Understanding what happens below ground is essential to explaining what happens above it. Aperture’s geotechnical experts investigate foundation movement, slope instability, retaining wall failures, and other complex issues involving soil and groundwater. We help attorneys, insurers, owners, and contractors understand the causes and implications.
Explore our Statement of Qualifications below for an overview of our team, technical capabilities, and representative projects.
OVERVIEW
Aperture brings multidisciplinary engineering, geoscience, and forensic expertise to projects and
disputes involving subsurface conditions, ground movement, and infrastructure performance. Our
Built Environment Team supports attorneys, insurers, owners, developers, contractors, and design
professionals in evaluating how soil, rock, and water affect buildings and infrastructure.
Our work combines field investigation, laboratory testing, geophysical exploration,
instrumentation, and numerical modeling to evaluate site conditions and determine the causes of
observed distress. We translate complex subsurface data into clear technical findings that support
design decisions, repair planning, claims evaluation, and dispute resolution.
CORE GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
Our team provides integrated geotechnical, geological, hydrologic, geophysical, testing, and forensic services for buildings, infrastructure, and development sites, including
- Geotechnical and geological investigations, subsurface characterization, and laboratory testing.
- Foundation performance, settlement, expansive and collapsible soils, and soil-structure interaction.
- Slope stability, retaining walls, bulkheads, embankments, and mechanically stabilized earth walls.
- Groundwater, seepage, moisture migration, drainage, hydrology, and hydraulic analysis.
- Geophysical exploration, electrical resistivity imaging, ground-penetrating radar, and void assessment.
- Construction vibration, movement, groundwater, and remote monitoring.
- Foundation and geotechnical design, risk analysis, and numerical modeling.
- Forensic investigations, technical peer review, expert reporting, and testimony.
WHY APERTURE
Aperture provides scalable, multidisciplinary support, ranging from targeted assessments and testing to comprehensive forensic investigations, repair design, construction administration, and dispute resolution.
| INTEGRATED INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS | TECHNICAL DEPTH FOR COMPLEX CONDITIONS | SUPPORT FROM ASSESSMENT THROUGH RESOLUTION |
| Geotechnical engineers, geologists, hydrologists, and geophysical specialists work with structural engineers and construction consultants to evaluate interacting causes and project impacts. | We combine direct observations and testing with three-dimensional visualization and numerical analysis to evaluate competing explanations for distress and make findings understandable. | Our team provides focused technical assessments or multidisciplinary support for design, construction, remediation, insurance matters, and litigation. |
Featured Geotechnical Engineering Project Experience
Aperture’s geotechnical engineering experience includes foundation movement, soil-structure interaction, retaining wall failures, slope instability, subsurface investigations, hydrologic modeling, construction impacts, and forensic analysis.
Foundation Performance & Soil-Structure Interaction
High-Rise Foundation Movement | New York City, New York
Expertise: Differential Settlement, Foundation Engineering, Soil-Structure Interaction
Aperture performed a forensic investigation of foundation distress and progressive tilting at a high-rise residential building where movement led to suspension of construction.
The investigation focused on a concrete mat foundation supported by a ground-improvement system.
Forensic Investigation and Monitoring
- Reviewed foundation design and construction records, geotechnical reports, laboratory testing, foundation surveys, and project correspondence.
- Installed and monitored tiltmeters.
- Performed LiDAR surveys to document building movement.
- Developed finite element analyses to evaluate foundation support and structural movement.
Foundation Performance and Causation
The investigation attributed the building’s tilt to differential settlement caused by design and construction deficiencies in the ground-improvement system.
Variable soil conditions, inconsistent ground treatment, and construction modifications contributed to nonuniform foundation support. Soil creep contributed to continued movement.
Iron Ore Storage Dome Collapse | Convent, Louisiana
Expertise: Industrial Foundation Failure, Finite Element Analysis, Forensic Engineering
Aperture investigated the catastrophic collapse of an iron ore storage dome to determine the underlying failure mechanism and sequence of events contributing to the loss.
Design and Foundation Review
- Reviewed the finite element analysis originally used to design the dome foundation.
- Evaluated the relationship between foundation design, subsurface conditions, and site geology.
Three-Dimensional Failure Analysis
- Developed three-dimensional finite element models.
- Evaluated foundation behavior and the effects of site conditions.
- Identified the cause and sequence of events contributing to the catastrophic failure.
Vista Ridge Residential Subdivision | Erie, Colorado
Expertise: Foundation Movement, Expansive Soils, Geophysical Investigation
Aperture investigated alleged foundation movement and related distress affecting approximately 70 single-family homes.
The evaluation addressed subsurface conditions, moisture migration, foundation performance, and claims involving basement wall pressures.
Geotechnical and Geophysical Investigation
- Performed site investigations and laboratory testing.
- Conducted electrical resistivity scans and seismic testing.
- Characterized subsurface conditions and evaluated factors contributing to movement.
Modeling and Repair Recommendations
- Performed moisture-migration analysis.
- Developed finite element analyses and three-dimensional geological models.
- Evaluated the active zone, potential additional foundation movement, and subsurface moisture pathways.
- Developed causation opinions and repair recommendations.
Infrastructure & Retaining System Failures
State Highway 130 | Buda, Texas
Expertise: Pavement Distress, Expansive Soils, Slope Stability, Forensic Geotechnical Engineering
Aperture investigated excessive pavement heaving and cracking along a 42-mile toll road and deep-seated slope failures affecting slopes supporting its frontage roads.
Subsurface and Construction Analysis
- Conducted laboratory testing of samples from 474 soil borings.
- Performed 517 electrical resistivity scans.
- Evaluated expansive soil behavior and active-zone conditions.
- Reviewed the contractor’s application of specified subgrade compaction testing procedures.
Forensic and Expert Support
- Evaluated competing technical opinions.
- Prepared rebuttals to numerous expert reports.
- Provided technical support for dispute resolution.
Dr. John Bryant provided deposition and arbitration testimony in proceedings arising from the dispute, which ultimately settled.
Slope and Retaining Wall Movement | El Paso, Texas
Expertise: Slope Stability, Groundwater Analysis, Retaining Wall Performance, Construction Safety
Aperture investigated movement in a 140-foot-tall slope and a 35-foot pile retaining wall on behalf of the general contractor.
Field Investigation and Modeling
- Conducted a drone survey.
- Performed electrical resistivity profiling and soil borings.
- Analyzed site hydrology and groundwater movement.
- Used finite element analysis to evaluate slope and retaining wall behavior.
Stability and Risk Evaluation
The investigation determined that the slope and retaining wall were unstable and posed a threat to construction workers and nearby occupants.
Aperture recommended evacuation of residents from houses located at the top of the slope.
Retaining Wall Failure | Richmond, Texas
Expertise: Flood Impacts, Scour, Retaining Wall Stability, Hydraulic Modeling
Aperture investigated failures affecting a 2,200-foot-long, two-tiered retaining wall system along Jones Creek following flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey.
Geotechnical and Hydraulic Analysis
- Evaluated drainage capacity.
- Performed local and global slope stability analyses.
- Developed a discharge hydrograph.
- Used HEC-RAS to evaluate changes in creek flow velocity during the storm.
Causation and Remediation
The investigation evaluated storm-related scour and its relationship to retaining wall performance.
Aperture determined the nature, extent, and causes of the failures and developed recommendations to remediate the affected retaining wall system.
Geophysical Investigations
Residential Foundation Movement | Joshua, Texas
Expertise: Expansive Soils, Foundation Distress, Electrical Resistivity Imaging
Aperture investigated significant residential foundation distress and movement to evaluate foundation performance and determine causation.
Forensic and Geophysical Investigation
- Reviewed available records and documented site conditions.
- Performed foundation elevation surveys.
- Conducted engineering analyses.
- Used electrical resistivity surveying to evaluate variable subsurface conditions and perched groundwater.
Foundation Performance and Causation
The investigation determined that moisture-induced expansion of subgrade soils caused differential foundation movement exceeding accepted industry performance criteria.
Construction Impacts
Excavation-Related Property Damage | Benton, Arkansas
Expertise: Adjacent Excavation, Construction Impacts, Property Damage Investigation
Aperture was retained to investigate extensive property damage reportedly sustained following excavation immediately adjacent to an existing building.
The property was reportedly rendered a total loss.
Forensic Investigation
- Investigated reported building distress.
- Evaluated potential causes of property damage.
- Examined the relationship between observed distress and nearby construction activities.
Excavation Impact Assessment
The investigation evaluated whether the adjacent excavation contributed to building distress and the reported loss.
Sheet Pile Bulkhead Failure | Port Arthur, Texas
Expertise: Soil-Structure Interaction, Construction-Related Instability, Finite Element Modeling
Aperture performed a cause-and-origin investigation of a sheet pile bulkhead failure, evaluating initial system stability and the effects of pile extraction.
Stability and Finite Element Analysis
- Used SLOPE/W and PLAXIS to evaluate bulkhead stability following installation of a new sheet pile wall.
- Performed additional finite element analyses to evaluate the effects of pile extraction.
Failure Mechanism
The investigation determined that changes in mobilized soil resistance, as the system transitioned from short-term to long-term behavior following pile extraction, led to progressive instability and eventual failure.
Dams, Flooding & Renewable Energy
Franklin County Dam | Mt. Vernon, Texas
Expertise: Embankment Stability, Seepage, Erosion, Dam Safety Investigation
Aperture investigated distress that developed along dam slopes following rehabilitation, including erosion, rills, rivulets, tunnels, and excessive seepage.
Geotechnical and Geophysical Analysis
- Collected soil samples.
- Performed laboratory and geophysical testing.
- Reviewed historical project and site records.
- Conducted numerical slope stability analyses.
- Evaluated the potential for progressive piping within the embankment slopes.
Stability and Causation Findings
The investigation determined that the slopes were unstable because of improper fill material used during construction.
The analysis connected observed distress with the embankment’s material properties and engineering performance.
Reservoir Release Flooding | Houston, Texas
Expertise: Hydrologic Modeling, Hydraulic Analysis, Flood Causation
Aperture investigated downstream flooding during Hurricane Harvey to evaluate inundation attributable to releases from the Barker and Addicks reservoirs compared with storm runoff.
Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling
- Used HEC-RAS and TR-55 to delineate watersheds.
- Modeled flooding associated with reservoir releases.
- Calibrated the model against United States Geological Survey gaging station data.
Flood Contribution Analysis
The calibrated model quantified additional flooding experienced by downstream property owners because of reservoir releases.
The findings provided a technical basis for distinguishing the contributions of separate flooding mechanisms.
200-Acre Solar Farm | Essex County, Virginia
Expertise: Erosion, Stormwater Management, Geotechnical Investigation, Site Verification
Aperture performed a forensic investigation following a precipitation event at a 200-acre solar development where sediment migrated from the project site into nearby wetlands.
Geotechnical and Aerial Investigation
- Performed soil borings to verify geotechnical information relied upon for design.
- Conducted an aerial photogrammetric survey.
- Collected photographic and elevation data.
- Evaluated survey information used during project design.
Stormwater and Construction Review
- Evaluated the adequacy of the stormwater management plan.
- Reviewed whether sediment runoff controls were installed according to design requirements.
Geotechnical Engineering Experts
Aperture’s geotechnical engineering team includes specialists in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, hydrology, geophysics, forensic investigations, numerical modeling, and expert testimony.
John Bryant, Ph.D., P.G., P.E., CPG, D.GE, M.ASCE, F.PTI
Executive Vice President | Geotechnical & Infrastructure Forensic Analysis
Dr. Bryant has more than 25 years of experience investigating building and infrastructure performance, including foundation distress, soil-structure interaction, expansive soils, drainage, and moisture-related conditions.
His work integrates geotechnical and geological engineering, geophysics, and hydrologic modeling.
He has provided expert testimony in more than 400 depositions, arbitrations, and court cases.
Areas of Expertise
- Foundation distress and soil-structure interaction.
- Geotechnical, geophysical, and hydrologic investigations.
- Forensic engineering, expert reporting, and testimony.
Hayden Fischer, M.S., P.E., P.G.
Principal Engineer | Chief Technical Officer
Mr. Fischer is a geotechnical and hydrogeological engineer with more than a decade of forensic experience.
He provides analysis and testimony involving ground movement, subsurface failure, and water intrusion.
His expertise includes groundwater monitoring, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, slope stability, expansive and collapsible soils, and automated monitoring.
Areas of Expertise
- Geotechnical and groundwater investigations.
- Electrical resistivity, ground-penetrating radar, and remote sensing.
- EVS, GIS, MODFLOW, and HYDRUS modeling and visualization.
Yasser M. Abdelhamid, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
Director of Forensic Engineering
Dr. Abdelhamid provides forensic geotechnical and geophysical expertise for residential, commercial, roadway, and pipeline projects.
His work evaluates soil-structure interaction involving foundations, pavements, retaining walls, and slopes.
His background in expansive soils, soil dynamics, and numerical modeling supports the evaluation of cause, scope, and responsibility in geotechnical disputes.
Areas of Expertise
- Expansive soils, soil dynamics, and soil-structure interaction.
- Foundation, pavement, retaining wall, and slope investigations.
- Geophysical evaluation and numerical modeling.
M. Kabir Hossain, Ph.D., P.E.
Director of Geotechnical Special Projects
Dr. Hossain specializes in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, subsurface characterization, and finite element analysis for onshore and subsea projects.
His forensic work evaluates complex geotechnical conditions and soil-structure interaction involving foundations, retaining walls, buried pipelines, and slopes.
His offshore experience includes foundations and anchor systems for floating structures, including wind platforms.
Areas of Expertise
- Finite element modeling of soil-structure performance.
- Settlement and heave in expansive and collapsible soils.
- Subsea foundations, anchor piles, and offshore pipeline systems.
Jeong Yeon Cheon, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Dr. Cheon has more than 20 years of industry experience in geotechnical engineering.
She manages forensic investigations, engineering analyses, report preparation, and data visualization for complex soil-structure interaction matters.
Her experience includes shallow and deep foundations, slope stability, pipe-soil interaction, vibration monitoring, and integrated geological and geotechnical studies.
Areas of Expertise
- Foundation performance, settlement, and soil-structure interaction.
- Retaining structures, MSE walls, dams, and slope stability.
- Construction vibration, drainage, and forensic investigations.
Mohamed Mansour, Ph.D., P.E.
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Dr. Mansour brings more than 15 years of geotechnical and forensic engineering experience supporting infrastructure and building projects in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
He investigates geotechnical problems and distressed structures, develops engineering solutions and remediation plans, and provides technical leadership from investigation through design and construction.
Areas of Expertise
- Retaining and mechanically stabilized earth walls.
- Deep excavations, shoring, and shallow and deep foundations.
- Slope stabilization, ground improvement, and complex geotechnical systems.
Christopher Tony, M.S., P.E., M.ASCE
Manager of Forensic Engineering
Mr. Tony specializes in forensic geotechnical investigations, foundation performance, and soil-structure interaction.
His background combines structural and geotechnical engineering for projects involving foundations, retaining systems, pavements, pipelines, and subsurface infrastructure.
He manages field investigations, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, and technical reporting for residential, commercial, and infrastructure matters.
His experience includes evaluating foundation movement, expansive soils, subgrade preparation, and construction-related deficiencies.
Areas of Expertise
- Foundation performance, expansive soils, and soil-structure interaction.
- Retaining walls, slope stability, and pipeline investigations.
- Geotechnical and geophysical testing, subsurface characterization, and litigation support.
Saman Farzi Sizkow, Ph.D., P.E.
Project Engineer
Dr. Sizkow specializes in geotechnical engineering analysis for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
His expertise includes advanced numerical modeling, soil-structure interaction, foundation performance, retaining walls, and slope stability.
His forensic investigations address foundation movement, settlement, pavement distress, pipeline failures, and other subsurface infrastructure issues.
Areas of Expertise
- Shallow and deep foundation performance and bearing capacity.
- Expansive soils, retaining wall failures, and slope stability.
- Numerical modeling, soil dynamics, and pavement analysis.
Kourosh Tamizdoust, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
Project Engineer
Dr. Tamizdoust specializes in geotechnical engineering and hydrogeology, focusing on numerical modeling, data visualization, and forensic investigations.
He manages geotechnical and geophysical projects involving foundations, pavements, retaining walls, slopes, and underground pipelines.
His work integrates field exploration, laboratory testing, long-term monitoring, and engineering analysis to evaluate soil-water-structure interaction and develop technical findings for litigated and non-litigated matters.
Areas of Expertise
- Foundation performance, expansive and collapsible soils, and soil-structure interaction.
- Retaining walls, slope stability, and underground pipeline investigations.
- Geophysical testing, numerical modeling, drainage, and seepage analysis.
Rendon M. Rieth, M.S., P.E.
Project Engineer
Mr. Rieth is a hydrologic and geotechnical engineer whose work combines field investigation, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, and multidisciplinary project coordination.
His experience includes foundation performance, expansive and collapsible soils, slope stability, groundwater, and drainage.
He uses hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and geophysical methods to evaluate site conditions and causation.
Areas of Expertise
- Foundation analysis, retaining walls, and soil-structure interaction.
- Drainage, seepage, erosion, and hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
- Geophysical investigation, remote sensing, and material volume estimation.
Mark A. Mendel, P.E.
Staff Engineer
Mr. Mendel has more than 25 years of experience in geotechnical and civil engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing, and forensic investigations.
His work includes foundation and pavement evaluations, earthwork and site grading analysis, and environmental due diligence.
He investigates differential foundation movement and property damage for residential, commercial, and government projects, supporting clients, insurers, and legal teams with field investigations, engineering analysis, and technical reporting.
Areas of Expertise
- Geotechnical investigations, differential foundation movement, and pavement distress.
- Earthwork, site grading, and construction materials testing.
- Property damage assessments, environmental site assessments, and claims support.
Taryn DiLorenzo, Ph.D.
Graduate Engineer
Dr. DiLorenzo brings a background in civil and geotechnical engineering, experimental research, and infrastructure monitoring.
Her work includes laboratory investigations of pavement behavior under changing environmental conditions and the development of sensor-based systems to detect bridge icing.
Her doctoral research combined time-domain reflectometry, automated data analysis, and real-time monitoring to support transportation safety.
Areas of Expertise
- Civil and geotechnical engineering research and analysis.
- Laboratory testing and environmental effects on pavement performance.
- Sensor development, instrumentation, and real-time monitoring.
A Multidisciplinary Partner for the Built Environment
Complex ground conditions often involve interacting subsurface, groundwater, structural, and construction factors.
Aperture brings together geotechnical engineers, geologists, hydrologists, geophysical specialists, structural engineers, and construction consultants to evaluate these conditions and their effects on buildings and infrastructure.
Our services extend from condition assessments, testing, and forensic investigations through repair-scope development, cost evaluation, restoration design, construction administration, reconstruction, and dispute support.
This integrated approach helps clients understand existing conditions, evaluate reasonable options, and make informed decisions about repairs, claims, and project delivery.
Aperture supports building owners, associations, property and facility managers, attorneys, insurers, developers, contractors, architects, and engineers across residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional, and industrial properties.
Whether the need is a targeted assessment or a complex multidisciplinary engagement, our team provides clear technical analysis, practical recommendations, and support through the next phase of the matter.
Contact Aperture’s Geotechnical Engineering Team
Contact Aperture to discuss your next geotechnical engineering challenge.
Email: info@aperturellc.com
Website: aperturellc.com
