalt would become more sustainable against extreme weather and heavy traffic conditions. Asphalt binder specifications, a volume mix design and analysis system, and a mix analysis testing became Superpave.

What is Superpave?

Superpave has become a success.

Implementing Superpave on our highways has increased the longevity of our roads. Commuters are not the only ones positively effected by Superpave. For instance, almost all highways in the United States use asphalt pavements. Moreover, the yearly expense for asphalt pavement is over 10 billion. Furthermore, let’s not forget about the environmental impact.  The more sustainable our roads, the more we save. Superpave has done that!

We are proud to be one of the first!

BSK is one of the first Material Testing Laboratories in California to invest in Superpave.

Which means; we have been doing Superpave longer than most. And, experience is everything! Our personnel is not only trained, we have extensive experience in Superpave hot-mix asphalt technology. Our employees are knowledgeable in AASHTO/ASTM test methods, and hold applicable Caltrans certifications.  Additionally, our Livermore materials testing laboratory is accredited by the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) Program. Along with the Caltrans for testing in accordance with “Superpave” test methods, and Section 39 of the Caltrans Standard Specifications.

We offer Independent Assurance Laboratory & Testing Support.

  • Material Selection: Aggregate QA testing for gradation, evaluation of aggregate blends and binders.
  • Design: Verification of trial blends, asphalt structure, binder content, mix design.
  • Construction: Field QA testing of construction materials including soil, in accordance with ASTM.

What is Superpave?

Our Equipment.

BSK has made significant capital investments to support our clients as you incorporate Superpave in your capital improvement budgets.

First being the Gyratory Compactor, which uses a gyrating motion to improve mix design’s ability to stimulate field compaction. The gyrations chosen are based on design traffic level. We also invested in the Hamburg Wheel Tracker, which checks aggregate structure, binder stiffness, moisture susceptibility.

Saving our clients’ money is always at the top of our list. Superpave helps ensure the pavement will last longer and perform better; Basically, we are saving our clients money!

Follow Us and Like Us: 

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 strive to 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?

Do you or someone you know want to be a part of our team? Looking for a Great Places to Work? Well, you’ve found it!

We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.

BSK Associates is always seeking diverse talent to join our team. We strive to recruit professional employees committed to success and growth of our company and themselves.
Want a career path with progressive steps and a company willing to train you? Upload your resume here if you want to grow with us. At BSK, you’re not going to be doing “just a job”. And, when you’re happy with us you can bring your friends through our robust employee referral program.

What is Superpave?

 

BSK Pays it Forward

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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.

 

 

BSK rides Olli to Work

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BSK rides Olli to Work: first ever co-created, 3D printed, self-driving shuttle.

Featuring Morgan Antaramian, Geologist at BSK Sacramento office.

BSK rides to work in Olli, first ever co-created, 3D printed, self-driving shuttle. Olli was developed by Local Motors and launched for the first time in National Harbor, Maryland in June of 2016. This August, Olli made his introduction at the White Rock Corporate Campus business park, in the City of Rancho Cordova, home to BSK’s Sacramento office.

Olli takes innovation to the next level! This environmentally friendly, self-driving shuttle also acts as a personal assistant during your journey. For instance, curious about the weather forecast, ask Ollie. Want some advice on local restaurants, Ollie can assist. Olli comes equipped with IBM Watson LoT technology to help answer any questions you may have during the duration of your ride, and Olli can be customized for the riders and cities in which he is located.

Featuring Kevin Grove, BSK’s Environmental Group Manager of the Sacramento office.

This 8-passenger shuttle can see 360 degrees and its riders are always being monitored by a human. Thus, making Olli a relatively safe way to get around. The Rancho Cordova Olli has an attendant on board with an emergency brake for added safety.

“Riding Olli is an excellent solution for the first/last mile dilemma that has plagued public transit. I can not wait to see this at airports, sporting events, and downtown!” Kevin Grove, Environmental Group Manager of the Sacramento office, said.

Rancho Cordova has the privilege of being the first city to test Olli’s capabilities in a business park setting. Will it cut down on traffic? Will it be easier to get to work or go on a lunch break? Well, we don’t have the answers to that question yet, but we sure do know it’s fun to ride!

 

Follow Us and Like Us: 

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 strive to 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?

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: Proud Sponsor for the AWWA-PNWS

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BSK: Proud Sponsor for the AWWA-PNWS Golf Tournament

BSK Associates Analytical Laboratory, Vancouver, Washington was a proud sponsor for the American Water Works Association Pacific Northwest Section, or AWWA PNWS, Annual Golf Tournament. This is our 5th year sponsoring this amazing event which raises funds for Water for the People and helps provide scholarship funds. We are proud to announce that approximately two thousand dollars will be going toward some fantastic causes.

Supported Causes

Water for the People was originally established in 1991. There focus is on sustainable water and sanitary services for everyone. They currently serve nine countries around the world. Eventually, it’s their goal to help provide safe drinking water for every country. Another portion of the funds raised will go to scholarships for water related education.

The AWWA, a nonprofit scientific and educational society focused on water related affairs, holds several fundraisers for water related causes throughout the year. Since 1881, their advocacy for safe and sustainable water has helped thousands throughout the world. Thus, making them community leaders in the water industry.

BSK: Proud Sponsor for the AWWA-PNWS Golf Tournament

BSK: Proud Sponsor for the AWWA-PNWS Golf Tournament

We are excited to announce that the golf tournament was once again a success! We had the opportunity to provide prizes and refreshments throughout the day and speak with several individuals about analytical testing; but most importantly, we had the ability to collaborate with others about the importance of water quality and control.

“We looked forward to this event every year. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community because that’s what BSK is all about!”  said Elizabeth Bunger, BSK’s Vancouver Laboratory Director.

Follow Us and Like Us: 

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 strive to 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?

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.

Marsh Creek Road Bridge

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Marsh Creek Road Bridge BSK’s Northern Regional Manager and Project Manager Tim Rodriguez

The Marsh Creek Road Bridge has made national news! 

The American Public Works Association (APWA) designated the Marsh Creek Road Bridge Replacement Project as the National APWA Public Works Project of the Year for 2019 in the category of Transportation for less than $5 million. This comes after the original APWA selection for being Project of the Year in Northern California in the same category.
The project replaced an existing 29.5 ft. wide by 44.5 ft. long steel girder bridge that was considered “Geometrically Intolerable” with a 91 ft. long California Bulb-Tee Girder featuring two 12 ft. lanes and two 8 ft. shoulders.

BSK’s contributions to the project included support source inspection of six 88’3” long girders, in addition to quality assurance materials testing services for earthwork, concrete, and hot-mix asphalt construction elements, including offsite plant sampling and testing. All work provided by BSK was as a subconsultant to Substrate, Inc., and under Hill International’s direction.
According to, BSK’s Northern Regional Manager and Project Manager for the project, Tim Rodriguez, “BSK is so proud to be a part of this national win. The team we were part of was a pleasure to work with and coordinated the quality assurance services we provided in a thorough and proactive manner. Many thanks to all of the BSK staff that provided support to the project and contributed to its successful completion.”

Support services from BSK were completed by their Livermore Branch and all work was performed in accordance with the Contra Costa County Quality Assurance Program and Caltrans Standard Specifications.

The $4.9 million Marsh Creek Road Bridge Replacement project, located in an unincorporated area east of Contra Costa County, was completed in less than a year; adhering to a strict environmental permit deadline during the process. All the while maintaining a flawless safety record of zero accidents or incidents. BSK looks forward to being part of the Contra Costa County project delivery team in the future!

We want to connect with you!

Want to hear about other projects we have in the works? Check out the latest news on our webpage.

Looking for a Great Place to Work? Well, look no further, BSK is certified as a Great Place to Work! We are always looking for diverse talent to join our team. Look at the jobs we have available at BSK today.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

 

Yosemite Cleanup Event with BSK

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Yosemite Cleanup Event with BSK!

Yosemite Cleanup Event with BSK

 

We are proud to announce another successful Yosemite Cleanup Event with BSK Associates!

This year’s Yosemite Cleanup Event was organized by Danaige Tower from the BSK Livermore Office. The Annual Yosemite Cleanup consisted of 17 volunteers this year. This group of dedicated BSK employees were able to gather twenty 5-gallon buckets worth of trash. We are happy to say Yosemite National Park is now a little cleaner!

WHY WE DO IT?

According to data from the Yosemite National Park they collect approximately 2,200 tons of garbage a year. Yosemite officials say that equals 3,919 dumpsters of trash. Taller than any peak in the park and higher than any mountain in the lower 48 states. Now that is a lot of trash!

We are dedicated to giving back to the community.  BSK recognizes the importance of environmental and economic sustainability. We are committed to providing our services with a focus on reducing environmental impact and protecting natural resources. We strive to be an innovative company that benefits our clients, employees and affected communities while conducting business in a socially and environmentally ethical manner.

BSK strives to observe these sustainability practices

  • Development of a company culture that encourages efficient use and preservation of natural resources.
  • Minimize the carbon footprint of our business facilities and job sites.
  • Support our local communities through participation in organizations and activities focused on environmental preservation.
  • Apply environmentally friendly practices and design through our engineering and consulting services.
  • Learn, practice, and promote sustainable practices as a core responsibility.

The sustainability practices at BSK are a continually evolving, collaborative effort of our entire firm. We recognize that the efforts made today affect the environment and resources available tomorrow.

Don’t miss out on hearing about our upcoming volunteer events! Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter and Like us on Facebook!!!

Interested in joining the BSK team? Check out our Opportunities page.

GREAT PLACE TO WORK

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BSK is certified as a Great Place to Work!

Happy employees make happy clients, and we couldn’t be prouder to be certified as a Great Place to Work 2019!

How did we earn this?

Our employees shared in our engagement survey and 81% of them said we were a GREAT place to work. Not a good place. Not a nice place. But a GREAT place! We also completed an intense culture brief where we shared our activities as a values-driven company to ensure we provide quality professional services to you.

More than 90% of BSK employees shared that…

  • People are treated fairly regardless of age, race, sex, and sexual orientation.
  • We trust our people.
  •  We are flexible, safe, and welcoming.

Do you or someone you know want to be a part of our team?

BSK Associates is always seeking diverse talent to join our team. We strive to recruit professional employees committed to success and growth of our company and themselves.
Want a career path with progressive steps and a company willing to train you? Upload your resume here if you want to grow with us. You’re not going to be doing “just a job” at BSK. And when you’re happy with us you can bring your friends through our robust employee referral program.

Remember to Like/Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

BSK Blood Drive

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BSK Blood Drive

BSK Blood Drive

 

The BSK Blood Drive 2019 was a success! A total of 19 people attempted and 16 were able to donate. We had several 1st time donors this year, which is always fabulous! A BIG THANKS to Mike Brechmann whose BBQ pork was as wonderful as always. There was a total of $54 donated which was taken to the Central Valley Blood Center by Shirley Leu who spearheaded the drive.

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. 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.

We look forward to giving back at BSK’s Annual Blood Drive events. According to the American Red Cross, just one donation can save up to three lives. And, we take great pride in knowing that this year we had enough volunteers to potentially save 50 peoples lives! Please join us at our next blood drive event and help us reach our goal of 25 donations. The Central Valley Blood Center also excepts cash donations, BSK was one of the first organizations to give cash donations, and we strive to continue that tradition each year.

Thanks again to all who participated.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more great information about our company!