Caisson Construction

California Contractor preforms all aspects of caisson installation including drilling, rebar fabrication, rebar placement, and concrete placement, providing a turn key solution for Clients. Caisson drilling is a method of constructing deep, cylindrical shafts or caissons in the ground for various engineering and construction purposes. Caissons are typically made of reinforced concrete or steel and are used to provide foundation support for structures, such as bridges, buildings, offshore platforms, and retaining walls. The caissons transfer the load of the structure to more stable soil or rock layers deep underground.

California Contractor Caisson drilling process involves several steps:
Site Preparation: The site where the caissons will be drilled is prepared by clearing vegetation, removing any obstacles, and excavating the initial soil layer to expose the underlying ground.
Drilling Equipment Setup: Caisson drilling requires specialized drilling equipment, such as a large rotary drilling rig or an auger. The drilling equipment is positioned and set up at the designated locations for the caissons.
Drilling Operations: The drilling process begins by rotating the drill bit or auger into the ground. The drill bit breaks up or cuts through the soil or rock, and the cuttings are removed from the hole using various methods, such as auger flighting or mud circulation systems. The drilling continues until the desired depth is reached.
Casing or Reinforcement: In some cases, a steel casing or reinforcement may be installed in the drilled hole to prevent cave-ins or stabilize loose soil or rock formations. This is especially common in unstable soil conditions or when encountering water-bearing layers.
Concrete Placement: Once the drilling is completed and the hole is prepared, concrete is typically poured into the caisson. The concrete is often placed using a tremie pipe or a similar method to ensure proper concrete flow and to prevent segregation.
Curing and Testing: After the concrete is placed, it needs time to cure and gain strength. Curing methods such as moist curing or thermal blankets may be used to control the curing process. In addition, some caissons may undergo load testing or other structural integrity tests to ensure they meet the required specifications.

California Contractor has everything it takes to complete your next caisson drilling project. Our skill sets include specialized knowledge, equipment, and experienced absolutely necessary for any competent drilling contractor.

Low Overhead Drilling

California Contractor’s low overhead drilling refers to our drilling techniques or methods that are designed to minimize the height or clearance required for drilling operations. This type of drilling is often used in situations where there are space limitations, such as in indoor environments, under overhead structures, or in areas with low ceilings.

Low overhead drilling techniques may involve modifications to drilling equipment or the use of specialized drilling methods to accommodate restricted vertical clearances. Here is one of our examples of accomplishing a low overhead drilling project:

Short Rig Configurations: The drilling rig used for low overhead drilling may be designed with a shorter overall height to fit within limited vertical spaces. We have modified our compact drilling rigs specifically for low clearance environments.

California Contractor’s low overhead drilling techniques require careful planning, precise equipment positioning, and specialized knowledge to ensure safe and efficient operations. It is essential to work with experienced drilling contractors who have expertise in low clearance drilling and are familiar with the specific challenges and requirements of these projects.
Safety considerations are particularly important in low overhead drilling, as the limited space can pose risks to workers and surrounding structures. Adherence to safety protocols, proper site evaluation, and coordination with project stakeholders are critical to prevent accidents and ensure successful drilling operations while minimizing potential damage or disruption.

Large Diameter Drilling

California Contractor and Development Group’s large diameter drilling projects often require careful planning, engineering analysis, and expertise to ensure the stability and integrity of the drilled holes. We specialize in large diameter drilling and posses the knowledge and experience to handle the technical challenges associated with drilling larger holes, including considerations for soil or rock conditions, groundwater presence, and the structural requirements of the project.
Safety protocols and environmental considerations are essential aspects of large diameter drilling, as the scale and depth of the operations can pose risks to workers and the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is crucial to engage qualified and experienced contractors who follow industry best practices and adhere to regulatory standards to ensure safe and successful completion of large diameter drilling projects.

Hillside Drilling

Is where we got started. California Contractor has a track record of getting the job done.

Hillside drilling requires careful planning, site evaluation, and consideration of safety and environmental factors. The geological characteristics, including soil composition, rock type, and groundwater presence, play a crucial role in determining the drilling method and equipment selection. Proper slope stabilization measures and soil engineering techniques may also be implemented to ensure the stability of the hillside during and after drilling operations.

Shoring

California Contractor specializes in providing earth shoring services. Earth shoring involves the installation of various structural systems to stabilize and support excavations or slopes, preventing soil movement and ensuring the safety of workers and surrounding structures. Our primary objective is to design and construct temporary or permanent support systems that maintain the stability of the site during construction activities. California Contractor works closely with engineers, geotechnical experts, and construction project teams to assess the soil conditions, evaluate the requirements of the project, and determine the most suitable shoring methods.

Earth shoring contractors employ a range of techniques and systems to provide support and containment for excavations or slopes. Some common earth shoring methods include:
Soldier pile and lagging walls: This method involves installing vertical steel piles (soldier piles) into the ground and placing horizontal timber or concrete lagging between the piles to create a temporary or permanent retaining wall.
Secant pile walls: Secant pile walls are created by installing overlapping reinforced concrete piles. The interlocking arrangement of primary and secondary piles forms a continuous wall, providing effective support for deep excavations.
Sheet pile walls: Sheet pile walls utilize interlocking steel or concrete piles driven vertically into the ground to create a temporary or permanent barrier against soil or water. They are commonly used in waterfront structures, underground construction, and deep excavations.
Soil nail walls: Soil nailing involves drilling grouted reinforcement bars (nails) into the soil or rock at a specific pattern and angle. The nails provide lateral support, strengthening the soil and preventing slope instability.
Ground anchors: Ground anchors consist of high-strength tendons or cables installed into the ground and tensioned against a retaining structure or anchor plate. They are used to provide lateral support and stabilize excavations or slopes.

Limited Access Drilling

Limited access drilling refers to the process of drilling in areas with restricted or confined spaces that are difficult to access using conventional drilling equipment. These areas may include tight urban environments, narrow alleyways, within existing buildings, basements, or areas with limited overhead clearance. Limited access drilling often requires specialized drilling equipment that is designed to navigate and operate in these challenging spaces. California Contractor and Development Group drilling rigs are compact, maneuverable, and have adjustable configurations to fit through narrow openings or work in confined areas. They are equipped with features such as telescopic masts, articulating arms, or remote-controlled operations to enhance accessibility and maneuverability. Our limited access drilling fleet is commonly employed in construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects where conventional drilling equipment cannot be utilized due to space limitations.

Due to the complexity and challenges associated with limited access drilling, it requires skilled operators with experience in working in confined spaces. Safety considerations and risk management are critical in these situations to ensure the well-being of workers and minimize potential damage to surrounding structures.
California Contractor and Development Group specializes in limited access drilling. We have the expertise in navigating and performing drilling operations in challenging environments. We are equipped with the necessary equipment, tools, and knowledge to execute projects safely and efficiently while adhering to applicable regulations and industry best practices.

Soils Testing

California Contractor has all the specialty equipment to complete downhole logging, split-spoon soil sampling with hammer, we offer all safety equipment required to get the job done and go home to our families.

Soil testing, also known as geotechnical testing or soil investigation, is a process of evaluating the properties and characteristics of soil and rock materials in order to understand their behavior and suitability for various construction or engineering purposes. Soil testing is typically performed by geotechnical engineers or specialized soil testing laboratories.
The purpose of soil testing is to gather information about the soil’s physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. This information is crucial for making informed decisions in the design, construction, and maintenance of structures such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and foundations. Soil testing helps engineers and designers assess the soil’s load-bearing capacity, permeability, compaction characteristics, shear strength, settlement potential, and other relevant properties.

Percolation Testing

The first step in designing a septic system is preforming a percolation test. California Contractor has the abilities to preform site evaluations, soils report, and percolation testing with our in house drilling, and water truck equipment.

Foundation Drilling

Foundation drilling refers to the process of creating deep, stable, and load-bearing foundations for various construction projects. Foundation drilling involves drilling deep holes into the ground and installing structural elements such as caissons, piles, or drilled shafts to support buildings, bridges, towers, and other structures.

California Contractor possess the expertise, equipment, and experience necessary to perform drilling operations for foundation construction. We are familiar with local geology, soil conditions, and seismic requirements, allowing us to design and implement appropriate foundation solutions.

Our specific drilling techniques employed in foundation drilling may vary depending on the project requirements and site conditions. Some of our common foundation drilling methods include:
Auger drilling: Auger drilling involves the use of a rotating drill bit or auger to excavate soil or rock. It is commonly used for shallow foundation applications and where drilling through softer soils is required.
Caisson drilling: Caisson drilling is used for creating deep, load-bearing foundations. It involves the excavation of cylindrical shafts, typically made of concrete or steel, that provide support and stability to the structure.
Drilled shafts: Drilled shafts, also known as drilled piers or bored piles, are large-diameter, deep foundation elements created by removing soil or rock through drilling. They are often used in high-rise buildings, bridges, and other structures that require significant load-bearing capacity.
Micropiles: Micropiles are small-diameter drilled or grouted-in-place piles used to transfer loads into deeper, more stable soil or rock layers. They are commonly employed in limited access areas or in projects with restricted space.

California Contractor’s collaboration with geotechnical engineers and other professionals involved in the project is essential to ensure a comprehensive and well-executed foundation drilling process.

Swimming Pool Foundations

Swimming pool foundations typically consists of caissons often referred as deep foundation elements that are used to provide additional support and stability to the structure of a swimming pool. California Contractor typically installs caissons for pool foundations which are cylindrical shafts made of concrete or steel that are drilled into the ground to transfer the load of the pool to more stable soil or rock layers. Caissons are typically used in situations where the soil conditions are weak or the pool is located in areas with expansive soils or high water tables. By drilling caissons into the ground, the weight of the pool and the hydrostatic pressure from the water are distributed over a larger area, reducing the risk of settlement or structural damage. The number and spacing of swimming pool caissons depend on factors such as the size and shape of the pool, soil conditions, and structural design requirements.

Seepage Pit Drilling

Seepage pits are installed as an option for effluent dispersal in a septic system. California Contractor provides seepage pit drilling, setting seepage pit liners and caps.

De-Watering Wells

California Contractor provides dewatering well services. Dewatering wells are used to control and remove groundwater from construction sites, excavations, or areas with high water tables. Dewatering lowers the groundwater level and create a dry working environment for construction activities or to stabilize the soil during excavation.

California Contractor designs, installing, and maintains dewatering systems that effectively manage and remove groundwater from the site. These contractors work closely with engineers and project teams to assess the site conditions, determine the required dewatering method, and implement the appropriate system.

The dewatering process typically involves drilling wells into the ground to access the water table. Dewatering wells are constructed with perforated casings or screens to allow water to flow into the well. Submersible pumps or vacuum systems are then used to extract the water from the wells and discharge it safely away from the site.
Dewatering well contractors may utilize various dewatering techniques, including:
Wellpoints: Wellpoints are shallow wells equipped with small-diameter screens that are installed around the perimeter of the excavation. A vacuum pump system is used to lower the groundwater level in the vicinity of the excavation.
Deep well systems: Deep well dewatering involves drilling larger-diameter wells deeper into the ground to access the lower aquifer layers. Submersible pumps or airlift systems are used to remove the groundwater from these wells.
Horizontal well systems: Horizontal dewatering wells are installed at shallow depths parallel to the excavation or construction area. They provide effective dewatering and water control in certain soil conditions.

California Contractor ensures that the dewatering systems are designed and installed properly, taking into account factors such as the site geology, groundwater flow, and local regulations. We monitor and maintain the dewatering systems throughout the construction process to ensure optimal performance and compliance with environmental requirements.
We have all the necessary equipment, knowledge of groundwater control techniques, and an understanding of local regulations related to dewatering activities. It is also crucial to communicate project requirements, timelines, and budget considerations to ensure successful dewatering operations.

Tie-backs

When installing deep shoring systems California Contractor installs tie backs to provide lateral support for vertical placed i-beams. Tie-backs, also known as ground anchors, are structural elements used to provide lateral support to retaining walls, excavation shoring systems, and other structures. They are designed to resist the horizontal forces acting on the structure and prevent excessive movement or failure.

The primary purpose of tie-backs is to counteract the soil pressure exerted on the structure, especially in situations where the soil is not naturally stable or where additional support is required. By anchoring the structure to deeper and more stable soil or rock layers, tie-backs increase the overall stability and allow for the construction of deeper excavations or taller retaining walls.
The tie-back installation process typically involves the following steps:
Design: The tie-back system is designed by a geotechnical engineer or a specialist in geotechnical engineering. The design considers factors such as the soil properties, wall geometry, design loads, and project requirements to determine the appropriate number, spacing, and capacity of the tie-backs.
Excavation: The excavation for the retaining wall or shoring system is carried out. The size and depth of the excavation depend on the project requirements and the design specifications.
Tie-back Installation: Holes are drilled into the soil or rock at specified locations along the face of the structure. The tie-backs, typically made of high-strength steel tendons or bars, are inserted into the holes. Grout or other materials may be used to enhance the bond between the tie-back and the surrounding soil or rock.
Anchoring and Tensioning: Once the tie-backs are installed, they are anchored to a deadman, which is a stable structure or element located away from the excavation. The tie-backs are tensioned to the specified load requirements using hydraulic jacks or other tensioning devices.
Monitoring: Monitoring instruments may be installed to measure the loads and deformations of the tie-backs and the structure over time. This helps ensure the stability and performance of the system during and after construction.

Tie-backs can be temporary or permanent, depending on the project’s needs. The use of tie-backs requires expertise in geotechnical engineering and construction techniques. It is crucial to work with experienced geotechnical engineers and specialized contractors like us at California Contractor who have a thorough understanding of tie-back design, installation methods, and monitoring practices to ensure the safe and effective implementation of the tie-back system.

Caisson Drilling Contractor

Caisson drilling involves the excavation of deep, circular shafts into the ground for various purposes, such as constructing building foundations, bridges, piers, decks, or other structures that require deep structural support.

California Contractor and Development Group possess the expertise, equipment, and experience necessary to perform drilling operations efficiently and safely. We utilize specialized machinery and tools, such as drilling rigs, to create caissons, which are cylindrical structures made up of concrete and rebar. These caissons provide stability and load-bearing capacity to support the weight of the structure. California has various regulations and building codes that govern construction practices, including those related to caisson drilling. California Contractor and Development Group is familiar with these regulations and adhere to them as well as OSHA regulations to ensure compliance and the safety of the construction project.
California Contractor and Development Group has a thorough understanding of local geology and ground conditions to determine the appropriate drilling techniques and materials to use.

Your project will be completed accurately and on time. No job is too big or too small.