Gecon worked with Orange Coast College to perform a geotechnical investigation for the proposed College Center and Student Life buildings funded through Measure M. The project was designed as a central hub for student activities and services. It houses student government, clubs, study and meeting rooms, and recreational areas, providing a space for both academic and social engagement. The building serves as a key part of the campus’s revitalization, offering a modern setting where students can relax, collaborate, and access support services.

The College Center building is a three-story, 119,185 square foot structure and houses facilities for OCC’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs, as well as a cafeteria, administrative offices, and event space. The Student Life building is a two-story, 40,800 square foot structure and serves as the hub for the College’s Associate Students and Student Government activities on campus.

The scope of geotechnical observation and testing services performed during grading and construction of site improvements included:

• Observing the excavation of utility trenches, placement of bedding materials and backfill, and grading and compaction of slab-on-grade and paving subgrade soils.
• Performing inspection and approval of all excavation bottoms prior to placing fill.
• Performing in-place density tests on the earth materials placed and compacted.
• Performing laboratory tests to aid in evaluating the compaction characteristics of soil types used for fill.
• Preparing a Site Plan and a final report of observation and testing services.

In order to provide a cost-effective foundation design, Geocon recommended the use of a grade-beam foundation system which allowed the use of a shallow foundation system as opposed to a costly deepened foundation system. Shallow foundation systems are typically more cost-effective than deep foundations due to reduced excavation needs, quicker construction times, and fewer materials required. The simpler construction process also leads to faster project timelines, further contributing to cost reductions.

Client
Coast Community College District

Services
Geotechnical Engineering

Geocon Leaders
Jelisa Adams, GE