Geotechnical Engineering Florida
Geotechnical Engineering Florida-Foundation Masters, LLC is a licensed Geotechnical Engineering and General Contracting Firm serving clients throughout Florida.
We specialize in geotechnical investigation, foundation engineering, site evaluation, sinkhole investigation and remediation, and ground improvement design for residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and infrastructure projects. Geotechnical Engineering Florida 813-614-1718!
With thousands of successful geotechnical and construction projects completed across Florida — from residential structures to high-rises, roadways, bridges, and solar farms — our team offers practical, reliable, and technically advanced engineering solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Meet Our Principal Geotechnical Engineer
Jay Chen, Ph.D., P.E.
Principal Geotechnical Engineer
???? Phone: 813-317-3888
✉️ Email: jchen001@tampabay.rr.com
Dr. Jay Chen brings decades of hands-on geotechnical experience and expertise to every project, offering deep insights into Florida’s complex subsurface conditions.
Importance of Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical engineering is critical during the due diligence, design, and construction phases of every project — whether it’s a high-rise building, manufacturing plant, dam, bridge, landfill, or roadway.
Our role is to evaluate the subsurface conditions and develop the most cost-effective, safe, and durable foundation solutions for the proposed structure.
Foundation alternatives may include:
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Spread footings
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Deep foundations (piles or drilled shafts)
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Ground improvement techniques (stone columns, vibro-compaction, soil cement mixing)
We help clients avoid poor foundation performance, unnecessary construction delays, and costly remedial work through proper subsurface exploration, laboratory analysis, and expert geotechnical design.
Geotechnical Engineering FAQs – Florida
What does a geotechnical engineer do in Florida? A geotechnical engineer investigates soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to design strong and cost-effective foundations. In Florida, this includes addressing loose sands, clay lenses, high groundwater, sinkhole potential, and coastal erosion risks that can affect residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
When should I hire a geotechnical engineer in Florida? It’s wise to consult an engineer before starting new construction, major renovations, or foundation repairs. Early soil testing and analysis help avoid costly settlement, water intrusion, and structural damage — especially in areas with variable soils, sinkhole risk, or flood exposure.
Do Florida soils require special foundation design? Yes. Florida’s geology varies by region — from porous limestone and karst formations in Central Florida to sandy coastal soils and high water tables statewide. Our engineers design deep foundations, underpinning, soil stabilization, and drainage systems that meet Florida Building Code and FEMA flood-zone standards.
Can a geotechnical report help with property value? A professional subsurface investigation and foundation evaluation can reassure buyers, lenders, and insurers. Proper documentation of soil conditions and engineered foundation solutions adds confidence in a property’s long-term stability and can improve resale value.
What services do Florida geotechnical engineers provide? Common services include site feasibility studies, soil borings and CPT testing, foundation and seawall design, sinkhole evaluation and mitigation, ground improvement (stone columns, pressure grouting, soil mixing), shoreline stabilization, groundwater control and dewatering, pavement and roadway foundation analysis, and forensic engineering for insurance or legal support.
Geotechnical Engineering Services
We offer a full suite of geotechnical services across Florida, organized through all project phases:
Feasibility and Planning
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Site suitability evaluations
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Project feasibility studies
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Preliminary subsurface investigations
Design Development
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Subsurface exploration and boring programs
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Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater
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Foundation engineering and design recommendations
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Embankment design and slope stability analyses
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Erosion control and earth dam/levee design
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Permanent dewatering system design
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Pavement and roadway foundation design
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Groundwater hydrology modeling
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Seismic engineering and earthquake hazard evaluation
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Tunnel and shaft stability analysis
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Preparation and review of construction specifications
Construction Phase Services
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Earthwork observation and testing
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Excavation bracing system review
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Foundation and pile installation monitoring
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Instrumentation design and installation
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Evaluation of fill materials and compaction
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Seismic settlement evaluation
Post-Construction Services
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Failure investigation and forensic studies
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Foundation underpinning design and consultation
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Expert witness testimony for litigation support
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Landslide and soil stabilization solutions
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Instrumentation program development and monitoring
Specialized Geotechnical Services
Foundation Masters, LLC provides advanced geotechnical capabilities for specialized needs, including:
Landfill Services
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Design and construction certification for landfill liners and caps
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Hydrogeologic studies and groundwater control design
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Landfill closure engineering
Mining Reclamation Design
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Site restoration design
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Ground improvement specifications
Geotechnical Design
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Design of shallow foundations, deep foundations, ring and mat foundation systems
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Retaining wall design (gravity walls, cantilevered walls, anchored walls)
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Pipeline and tunnel foundation design
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Shoring systems and tieback design
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Earth structure design and slope stabilization
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Ground improvement recommendations (stone columns, soil mixing, vibro-compaction)
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Groundwater control systems and modeling (MODFLOW analysis)
Geotechnical Analysis
We maintain an extensive suite of analytical software and custom spreadsheets for:
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CPT and SPT data processing
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Settlement and consolidation analysis
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Lateral and axial load capacity of deep foundations
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Seismic deformation and liquefaction potential
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Retaining wall stability and tieback analysis
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Vibro-compaction and ground densification analysis
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Groundwater flow and seepage modeling
Subsurface Exploration and Drilling Capabilities
We use a wide range of exploration methods to characterize Florida’s challenging soil and rock conditions, including:
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Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) Borings
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Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) Soundings
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Geophysical Surveys (GPR, Electrical Resistivity, Seismic Surveys)
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Groundwater Monitoring and Piezometric Studies
Our team maintains an extensive regional database of subsurface conditions, improving the efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of our investigations.
Geophysical Surveys
Foundation Masters, LLC offers non-intrusive geophysical investigation services to complement traditional drilling, including:
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Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Detect underground utilities, voids, and subsurface anomalies
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Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI): Map geological features, sinkholes, and water tables
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Seismic Surveys: Characterize soil properties and seismic response of subsurface layers
Geophysical methods allow rapid, cost-effective exploration to guide targeted drilling and construction planning.
Sinkhole Investigation and Remediation
Sinkholes are a significant hazard throughout Florida. Foundation Masters, LLC specializes in thorough sinkhole investigations and custom remediation solutions, including:
Investigation Approach
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Historical research and geological mapping
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Structural surveys of existing damage
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Geophysical surveys (GPR, ERI) to locate anomalies
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Confirmatory borings and soil testing
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Groundwater monitoring and piezometer installation
Remediation Solutions
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Excavation and throat plugging
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Compaction grouting to densify soils and voids
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Underpinning with Helical Piers
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Underpinning with Pin Piles
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Rock throat stabilization and grout stabilization programs
Our sinkhole response team uses a combination of advanced technology and decades of field experience to deliver fast, reliable, and long-lasting remediation.
Contact Our Geotechnical Engineering Team
If you need expert geotechnical services anywhere in Florida — from basic subsurface exploration to complex sinkhole remediation or forensic evaluations — contact Foundation Masters, LLC today.