Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering Services
GB Geotechnics USA has been a leader in geotechnical and environmental engineering since 1982, specializing in forensic investigation of structures using non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. With over 30 years of experience, the company provides critical subsurface data for infrastructure, environmental remediation, and historic preservation projects globally. Our expertise spans geophysics, measured building surveys, and tailings management, supported by advanced technologies like ground-penetrating radar and seismic refraction. Operating from offices in New York, Colorado, and Los Angeles, we serve clients in engineering, mining, and cultural heritage sectors across four continents.Our team of accredited professionals combines decades of experience with patented methodologies to deliver precise structural assessments and geotechnical solutions. We maintain strict compliance with international data protection standards while providing tailored services for complex projects ranging from offshore wind farms to historic landmark preservation. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through continuous refinement of investigation techniques and integration of multi-physics survey approaches to overcome subsurface challenges.
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Environmental Assessments
Non-Destructive Testing
Structural Inspections
Utility Locating
Tailings Management
Measured Building Surveys
Marine Geophysics
Archaeological Surveys
Forensic Engineering
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of global experience in geotechnical engineering and forensic investigations
- Our team includes ACRA-accredited concrete repair specialists and certified geophysicists
- We implement patented multi-technique geophysical survey methods for comprehensive data collection
- Our services are tailored to meet specific project requirements across diverse sectors
- We maintain offices in three major US locations for responsive client support
What people say
Technical expertise
Reliable assessments
Historic preservation
Advanced technology
Global experience
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
We provide comprehensive geotechnical engineering services including subsurface mapping, material strength assessment, and geotechnical parameter determination. Our experts use seismic refraction and MASW techniques to evaluate ground conditions for construction projects. With decades of experience, we deliver critical data for infrastructure design and risk assessment in mining, energy, and development sectors.
Non-Destructive Testing
Our non-destructive testing services assess structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure without causing damage. Using ground-penetrating radar and ultrasonic methods, we identify concrete defects, reinforcement details, and material conditions. This approach preserves historic structures while providing detailed assessments for repair and maintenance planning across diverse construction materials.
Environmental Assessments
We conduct environmental assessments to identify subsurface hazards, contamination, and archaeological features using geophysical techniques. Our services include UXO detection, landfill mapping, and hydrogeological analysis to support remediation efforts. With global experience, we help clients meet regulatory requirements while minimizing environmental impact during land development projects.
Utility Locating
Our utility locating services use ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic detection to map underground infrastructure. We identify electrical, water, gas, and telecom utilities to prevent accidental damage during construction. This service combines geophysical surveys with vacuum potholing for precise mapping of both active and abandoned underground systems in urban and industrial environments.
Marine Geophysics
We perform marine geophysical surveys for offshore projects using seismic reflection and side-scan sonar technologies. Our services include sub-bottom profiling, seafloor mapping, and UXO clearance for dredging operations and marine infrastructure. These assessments support port development, offshore energy projects, and environmental studies with detailed subsurface information in coastal and deep-water environments.
People
George Ballard
President
With decades of leadership in geotechnical engineering, George Ballard oversees strategic operations at GB Geotechnics. He brings extensive experience in forensic investigations and structural assessment to ensure technical excellence across global projects.
Edward Sewell
Principal
Edward Sewell contributes specialized expertise in geophysical methods and subsurface investigations. As a principal, he focuses on advancing technical capabilities and maintaining high standards in environmental and engineering assessments for complex projects.
James Ballard
Project Director
James Ballard manages project execution and client relations at GB Geotechnics. His technical background in documentation and forensic engineering ensures effective delivery of geotechnical services across diverse infrastructure and preservation projects.
Aaron Tomkins
VP & Principal Geoscientist
Aaron Tomkins leads geoscientific investigations with expertise in near-surface geophysics. As VP, he applies 50+ years of combined industry experience to develop innovative solutions for subsurface challenges in engineering and environmental projects.
Christopher Gray
Principal, Documentation and Reality Capture
Christopher Gray specializes in measured building surveys and reality capture technologies. His work focuses on creating precise 3D models and documentation for historic preservation and structural assessment projects using advanced scanning techniques.
Questions
What geophysical techniques does GB Geotechnics use?
We employ ground-penetrating radar, seismic refraction, MASW, magnetometry, and electrical resistivity methods to address diverse subsurface investigation needs across multiple industries.
How does GB Geotechnics handle historic preservation projects?
We use non-invasive techniques to document construction details and assess structural conditions of heritage buildings, providing critical data for preservation efforts without damaging historic materials.
Can you explain your multi-technique survey approach?
We combine complementary geophysical methods to overcome individual limitations, such as using MASW where GPR proves ineffective, ensuring comprehensive subsurface characterization for complex projects.
What industries benefit most from your services?
Our services support infrastructure development, environmental remediation, mining operations, cultural heritage preservation, and renewable energy projects requiring detailed subsurface information.
How do you ensure accurate underground utility mapping?
We integrate ground-penetrating radar with electromagnetic detection and vacuum potholing verification to create precise maps of both active and abandoned underground utility systems.
What makes your tailings management services unique?
Our 'Tailings First' approach combines geophysical monitoring with engineering analysis to create safe, sustainable storage facilities throughout the complete lifecycle of tailings dams.
