THE CASE
Steve was brought in by an attorney to design a landslide repair that would allow for the reconstruction of two adjacent properties in Daly City, California. Both properties had sustained extensive damage due to excessive rain.
The original estimate to repair the landslide damage was nearly $1.5 million – but the two homeowners only had a $600,000 budget to perform the work. An innovative engineering approach would be needed to repair the landslides while staying within budget.
EXPERT ENGINEERING SERVICES
A detailed site investigation was performed by Steve and a conceptual design for his client’s property was performed. After discussions, counsel for each parcel agreed to the approach, which used soil nails/tiebacks and rock fall barriers on both properties. The plan yielded significant cost savings, as their individual proceeds were insufficient to remediate each property.
After a combined cost estimate was prepared for both properties, Steve was authorized to obtain a design-build contractor to perform the work under his supervision. In addition, he was the liaison with the property owners and the contractor and design professionals performing work under his direction, including an engineering geologist and surveyor.
Once the design was approved by the City, he oversaw drilling of the soil nails/tiebacks, construction of the rock fall system, inspected the work and managed the financial portion of the project under an escrow account. The repair selected involved soil nails and tiebacks drilled into the slope and covering the slope with anchored cables, jute netting and wire fabric to stabilize the slope.
After clearing and grubbing tree removal, deck reconstruction was performed on both properties final approval was given by the City.
THE RESULTS
The project came in $200,000 under the budget of $600,000. Each property owner had their property restored and received a check for nearly $100,000 each from the escrowed funds.
“For the past 3 years, you have been working hard to get our landslide repaired. Your design, and selection of the remedial contractor, allowed the project to be finished and we got our deck back! You skillfully handled our neighbor and prevented her from stopping the project on several occasions. My wife and I want to thank you for your patience and perseverance in getting this completed.“
T. TO
HomeownerGet Expert Engineering Help with a Landslide Repair
Landslides can be triggered by a number of different natural and man-made causes. Steven P. Viani, PE, is a licensed civil engineer and contractor who has successfully investigated and remediated a wide range of landslides.
Civil Engineering License Numbers:
- California – #C30965 (view at Cal.gov)
- Arizona – #51709 (view at AZ.gov)
- Washington – #24320 (view at WA.gov)
- Hawaii – #18323 (view at Hawaii.gov)
California Contractor’s Licenses:
- Contractors State License Board No. 945198 (view at CSLB)
- Class “A” — General Engineering Contractor (view at CSLB)
- Class “B” — General Building Contractor (view at CSLB)
- Hazardous Substance Removal Certification (view at CSLB)
Call (916) 952-8503 to discuss your landslide issue with Steve. If you prefer, contact Steve at Viani Engineering now by emailing him.
