Business Details
37 Years
experience
Geotechnical Engineering Experts in California
Sierra Geotechnical Services was founded on a philosophy combining commitment, motivation, and teamwork to deliver quality, timely, and cost-effective solutions. Our goal is to provide high-quality products and services within budget while ensuring client satisfaction. We assign a company Principal or Senior Licensed Engineer to every project, ensuring consistent quality assurance and service throughout the contract. Our team of professionals, licensed in California and Arizona, leverages state-of-the-art technology to serve a diverse clientele, including private developers, public agencies, and healthcare institutions. We pride ourselves on repeat customers and fostering professional growth among employees. Our unique local expertise in the Owens Valley and Eastern High Sierra, combined with locally based offices, enables faster responses to field and laboratory testing requests.We maintain rigorous quality control through our Quality Assurance Program, ensuring all work is documented and defensible. Our services span geotechnical engineering, environmental studies, hydrogeology, and construction inspection, supported by a fully equipped laboratory accredited by AASHTO, DSA, and Caltrans. We specialize in forensic analysis, slope stability, and seismic engineering, addressing complex challenges like landslides and soil subsidence. With decades of collective experience, our team delivers tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects.
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Hydrogeologic Studies
Environmental Consulting
Materials Testing
Slope Stability Analysis
Seismic Engineering
Construction Inspection
Forensic Analysis
Laboratory Testing
Peer Review Services
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We assign a Senior Licensed Engineer to every project for consistent quality assurance.
- Our team holds specialized expertise in Owens Valley and Eastern High Sierra geology.
- We maintain an AASHTO-accredited laboratory for precise materials testing.
- Our forensic analysis identifies root causes of structural distress and slope failures.
- Decades of experience serving public agencies, healthcare institutions, and developers.
Associations and certifications
- AASHTO
- DSA
- Caltrans
- CCRL
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical engineering services provide critical insights for infrastructure projects. We conduct site reconnaissance, foundation engineering, and slope stability assessments. Our expertise ensures safe, cost-effective solutions for residential, commercial, and public works projects.
Hydrogeologic Studies
We specialize in groundwater testing, aquifer characterization, and well design. Our hydrogeologic services support environmental remediation, sewage system planning, and reservoir management. Advanced tools ensure accurate data for sustainable water resource solutions.
Materials Testing
Our AASHTO-accredited laboratory performs soils, concrete, and aggregate testing. We ensure construction materials meet specifications through ASTM and Caltrans-certified procedures. Testing supports quality control for infrastructure and building projects.
Slope Stability Analysis
We assess landslide potential and soil subsidence risks using 2D/3D modeling. Our analyses guide mitigation strategies for residential, commercial, and transportation projects in geologically complex terrain.
Forensic Analysis
Our team investigates structural failures caused by earthquakes, settlement, or moisture intrusion. We identify root causes and design repair solutions for distressed buildings and infrastructure.
People
Joseph A. Adler
Owner/President/Principal Engineering Geologist
California-certified engineering geologist with expertise in hillside grading and landslide investigations. Holds MS in Geology from San Diego State University. Specializes in fault hazard studies and post-construction slope stability analysis.
Dean Dougherty
Owner/Vice President/Principal Environmental Geologist
Environmental geologist with 35+ years of experience in groundwater studies and Phase I/II environmental assessments. Holds BS in Geology from USC. Expertise includes vapor intrusion analysis and seismic hazard evaluation.
Thomas A. Platz
Owner/Chief Financial Officer/Principal Engineer
Licensed civil engineer specializing in soils engineering and wastewater treatment systems. Holds BS in Civil Engineering from Cal State University Northridge. Provides technical leadership for military and healthcare infrastructure projects.
Questions
What geotechnical services does Sierra Geotechnical Services offer?
We provide foundation engineering, slope stability analysis, seismic design, and construction materials testing for residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects.
Do you serve clients outside California?
While based in California, we serve clients in Arizona and Nevada, with expertise in Owens Valley and Eastern High Sierra geology.
What laboratory accreditations do you hold?
Our laboratory is accredited by AASHTO, DSA, and Caltrans, performing ASTM and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standard tests.
Can you assist with environmental site assessments?
Yes, we conduct Phase I/II environmental site assessments, groundwater testing, and vapor intrusion analysis for real estate transactions.
How do you handle forensic engineering investigations?
We analyze structural distress causes using field instrumentation and design repair solutions for earthquake damage, soil subsidence, and moisture intrusion issues.