North Springs High School Replacement
United Consulting provided environmental consulting and geotechnical engineering services for the full replacement of North Springs Charter High School in Fulton County, originally constructed in 1963 on a 34-acre site. The challenge was to keep the existing school operational while constructing a new facility and its amenities on site, which required the strategic relocation of key campus elements, including the main building, parking, and sports facilities. As part of this effort, Fulton County conducted a geotechnical exploration to assess the proposed locations for the new structures and wall foundations. We also provided Phase I & Phase II Environmental Assessments, a receptor survey and a Georgia Department of Education required Hazard Analysis.
Our team of experts designed a geotechnical drilling program focused on critical elements of the site’s proposed redesign usage, including 68 boring locations. We also explored undeveloped areas that will be incorporated into the reimagined school campus. Laboratory tests were conducted on collected soil samples to determine their consolidation potential, compressibility, and liquid and plastic limits. This is a critical step for a project anticipating significant grade changes, as excavated material is typically repurposed as fill in other areas.
Twenty-four infiltration tests were conducted to support stormwater management calculations for the proposed pervious surfaces and both above ground and underground detention ponds. Vegetation clearing was necessary in the wooded, undeveloped areas of the campus. Fieldwork was scheduled during summer break to minimize disruption to school operations during data collection. A second mobilization was required to drill borings for the soil nail wall investigation.
United Consulting’s Environmental Consulting professionals identified both a contamination issue from a neighboring property and potential hazards to school safety. We worked with the State to keep the site off of the Superfund Site List while also working with the architect to align our hazard reduction recommendations with the planned construction materials.
