Horizontal Drains in Alaska

Horizontal Drains in Alaska

Engineered horizontal drains across Alaska—Seward Highway. Design/build solutions for AKDOT&PF corridors and critical infrastructure.

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Horizontal drains and shotcrete slope stabilization, 12th Street

Horizontal Drains Across Alaska

Alaska's horizontal drain applications address both standard slope groundwater and the meltwater permafrost thaw actively generates, a combined water management challenge AKDOT&PF corridors face that has no direct equivalent in the lower 48.

GSI treats this as one of several Steep Slope Stability Issues issues the state's infrastructure owners regularly face.

Geohazard Mitigation in Alaska

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How GSI Delivers Horizontal Drains in Alaska

Horizontal Drain Installation

Horizontal drains for Alaska's slopes are designed to manage both standard groundwater infiltration and the additional meltwater permafrost thaw continues generating over time. This draws directly on GSI's horizontal drains work.

Pore Pressure Reduction

Reducing pore water pressure through horizontal drains in Alaska accounts for a water source — permafrost meltwater — that continues evolving well after initial installation. GSI's soil nailing capability supports this step.

Integration with Structural Reinforcement

GSI pairs horizontal drains with the Soil Nail Launcher™ on Alaska slopes where permafrost-related saturation exceeds what drainage alone can resolve. This is one application of GSI's broader landslide emergency response expertise.

GSI often considers engineers alongside this work when scoping Alaska projects.

Alaska Horizontal Drains Process

GSI follows a systematic five-step process to deliver horizontal drains solutions in AKDOT&PF corridors and beyond.

Step 1

Site Assessment

GSI engineers evaluate conditions and severity at your Alaska site.

Step 2

Root Cause Investigation

In-house geologists investigate the specific conditions driving the issue, referencing Alaska's glacially steepened terrain with permafrost-affected soils and active seismic zones.

Step 3

Engineered Solution Design

Custom design matched to Alaska's site-specific geology, hydrology, and infrastructure loading.

Step 4

Design/Build Execution

One team executes the engineered solution under a single AKDOT&PF-ready contract.

Warranty

Design/build/warranty coverage on every horizontal drains solution installed in Alaska.

Warranty

Design/build/warranty coverage on every horizontal drains solution installed in Alaska.

Aerial view of slope during horizontal drain installation

Why Alaska Trusts GSI for Horizontal Drains

Engineered for Alaska's conditions. GSI's Alaska horizontal drains manage an evolving water source — ongoing permafrost meltwater — unlike the more static groundwater conditions drainage design addresses elsewhere. GSI's general contractors and our case studies experience backs this approach.

Design/build delivery. Design and construction stay under one roof — cutting out the delays that separate design from installation.

AKDOT&PF specification compliance. Engineering and construction documentation meets applicable DOT requirements from the earliest project submittal.

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Client Reviews

Landslide Repair for Homeowner in Colorado

I would like this to be a letter of appreciation and gratitude on a job well done. Our house was first threatened by a landslide back in June, 2017 and it has been a journey that has been both stressful and scary. And yet, every cloud has a silver lining and in this case the support, encouragement and character of everyone we met from GSI has indeed been a gift throughout this journey.

GSI was recommended by Steve Pawlak and we met Nathan Thompson early on. Nathan is a person who inspires trust and our first impression was verified throughout the process that led to a retaining system that has saved our house. As with everyone, and I mean everyone we met, we felt we had a group of people who were on our side.

There were challenges that were overcome; the patience needed along with several visits to get the project underway, a renegotiated plan and bid when the insurance settlement squeezed the payment amount, and a time crunch that led to a change in plans where the panels were poured on the hillside, that allowed for the project to be started as quickly as possible.

The crew that showed up to do the work was respectful, always ready to explain what was happening and was also timely, hard working and ready to go the extra mile. A great group of people with positive attitudes who seemed to genuinely work well together.

Watching Spike work on that excavator was awe inspiring. One of my favorite moments was filming him on my phone to show my office secretaries at the Elementary School. I recorded a "holy shit" without knowing it when he pulled off an amazing stunt coming off a ledge and then being horrified when that came out while I was sharing the video at school. I was able to laugh later.

Thank you again and if I can ever serve as a reference, please let me know.

Positive Experience Working with Project Team

Justin, I wanted to reach out and let you know that is was a pleasure working with you all at the [….] Project. The guys on this job were very professional and never once wavered from the plans and specs. These guys did absolutely everything the right way and wanted to make sure that the customer was happy with the work. Again, I appreciate your guys’ hard work and professionalism and look forward to working with you again in the future.

Retaining Wall Stabilization for Commercial Property

Riley, You, Jason and the GSI crew did an outstanding job stabilizing and resurfacing our retaining wall. We are extremely happy that we selected GSI for this project. All of you were efficient, flexible, knowledgeable, and professional. You and Jason were quick to respond to our requests, resolve any minor problems that occurred, and keep the project on schedule. We feel that this was all done at a reasonable price. Our wall looks great and I’m sure it will last for a very long time….

Please extend our thanks to everyone involved. We would highly recommend GSI to anyone who has a similar project.

Horizontal Drains in Alaska

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