URS is one of the leading Geotechnical and Geological Engineering consultancy firms worldwide, covering all aspects of planning, design and construction.

• Geological assessment
• Site investigations
• Foundation engineering
• Dredging
• Bulk earthworks
• Seawalls
• Reclamation
• Pile analysis and wharf design
• Slope stability
• Rock mechanics
• Construction materials
• Detail engineering design
• Technical specification

Tunnelling
As one of the foremost geotechnical engineering firms in the world, we bring particular emphasis in the geotechnical and engineering geological aspects of the planning, design and construction of underground structures.

Feasibility/Planning Studies
Reconnaissance-level site surveys; alignment selection studies; evaluation of alternative construction methods and staging locations; preparation of feasibility cost estimates and schedules.

Geotechnical Investigations
Surface and subsurface field exploration, including aerial photo interpretation; geological mapping; lineament analysis and interpretation; age dating by methods such as paleomagnetsim; test pits and sampling programs; geophysical and borehole investigations; field investigations of in-situ ground properties and conditions; laboratory and in-situ testing.

Earthquake Engineering/Seismology
Studies of seismicity and seismic geology including historic earthquake investigation; microseismic monitor; active fault investigations; determination of ground response; assessment of soil and rock failure potential; field measurements of surface fault evidence; low-sun-angle photography; laboratory testing for earthquake studies; soil-structure interaction analyses; computer mapping and modelling; regional studies using remote sensing techniques; earthquake risk zone assessments; measurement of earthquake fault creep.

Rock Engineering
Engineering analyses of rock mass stability, stresses, material properties, and rock reinforcement; rock excavation systems such as controlled blasting, tunnel boring machine (TBM) systems, and roadheaders; design of stabilisation systems including reinforced rock support design methodology, shotcrete, steel supports, and concrete; one-pass versus two-pass tunnel lining systems; hydraulic jacking due to pressure tunnel conveyance.

Soil and Soft Ground Engineering
Evaluation of in-situ properties of soils; laboratory testing; design of shaft and tunnel ground support systems such as steel ribs, liner plates, precast concrete segments, spiling, shotcrete, or lattice girders; ground modification techniques such as jet grouting, compaction grouting or freezing; evaluation of tunnelling equipment; ground performance instrumentation; erosion-control, groundwater-control, and dust-control evaluations; ground control and subsidence analyses.

Hydrogeology
Studies of groundwater sources; dewatering and drainage systems; permeability and seepage studies; tunnel in-flow prediction, design criteria for wells and pumps; studies of solution channels and caverns; groundwater contamination studies; studies of groundwater table depletion/lowering due to tunnelling; groundwater recharge design and groundwater induced settlement analysis.

Laboratory Testing
Laboratory testing of soil and rock samples to characterise materials; determine engineering properties for use in design; testing in accordance with specified standards; high-pressure triaxial testing, large diameter triaxial tests, dynamic testing with high-response, electro-hydraulic, closed loop MTS equipment, and high temperature testing; slake durability testing.

Microtunnelling
Planning, feasibility studies, alignment studies, detailed design, and construction monitoring for microtunnelling projects; assessment of jacking and receiving pit locations, spacings, and requirements; directional control tolerance; evaluation of methods and equipment; production and cost estimates.

Tunnel Support Design
Design of tunnel support including excavation sequence and monitoring, design of temporary and permanent support including rock bolts, shotcrete, steel sets and final concrete lining and water proof membrane etc.

Tunnel Rehabilitation
Structural inspections and mapping; preliminary and final designs for remedial action programs; tunnel lining strengthening and reinforcement; ground improvement systems; tunnel lining performance monitoring.

Construction Documents
Detailed construction plans and specifications; general conditions, standard conditions, and technical specifications; detailed design drawings using automated drafting/design systems such as AutoCAD and Integraph; contractual risk management methods such as Geotechnical Baseline Reports, Dispute Review Boards and Escrow bid documents; tender evaluation.

Cost Estimate/Schedules
Feasibility-level planning estimates and schedules; detailed engineer’s estimates and schedules; contingency quantification methods; use of computer-based scheduling software such as Primavera; critical path method (CPM) scheduling, including construction phase updates.