Geotechnical observation & compaction testing
Grading observation, compaction testing, and footing and pavement observation — documented properly, so your project passes inspection the first time.
What it is
Construction observation and testing help verify that grading, fill placement, compaction, and foundation preparation are performed by the contractor in general accordance with the geotechnical recommendations and project requirements.
- Earthwork observation — confirming that unsuitable soil is removed, the bottom of the excavation is firm, and fill is moisture-conditioned and placed in proper lifts.
- Compaction testing — in-place density testing by nuclear density gauge and sand cone performed on compacted fill for building pads, utility trenches, flatwork and pavement area.
- Foundation observation — bottom-of-footing and foundation excavation observations, verifying footings bottom out in the soil the report was based on, at the depth it called for.
- Pavement and roadway observation — subgrade and aggregate base testing, asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete pavement observation, and roadway, curb and gutter, sidewalk, parking lot, and driveway construction.
Each site visit is documented in a daily field report summarizing the observations and testing performed. Upon completion of the applicable grading and earthwork operations, Titan Geotechnical Engineering provides the required building pad certification and final geotechnical compliance documentation, commonly referred to as a compaction report, for submittal to the building department.
When you need it
Our field observation and testing services are typically needed at key stages of construction.
Pad grading
Observation and compaction testing during over-excavation, subgrade preparation, recompaction, and engineered fill placement for residential, ADU, commercial, and other building pads, followed by final building pad certification or compaction report documentation.
Footing excavations
Before you pour — confirming bearing soil and footing dimensions match the approved plans and geotechnical report.
Utility trenches & backfill
Observation and compaction testing of trench and retaining-wall backfill that the inspector will ask about.
Pavement subgrade & base
Subgrade and aggregate base compaction testing for driveways, parking lots, and roads.
Asphalt & concrete paving
Observation of asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete pavement placement.
Roadway & public improvements
Roadway, public sidewalk, curb and gutter construction observation for public works and private development.
What's included
- Field observation and testing performed and supervised by a certified nuclear density gauge operator, with direct Principal Engineer oversight
- In-place density and moisture testing by nuclear density gauge and sand-cone methods (ASTM)
- Laboratory maximum density / optimum moisture tests through Titan's in-house laboratory.
- Review of contractor earthwork operations for compliance with the geotechnical report and project specifications
- Testing to the California Building Code, ASTM, Caltrans, and applicable city and county standards
- Daily field reports documenting what was observed and tested
- Building pad certification and final earthwork compliance letter, signed and stamped
Typical timeline
- Before work
Pre-construction setup
We review the plans and geotechnical report and agree the testing schedule with your contractor.
- On call
Schedule a visit
Call or text to book a field visit. Contact us for a project-specific timeline.
- Every visit
Daily field report
Documented observations and test results.
- Completion
Final letter
Building pad certification and final earthwork compliance letter for sign-off.
Common questions
Can you do compaction testing if someone else wrote the soils report?
Often, yes — but the building department generally expects the engineer who observes grading to take responsibility for the soil recommendations, so we may need to review and accept the original report (or issue a short letter of our own). Call us with the report and we'll tell you what's needed.
Will you work with my architect, engineer, or contractor?
Yes — that's the normal way we work. We'll coordinate directly with your architect, structural or civil engineer, and contractor, send them the report in the format they need, and answer plan-check comments that relate to the soils. You stay in the loop on every email, but you don't have to be the go-between.
What areas do you serve?
We're based in Lancaster. Proudly serving Los Angeles County and the Antelope Valley, including Lancaster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Littlerock, Lake Los Angeles, Acton, Santa Clarita, Pasadena, and Rosemead, with additional services throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, Inyo, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, and Imperial Counties.
If your project is somewhere else, call us anyway — we'll tell you if we can serve it well or refer you to someone who can.
Need someone on site?
Tell us the project address, what's being built, and when you're starting. We'll set up the testing schedule with your contractor.