Business Details
41 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Engineering Partner in Wheat Ridge, CO
Olson Engineering has been a leader in nondestructive evaluation and geophysical services since 1985. Our team of experts specializes in structural condition assessment, forensic engineering, and advanced geophysical surveys using cutting-edge technologies. With over 35 years of experience and a global reach across all 50 U.S. states and international markets, we deliver state-of-the-art solutions for infrastructure, subsurface conditions, and structural health monitoring. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through the development of proprietary tools like the Olson Sonic Surface Scanner (S3) and participation in groundbreaking projects such as the Egyptian Pyramid exploration. As a Small Business Enterprise (SBE), we combine technical expertise with personalized service, offering single-source contracting for NDT technologies and geophysical imaging.Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed professional engineers in 27 states, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client-specific needs. We prioritize objective-driven field programs that balance budget constraints with technical excellence, serving government agencies, private industry, and educational institutions. Our track record includes historic preservation work at national monuments and critical infrastructure assessments for major transportation projects. Through applied research and development, we continuously improve instrumentation and software for the NDT industry. Client testimonials highlight our ability to meet urgent project demands while maintaining technical quality and delivering actionable insights.
Services
Structural Condition Assessment
Geophysical Surveys
Forensic Engineering
Asset Management
NDT Training
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in nondestructive testing and geophysical surveys
- Our team includes licensed professional engineers in 27 U.S. states
- We developed the patented Olson Sonic Surface Scanner (S3) for bridge deck assessment
- We offer 24/7 support for urgent geophysical investigation needs
- Our global experience spans projects in all 50 U.S. states and international markets
What people say
Superior technical quality
Quick response times
Expert problem-solving
Global capabilities
Innovative methods
Services
Structural Condition Assessment
Our structural condition assessment services use advanced nondestructive testing methods to evaluate bridges, buildings, and infrastructure. We employ technologies like impact echo, infrared thermography, and ultrasonic pulse velocity to detect hidden defects. With 35+ years of experience, we provide accurate diagnoses of structural health while minimizing disruption to operations.
Geophysical Surveys
Our geophysical survey services utilize seismic, electrical, and electromagnetic methods to map subsurface conditions. We employ techniques like ground penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography to identify unknown foundations, voids, and geological anomalies. Our engineers interpret complex data to support construction planning and risk mitigation across diverse project types.
Forensic Engineering
Our forensic engineering services investigate structural failures and damage incidents using nondestructive evaluation techniques. We combine field testing with laboratory analysis to determine root causes of distress in concrete, masonry, and steel structures. Our experts provide litigation support and repair recommendations based on comprehensive technical findings.
Asset Management
Our asset management solutions help clients optimize maintenance strategies through condition assessments and service life predictions. We use nondestructive testing data to prioritize repairs and forecast infrastructure needs. Our approach balances technical analysis with budget considerations to maximize asset longevity and safety.
NDT Training
We offer comprehensive training programs in nondestructive testing and geophysical methods for industry professionals. Our courses cover theory, practical applications, and data interpretation for various NDT technologies. With both on-site and classroom options, we help engineers and technicians develop expertise in advanced assessment techniques.
People
Larry Olson
President and Chief Engineer
Founder of Olson Engineering with over 35 years of consulting experience in structural condition assessment and geophysical engineering. Internationally recognized as a leader in nondestructive evaluation, he has conducted or reviewed 4,000+ projects and developed patented technologies for structural testing.
Dennis Sack
Senior Vice President and Principal Engineer
Licensed professional engineer with expertise in nondestructive evaluation and vibration analysis. Has conducted 3,800+ investigations focusing on structural assessment and geophysical surveys. Provides technical leadership for Olson's consulting group in Colorado.
Patrick K. Miller
Vice President and Associate Principal Engineer
Manages Olson's Nondestructive Testing Group with 13 years of experience in NDE engineering. Specializes in developing testing systems like the Olson Resonant Tester and Sonic Surface Scanner. Leads applied research initiatives and federally funded studies.
Questions
What types of structures can Olson Engineering assess?
We assess bridges, roads, buildings, dams, tunnels, and other infrastructure using nondestructive testing methods that work on concrete, masonry, wood, and asphalt materials.
Do you offer international services?
Yes, we've conducted projects in all 50 U.S. states and multiple countries, including South Korea, Egypt, and India for infrastructure assessment and geophysical surveys.
What makes Olson's bridge deck scanning unique?
Our Olson Sonic Surface Scanner (S3) tests both top and bottom concrete deck delaminations at 20,000+ tests per hour, more comprehensive than any other system available.
Can you help with emergency infrastructure assessments?
Yes, we provide rapid response for urgent geophysical investigations and structural evaluations, often mobilizing within days for critical infrastructure needs.
Do you provide training for NDT methods?
We offer comprehensive training programs covering NDT theory, practical applications, and data interpretation for industry professionals at client sites or our offices.
How do you handle complex subsurface investigations?
We combine multiple geophysical methods with existing geotechnical data to create detailed 1D-3D subsurface models that help identify unknown foundations and geological anomalies.
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