The Biological Sciences Unit 3 project involved the construction of a new 3-story research facility at the University of California, Irvine between 2005 and 2007. Geotechnical services included consultation during construction and testing of foundations built on spread footings, piles, and a basement level. Challenges included excavating into hard bedrock and processing on-site materials for reuse as engineered fill.

1. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES UNIT 3
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA
CLIENT:
University of California, Irvine
CONSTRUCTION DURATION:
December 2005 — 2007
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Biological Sciences Unit 3 is a research facility promoting the study of biological
science. Construction for the project consists of a 3 story structure above grade, and a
1 story basement. Foundations supporting the structure consist of spread and continu-
ous shallow footings, and cast-in-drilled hole piles.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Provided geotechnical consultation services during site grading and throughout
construction. Supplemental recommendations provided for foundation allowable
bearing capacities, foundation embedment and settlement; axial pile load capaci-
ty, and allowable crane loading on top of existing maintenance and service tunnel.
 Project management and oversight of geotechnical construction observation and
quality control services. Geotechnical services consisted of site monitoring during
grading, foundation excavations, fill placement and soil compaction monitoring
and testing.
 Project management and oversight of materials testing and deputy inspection
services pertaining to concrete and rebar placement, shotcrete, structural steel
welding, epoxy dowels, masonry, pre-stress and post-tensioning concrete
 Project oversight including budget management, attend client meetings and pro-
ject supervision
GEOTECHNICAL CHALLENGES:
 Foundation excavations into very hard, well-cemented sandstone bedrock
 Acceptance of the onsite excavated material for re-use as engineered fill
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS OF HANH N. HONG, M.SC., P.ENG., P.E.
SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES