Nortech Geotechnical Civil Consultants LTD

Information may not be reliable

Since 1992, Nortech Consultants has provided engineering services of the highest professional quality. Nortech provides design, testing and inspection services, which in turn, can aid in meeting scheduled project completion times and result in minimizing overall project costs. Our clients have come to know they can expect value engineered services that are performed on schedule and within the budgets. We are dedicated to helping our clients rely on our knowledge and experience. Nortech strives to be a leader in our field.

NAQTC - Field - Laboratory
ICC - Reinforced Concrete - Structural Masonry - Structural Steel and Welding - Prestressed Concrete (Post Tension) - Spray Applied Fire Proofing
CMEC - Laboratory
Geotechnical (Soils) and Foundation Engineering Services:The purpose of a geotechnical investigation (referred to sometimes as a soil investigation and also as a foundation investigation) if performed for a building project is to determine the surface and subsurface conditions at a proposed development site and to provide recommendations concerning: geologic hazards assessment and mitigation; site preparation and grading; soil engineering criteria for foundation and wall support and design with estimates of settlement; support of slab-on-grade floors and exterior flatwork, flexible and/or rigid pavement design; drainage design, corrosion potential as well as numerous other construction consultation services.Subsurface conditions at a particular site are investigated by excavating a representative number of drill rig test borings or backhoe test pits to various depths. Our field engineer will log the materials encountered, perform field tests and obtain soil samples for classification and other laboratory testing.Selected samples from our investigation are tested in the laboratory to determine physical properties needed for analysis and design. Upon completion of the field and laboratory work, the results of the Geotechnical investigation, together with the field and test data, are submitted in a written report. Preliminary data can be transmitted verbally or by facsimile and E-mail as it is developed.
Geological Engineering Services:The purpose of geological investigations would be to determine if there are natural hazards that would affect site development. Geologic hazards assessment and mitigation would apply to earthquake faulting, liquefaction, landslides, subsidence, flooding, etc.
Environmental Assessment, Investigation and Mitigation Services: Phase I Environmental Site Assessments:
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments are performed to identify the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substance or petroleum products under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release or material threat of a release on the subject property. These assessments are accomplished through a review of records, site reconnaissance, and interviews with local government officials, owners, and occupants as deemed appropriate. A written report is then prepared summarizing the results of our review and an evaluation of the findings.These studies and reports are prepared in accordance with the recommended reports format guidelines in Standards on Environmental Site Assessments for Commercial Real Estate, ASTM 1527.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessments:
Phase II Environmental Site Assessments are recommended and/or required when a presence of any hazardous substance or petroleum product is suspected. These assessments are accomplished through physical site exploration including sampling and testing programs. Mitigation is recommended if any substances are found.These studies and reports are prepared in accordance with the recommended report format guidelines in Standards on Environmental Site Assessments for Commercial Real Estate, ASTM 1527.
Construction Testing/Observation and Inspection Services:Nortech, Ltd has a full range of testing and inspection services from mass grading of the site to the final drainage inspections. Typical improvement work entailed in our scope of services would be the observation and testing of mass graded cuts and fills to the final grading of the building footings and pads. We also test utility installations, concrete placement for curb, gutter and sidewalk as well as the placement of asphalt concrete pavement. Our testing and observation services are performed to ensure compliance with the approved project plans and specifications.
Engineer of Record and Field Inspection Services:Upon request, Nortech will perform the administrative duties of the Engineer of Record (EOR) in conjunction with the EOR field inspection and testing services. Our typical scope of work for EOR field inspection duties includes inspection of improvement work on sanitary sewer, storm drain and other utility installations. This may involve the inspection of: pipe placement and installation of drop inlets and manholes; concrete placement for curb, gutter and sidewalk and asphaltic concrete pavement section material placement; installation of manholes collars and monuments; and confirmation of line and grade. All installation and construction would be in accordance with the design engineer's approved plans and specifications and per local building and engineering codes and policies pertinent to the EOR.
IBC Special Inspection and Testing Services:We perform IBC 1704 Special Inspection services during construction to ensure compliance with the approved project plans and specifications and applicable local building and engineering codes and policies pertinent to the special inspection agency. Typically, special inspection is required on the following:

Percolation Testing and Septic System Design:
Percolation testing is required in many rural areas to enable proper design and construction of individual on-site sewage disposal systems (commonly referred to as "septic systems"). Such systems are required when no sanitary sewer main line systems are available. The tests are performed in accordance with local codes and procedures that are established by the governing agency or building official.

Design of engineered septic systems may be required if special conditions, such as high ground water or bedrock formations exist. Nortech can provide consultation and design of an appropriate system with follow-up construction inspection upon request.
Retaining Wall Design:We provide design services for reinforced concrete or masonry block retaining walls, rock retaining walls and for Keystone walls as well as other types of reinforced earth-retaining structures. In many cases the local building official will require special inspection during construction of these types of walls. We can also provide these inspection services.Other Services:1. We can perform the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) soils and hydrology studies for commercial and residential lots. These studies require that the ground water level be evaluated to determine if the new construction will penetrate the ground water table. TRPA requires these studies prior to most development activities within the Lake Tahoe watershed.2. FHA and VA compliance foundation inspection and verification services are performed. These foundation inspections of manufactured homes are required by mortgage and /or title companies to verify that they are in compliance with FHA/VA guidelines.
NICHOLAS S. VESTBIE

Graduate studies in Foundation Design; Geological Engineering;
Seepage and Slope Stability; Structural and Soil Dynamics, University of Nevada, Reno, 1975-1986. Con­tinuing education in geotechnic­al and environmental study areas.

1992 - Pres. Owner and Principal of geotechnical/civil engineering and testing firm.
Pezonella Associates, Inc., Reno, Nevada - 1978 to 1992. Vice President and Senior Engineer at Pezonella Associates, Inc., a soil and geological engineering firm.
Harding-Lawson Associates, Reno, Nevada - 1975 to 1978. Upon graduation from college, worked full-time as a field engineer and then project geotechnical engineer for various projects in Reno, Sierra Nevada, and the Great Basin.
Harding-Lawson Associates, Reno, Nevada - 1971 to 1975. While attending college worked part-time as a field engineer performing construction inspection on various earthwork projects and supervised drilling operations for investigations.

Mr. Vestbie has been instrumental in the exploration, design and construction phases of numerous major projects in the Reno area, as well as across the State and in California. He has special experience in subsurface investigations for numerous high-rise structures, street and roadway design, excavation shoring, dewatering systems, monitoring wells, groundwater movement, riverbank construction and environmental assessments. Major projects include the MGM Grand, Harrah's Hotel/Parking Structure, the Flamingo Hilton, Harold's Club Parking, Colonial Inn, the Porsche Building, Washoe Medical Center, St. Mary's Hospital, the Truckee River Walk and Nugget Tower II.