Meaningful, data-driven insights and analysis enable you to make confident decisions about structural performance.
The performance of geotechnical structures, including foundations, retaining walls, and embankments, is often monitored for both short- and long-term safety, evaluations of performance-based design and as part of during- and post-construction assessments. Exponent's experienced team of engineers and scientists can install devices for geotechnical instrumentation monitoring and evaluate and analyze the data, often remotely — which is especially useful for projects in need of distributed data acquisition. We could be monitoring the settlement of a building, widths of cracks, movement of a retaining wall, or changes in groundwater beneath a structure. We work directly with our clients to provide recommendations for proper use of the performance data and threshold levels as they relate to the operation and overall safety of the structure.
Exponent has considerable experience with various types of instruments, sensors, and measurement methods, covering many applications. We own a variety of accelerometers, geophones, tiltmeters, string potentiometers, thermometers, pressure sensors, laser scanners, microphones, video cameras, crack gages, and other tools to perform advanced monitoring and analysis. We are equally equipped to collect and analyze a variety of remote sensing data including satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle imaging.
Data logging and remote sensing
For remote sensing and data logging projects, Exponent's geotechnical consultants use a modular data acquisition system that can be adapted to your project's specific needs. The system uses modules that allow nearly all types of sensors to be used, and the system's signals can be sent via wired or wireless connection based on project requirements.
Exponent's system is portable and can be powered by a variety of power sources, including solar panels. It can also be installed in open areas with up to a one-mile line of sight using a high-gain wireless antenna.
services
For 50+ years, we’ve thrived on solving unstructured problems that require bespoke solutions. Some of our services include:
• Monitoring the geotechnical performance of a structure or site using state-of-the-art tools and analyses
• Monitoring horizontal and vertical movement via inclinometers, tiltmeters, PK nail markers, LiDAR, topographic survey, and photogrammetry
• Interpreting soil properties based on cross-hole and down-hole seismic testing
• Monitoring groundwater via piezometers and observation wells
• Assessing the condition of crack and strain gages
• Measuring stress, temperature, soil suction, and moisture via load cells, thermometers, tensiometers, relative humidity tests, and moisture sensors
• Monitoring vibration via accelerometers, geophones, and microphones
• Video monitoring via web cameras
• Acquisition of aerial imagery using unpiloted aerial vehicles
• Analysis of satellite-based monitoring data
Our Capabilities Are Unparalleled
With expertise in over 90 disciplines and hundreds of capabilities, tools, and methodologies — we get to the root of even the most complex challenges and give you the objective answers you need.
![Polymer earth stabilization grid installed to prevent hillside erosion. Exponent civil engineering support for earth engineering.](/sites/default/files/styles/cards_home_card/public/media/images/GettyImages-1353430238.jpg?itok=KRAIjq_g)
Earth Structures
Decades of experience addressing the multitude of complex challenges that can arise when earth and engineering meet.
![Elevated roadway under construction. Exponent civil engineering design consulting.](/sites/default/files/styles/cards_home_card/public/media/images/TL%2074%20Making%20Public%20Infrastructure%20Systems%20Work%20for%20Everyone.png?itok=rl_tIkn0)
Design & Construction Consulting
Extensive civil engineering expertise to empower decision-making and help reduce design and construction risks and failures.
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External Hazards: Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Accurate assessment, mitigation, and remediation support for external hazards and natural disasters.
![Oil derrick in a dessert landscape. Exponent engineers help you achieve safe, reliable, sustainable production.](/sites/default/files/styles/cards_home_card/public/media/images/landscape-mining-drilling-hero.jpg?itok=4AVLrNrD)
Mining & Forestry
Scientific and engineering expertise to help achieve safe, reliable, sustainable production.
![Satellite Image from Space](/sites/default/files/styles/cards_home_card/public/media/images/Remote-Sensing-Analysis-1600x840.png?itok=25UP-QmR)
Remote Sensing Analysis
Improve site understanding with remote sensing and geospatial analytics, including GIS.
Experts
Our global and comprehensive expertise across industries gives us a deep understanding of current challenges, best industry practices, and the implications of emerging technologies.
![Juan F. Perri, Ph.D., P.E., G.E.](/sites/default/files/styles/people/public/media/images/juan-f-perri-527-uuid-669b403a65fed.png?itok=IbkKkUEU)
![Julien Cohen-Waeber, Ph.D., P.E., P.G., C.E.G.](/sites/default/files/styles/people/public/media/images/julien-cohen-waeber-918-uuid-669b421f2dce1.png?itok=ZztvQjpX)
Senior Managing Engineer
Insights
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