Colliers Engineering & Design’s team of professionals, including geotechnical engineers, geophysicists, and geologists, performed a coordinated evaluation of the 200-acre site using a combination of non-invasive remote sensing geophysical techniques, as well as traditional, invasive geotechnical exploration methods, to characterize the subsurface conditions for the design and construction of a 2.5-million SF manufacturing and distribution facility in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Site characterization identified historic sinkholes, closed depressions, a former limonite mine, buried trees and farm structure remnants, areas of shallow rock, and saturated soil conditions.

Colliers Engineering & Design’s geotechnical report provided recommendations for site development, including the stabilization of karst features; ground improvement for building, floor slab, and pavement support; as well as site earthworks and sequencing activities. Recommendations included cement-stabilized floor slab subgrades, geogrid reinforced pavements, lime drying to assist in site earthworks, and concrete pavement design. Additionally, Colliers Engineering & Design provided construction support services and engineering guidance throughout the site development, including adjustments based on the conditions encountered. These services enabled difficult site construction to proceed through the winter.