Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Geotechnical Engineering Services in Owings Mills, MD
Since 1954, The Robert B. Balter Company has established itself as a leader in geotechnical, geo-environmental, and pavement engineering. Our expertise spans over 17,500 projects nationwide and internationally, driven by a commitment to integrity, quality, and cost-effectiveness. With two generations of experience, we provide specialized services including subsurface exploration, materials testing, and construction QA/QC. Our team of seasoned professionals, averaging 24 years of experience, holds credentials from PE, PG, and certifications by AHERA, ACI, and OSHA. We maintain rigorous accreditation standards through AASHTO, ASTM, and USACE validations.Our dedication to innovation and ethical practices has earned recognition from federal agencies and private developers. We prioritize client confidence through transparent communication and tailored solutions for complex engineering challenges. Our history of value-engineered designs has saved clients millions while ensuring project success. Operating under a quality management system, we deliver precise data and actionable recommendations. This enduring focus on excellence positions us as a trusted partner for public and private sector clients.
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Geo-environmental Services
Pavement Design
Subsurface Investigations
Materials Testing
Special Inspections
QA/QC Services
Construction Monitoring
Environmental Assessments
Foundation Design
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of geotechnical engineering experience
- Accredited by 9 national certification bodies
- Specialized expertise in complex subsurface conditions
- Nationwide service with local project knowledge
- Proven track record with federal agencies
Associations and certifications
- AASHTO R-18
- ASTM E329
- ASTM C1077
- ASTM D3666
- ASTM D3740
- ASTM C1093
- ER 1110-1-261
- WACEL
- NASSCO
- MACP
- LACP
- ITC
- ICC
- CWI
- NDT
- NACE
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical engineering services provide comprehensive evaluations of soil and rock conditions for infrastructure projects. We conduct subsurface investigations, foundation design, and slope stability analyses to ensure structural integrity. With expertise in challenging conditions, we deliver cost-effective solutions for commercial, residential, and government developments.
Materials Testing
We offer accredited materials testing for soils, concrete, asphalt, and construction materials in our state-certified laboratories. Our technicians perform index testing, strength analysis, and environmental assessments following ASTM and AASHTO standards. Automated equipment ensures rapid, accurate results for quality control on major infrastructure projects.
Special Inspections
Our certified inspectors provide construction quality assurance for concrete, steel, and pavement systems. We verify compliance with building codes and project specifications through field testing and documentation. Services include reinforcing steel inspection, asphalt plant monitoring, and non-destructive testing of structural elements.
Geo-environmental Services
We conduct Phase I/II environmental site assessments and groundwater contamination studies for development projects. Our services include monitoring well installation, hazardous material surveys, and remediation planning. We help clients achieve LEED certification through sustainable design practices and recycled material utilization.
Subsurface Investigations
Our drilling crews perform land and water borehole investigations using truck-mounted and portable rigs. We collect soil and rock samples for laboratory analysis, and install instrumentation for settlement monitoring. Services include cone penetration testing, geophysical surveys, and deep rock coring for infrastructure projects.
People
Lori Balter
President
Lori Balter leads the company with a focus on maintaining technical excellence and client relationships. She oversees strategic operations while continuing her father's legacy of engineering innovation. Her leadership emphasizes ethical business practices and quality assurance.
Edward Balter
Executive Vice-President
Edward Balter manages business development and client relations with decades of industry experience. He ensures project delivery aligns with the company's standards of technical excellence and client satisfaction. His expertise spans construction management and quality control systems.
Jay Whittle
Technical QA Review
With 8,000+ projects nationwide, Jay specializes in solving complex geotechnical challenges. He focuses on construction QA/QC and peer review services. His military background and technical expertise contribute to the firm's work on defense infrastructure projects.
Jeremy Cooper
Senior Engineer
Jeremy provides expert geotechnical analysis and peer review services for complex infrastructure projects. He has served as expert witness in construction litigation cases. His technical leadership contributes to the firm's award-winning engineering solutions.
Kris Crist
Senior Engineer
Kris manages airport and transportation infrastructure projects with expertise in foundation design and construction monitoring. He combines field experience with technical analysis to deliver practical engineering solutions. His work spans major aviation and roadway developments.
Questions
What engineering services does Robert B. Balter Company specialize in?
We specialize in geotechnical, geo-environmental, and pavement engineering services including subsurface investigations, materials testing, and construction QA/QC for infrastructure projects.
How long has Robert B. Balter Company been in business?
The company was founded in 1954 by Robert B. Balter and has provided engineering services for over 70 years across generations.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Maryland, we serve clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, nationwide, and internationally for major infrastructure projects.
What accreditations does your company hold?
We maintain 9 agency accreditations including AASHTO R-18, ASTM standards, USACE validations, and WACEL certification for materials testing laboratories.
Can you handle large-scale infrastructure projects?
Yes, we've completed over 17,500 projects including airports, highways, and government facilities with construction costs exceeding $11 billion.
Do you provide emergency engineering services?
We focus on planned infrastructure projects and do not offer emergency response services as part of our standard service offerings.
