Geotechnical services are important through all phases of the design and construction of a project, whether it is a high-rise building, manufacturing plant, landfill, transportation facility or any other structure that is supported upon or within the earth.

A&A professional engineers help clients evaluate the subsurface condition in order to establish the most suitable and cost-effective foundation alternative.  This involves sampling and analysis of earth materials.  Using the compiled data, we provide the most cost-effective design solutions while addressing the risk of poor performance of foundations, floors, retaining walls, slopes and pavements. 

 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

    Subsurface Exploration                                         Geotechnical Design Criteria

    Site Improvement Recommendations               Expansive Soil Studies

    Feasibility Studies                                                  Slope Stability Analysis

    Slurry Wall Design and Analysis                         Pavement Recommendations

    Groundwater Control Recommendations         Field and Laboratory Testing

 ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

    Geophysical Surveys                                              Geologic Assessments  

Identification and assessment of recognized environmental conditions at a property site influence construction alternatives.  A&A provides broad-based environmental reconnaissance of existing construction as well as undeveloped sites.  This may include but is not limited to review of geologic and hydrogeologic conditions, the assessment of past or existing release of regulated materials at the site, the assessment of existing building material composition and condition, and the recommendation of remedial actions should measured levels of regulated materials require such.

Environmental Site Assessments

The A&A Environmental Services staff is proficient in conducting Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs).  These assessments obtain commonly known or reasonably ascertainable information concerning current and prior uses of the site and provide observations of the site to determine the presence or potential presence of regulated materials.  We are proficient in field reconnaissance procedures and with the guidelines (i.e., ASTM Standard E1527-00) utilized in these assessments. 

Asbestos, Mold and Lead-Based Paint

Included in our environmental consulting services is the ability to assist the client in addressing asbestos, mold and lead-based paint issues related to the renovation activities, such as identifying abatement contractors, providing abatement work plans, providing air monitoring services, and assisting with regulatory compliance issues. 

Arias & Associates, Inc. is a Texas Department of Health (TDH)-licensed Asbestos Consultant Agency (TDH No. 10-0275), Asbestos Laboratory PCM (#30-0243) and a TDH-licensed Lead Firm (TDH No. 2110299).  A&A has on staff a TDH-licensed Individual Asbestos Consultant (IAC), Asbestos Inspectors, Asbestos Project Managers, and Asbestos Air Monitoring Technicians as well as a TDH-licensed Lead Risk Assessor.  Licensed by the Texas Department of Health for Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) asbestos air sample analysis, the A&A analysts participate in the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) rounds.  For analysis of suspect asbestos bulk samples and bulk paint-chip samples, A&A uses independent, accredited testing laboratories.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES  

    Environmental Site Assessments              Asbestos Services

    Lead Based Paint Services                          Edwards Aquifer Studies

    Underground Storage Tanks                        Municipal Solid Waste Facilities

    Waste Management                                       Detention Pond Inspection

    Soil and Groundwater Investigations and Remediation.

As required by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations at 29 CFR 1910.1001 (Occupational Exposure to Asbestos - General Industry Standard), 29 CFR 1926.1101 (Occupational Exposure to Asbestos - Construction Industry Standard) or TDH regulations, A&A personnel potentially exposed to airborne asbestos fibers collect personal (8-hour Time Weighted Average) air samples of themselves.  Qualitative fit testing of negative-pressure half-face respirators is conducted on A&A employees every six months as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1001 and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101, as well as in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection Standard).