Much of Louisiana sits atop soft alluvial and deltaic soils deposited by the Mississippi River over thousands of years — layers of silt, clay, sand, and organic-rich peat that are highly compressible and can continue consolidating under a structure's load for decades after construction. Around New Orleans, that natural consolidation is compounded by subsidence linked to aquifer dewatering and the slow oxidation of organic soils once they're drained, producing the chronic, ongoing settlement long associated with the region. DOTD and Louisiana commercial property owners alike manage foundation movement that traces back to this combination of naturally soft ground and long-term soil consolidation.
GSI sees this alongside other Foundation Settlement Issues work across the state's infrastructure network.
Micropiles are small-diameter, high-capacity piles — typically 5 to 12 inches across — that are drilled and grouted in place, reaching deeper, more competent strata that Louisiana's near-surface soil simply cannot provide. Because this region's soft soils often extend well below what firmer-soil states require, micropiles here are typically installed to greater depth to reach adequate bearing. GSI's foundation bearing micropiles experience informs this approach.
Helical piers account for Louisiana's exceptionally soft upper soil profile, often requiring greater length than comparable installations in other states to reach adequate bearing capacity below the compressible zone. This draws directly on GSI's foundation footings for sinking structures work.
Hydraulic releveling addresses the chronic, ongoing settlement Louisiana's compressible soils produce, restoring structures to grade even where soil consolidation continues over multi-decade timescales. GSI's ground improvement solutions capability supports this step.
GSI's engineers' experience is factored into the Louisiana project plan from day one, with prompt site assessments and fast proposal turnaround so project teams can move from evaluation to design without delay.
Engineered for Louisiana's conditions. GSI's Louisiana underpinning is calibrated for some of the softest, most compressible soil conditions in the country — a foundation challenge distinct in degree from most other states. This is reinforced by GSI's work in commercial properties and asset owners capability.
Design/build delivery. One integrated team owns the full scope, removing the coordination overhead of separate design and construction firms.
DOTD specification compliance. Design records and field practices satisfy state DOT specifications starting with the earliest documentation.
Rapid response when conditions demand it. Beyond planned underpinning work, GSI's emergency response team is available around the clock for sudden settlement or structural distress affecting roadways, bridges, and commercial facilities.
GSI's engineers deliver a warrantied, design/build foundation solution engineered for Louisiana's soft, compressible soils.
