Judah L. Magnes Museum (Allston Way) - Berkeley, CA

Geotechnical Investigation (2005)

In 2005, AKA conducted a geotechnical investigation for the proposed new Magnes Museum on Allston Way in downtown Berkeley. As envisioned, the project was to be a three-story building with up to two levels of basement parking. The project site is adjacent to the former alignment of Strawberry Creek and the evaluation of old creek fill, liquefaction potential, groundwater, and shoring/underpinning requirements were important project considerations. Our investigations included a detailed review of local geotechnical and historic information and utilized selective test borings and cone penetration tests to supplement the available existing data.

 Aquatic Park Touchdown Plaza - Berkeley, CA

Geotechnical Investigation and Consultation during Preliminary Design (2007)

AKA is providing geotechnical engineering services to the Berkeley-based planning firm Design Community & Environment in support of the Aquatic Park Touchdown Plaza project. The proposed plaza is situated at what was once the San Francisco Bay margin, prior to the development of the I-880 corridor that created Aquatic Park Lake. AKA's review of site-specific historic information, nearby geotechnical test borings and published geologic materials showed that soft soils and earthquake-induced soil liquefaction were likely concerns. AKA consulted with the designers on the site's likely seismic performance prior to developing our investigative scope, which was directed at developing a reasonable and cost-effective approach to the plaza design. Following our onsite investigations, we worked collaboratively with the project designers to develop concepts that achieved project objectives, while providing a satisfactory level of long-term performance.

Berkeley Marina - Berkeley, CA

Geotechnical Investigation

Construction Observation and Testing Services

During the 1983 high tides and heavy winter surf, serious erosion of the riprapped shoreline occurred adjacent to a restaurant in the Berkeley Marina. AKA was engaged by the City of Berkeley to evaluate the conditions in this former landfill area and develop requirements for new riprap to be placed. Monitoring during the construction placement of the riprap was also performed at the request of the City.

General Assembly Church - Vallejo, CA

Foundation Investigation

Construction Observation and Testing Services

A new church was planned by the General Assembly Church in Vallejo, on surplus land acquired from Caltrans following the construction of Interstate 780. This land had formerly been used as a staging area during freeway construction and contained significant amounts of non-engineered fill material. AKA worked with the church to develop an appropriate foundation design to support the new church facilities through the use of drilled piers so the soils did not have to be removed. AKA also monitored the construction of the church.