Hillis-Carnes was contracted to provide Geotechnical Engineering Services for two projects included in the expansion of UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. First, Hillis-Carnes performed a Geotechnical Engineering Study for Lot M – Building and SWM for the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center to determine the general subsurface conditions at the boring locations and to evaluate those conditions with respect to concept and design the building foundations, slabs-on-grade, earthwork activities, pavement design, and storm-water management (SWM) construction. The services provided by Hillis-Carnes involved exploring the site of work, the performance of laboratory tests, engineering analyses, and the preparation of a geotechnical report. In order to accomplish these objectives, a subsurface exploration program was performed consisting of a total of 12 Standard Penetration Test (SPT) soil borings between the ASC building (9), the ESD facilities (2), and the proposed parking lot (1). The samples were then sent for laboratory testing to establish the physical and strength characteristics and design parameters of the soils. Our findings suggested that the project site could be developed for the proposed development and associated site improvements.

A few months later, we provided a Geotechnical Engineering Study for the Site Class Validation and Bearing Capacity Determination for the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center – Cancer Center and the Central Plant. In addition, due to the expansion of the Cancer Center, there was an addition of very heavy loads onto the roof of the plant, which was going to highly overload several existing footings. Therefore, we were requested to determine if a higher allowable bearing capacity can be justified based on subsurface exploration. The services provided by Hillis-Carnes involved exploring the site of work, engineering analyses, and preparation of a geotechnical report. In order to determine if a Site Class C can be justified for the Cancer Center and Central Plant and determine if a higher allowable bearing capacity could be justified for the Central Plant existing footings, Hillis-Carnes performed a Cone Penetration Test (CPT) and Flat Plate Dilatometer (DMT) soundings within the influence area of the proposed structure. After completion of all field exploration and laboratory testing, a geotechnical engineering report was prepared and submitted.