2006-2007 Project Award Winner

Verdugo Mountain Project
Zeiser Kling Consultants, Inc.

The Outstanding Project Award this year was presented to Zeiser Kling Consultant, Inc. for their work on the Verdugo Mountain project. Accepting the award on behalf of Zeiser Kling Consultants, Inc. were Mr. Henry Kling and Mr. Matt Rogers.

The Verdugo Mountain project consisted of work on an existing telecommunication complex. The complex is located in the Verdugo Mountains in the Northern Los Angeles Basin. The complex and the surrounding area were affected by an active landslide.

Zeiser Kling Consultants conducted an investigation consisting of bucket and hollow stem auger drilling, seismic refraction profiling, and placement of inclinometers within the tower site. As a result of the investigation Zeiser Kling Consultants was able to determine the extent of the landsliding, define the geology and identify potential stabilization measures.

Mitigation including relocating one tower and pile underpinning of other structures.                      

2006-2007 Small Project Award Winner

Ennis House Retaining Wall Replacement Project
Geotechnologies, Inc.

The Outstanding Project Award for small projects was awarded to Geotechnologies, Inc. for their work on the Ennis House Retaining Wall Replacement project. Accepting the award on behalf of Geotechnologies, Inc. was Mr. Ed Hill.

The Charles W. and Mabel Ennis House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The house dates from 1924 and is one of only four concrete block houses designed by Wright. The house is listed by the U.S. Department of the Interior in the National Register of Historic Places, it has been declared a Cultural Heritage Monument by the City of Los Angeles, and it has been designated a California State Landmark.

As a result of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake large sections of the south retaining wall failed. In addition, additional damage was sustained as a result of the heavy rains of 2005. The Ennis House was in serious danger of collapse and was found to be unsafe for occupancy by the City of Los Angeles.

A combination of soil nailing and soldier piles was selected for the shoring system to allow replacement of the damaged retaining wall. This was the first time soil nailing had been allowed by the City of Los Angeles and considerable effort was expended in the review process. The repair had to proceed without causing damage to the structure and allow for safe excavation.