After moving into a new home, the owner became concerned about potential landslide activity in their backyard that was posing a threat to the stability of the home. They called SME for help with the Clark County Residence Slope Failure.

A short time after getting settled in, the tell tales began to appear: cracking and settlement of the concrete patio slab, contorting of the wooden deck framing and posts, and sloughing of ground next to the patio. The house was at risk due to the retrogressive slope movement. Without remedial action, the landslide movement would continue to migrate towards the house and potentially undermine it.

SME met with the homeowner to discuss concerns about the Clark County Residence Slope Failure and observe the site. Subsequent to this visit, SME developed a work plan to evaluate soil conditions and characterize the landslide movement. Our geotechnical engineering staff then made this plan a reality by executing a geotechnical evaluation at the site .

SME’s Wes Hemp, PE and Al Esser, PE, D.GE performed a slope failure analysis to characterize the failure surface and provided options for repair. Our team was subsequently engaged by the homeowner to design a retaining structure that would mitigate additional slope movement and prevent undermining of the house. Designed by Tim Bedenis, PE, this retaining structure consisted of a reinforced concrete wall supported on micropiles and included tieback anchors embedded into rock. Following the design, SME connected the client with Innovative, a local specialty contractor experienced with construction of this type of earth retention system. SME collaborated with Innovative prior to and during construction of the wall to provide general guidance and QA/QC testing for concrete and backfill.

SME is pleased to have assisted the homeowner through this process and to have been able to provide them peace of mind.