GMU is providing geotechnical and structural engineering solutions for a large tieback wall currently under construction in South Orange County. The goal? Stabilizing an unstable hillside and creating a safe, usable development space for an industrial pad.
Traditional grading wasn’t an option at this site due to limited space and adverse soil conditions. Instead, GMU designed a custom tie-back wall system that not only stabilizes the slope but also maximizes land use—ensuring long-term safety and structural integrity for future developments.
Engineering a Smart, Space-Saving Solution
Hillside construction requires precision, and this site presented several geotechnical and structural challenges:
Unstable Slopes – The hillside required permanent stabilization to prevent future movement.
Limited Grading Space – Traditional grading or slope cutting wasn’t feasible, so an alternative solution was required.
Structural Demands – A durable retaining system was necessary to support long-term land use without risk of failure.
Rather than excavating large amounts of soil—an expensive and space-consuming process—GMU’s tieback wall design provided a targeted, efficient solution to:
Anchor the slope securely while minimizing earthwork. Allow for vertical construction, maximizing space for the industrial pad.
Ensure long-term performance, protecting the site from future settlement or instability.
The Team Behind the Project
Complex projects demand collaborative solutions, and GMU is proud to work with an experienced team of construction, engineering, and development professionals:
GMU – Geotechnical & structural design, geotechnical observation, and special inspections.
ECM – General contractor DrillTech – Specialized in tieback wall construction.
Murow Development Consultants – Project and construction management.
Working hand-in-hand with these industry leaders ensures the project is aligned for maximum efficiency and success.
Unlocking Land Potential Through Innovation
Projects like this tieback wall solution are essential in maximizing usable land where conventional construction methods aren’t feasible. In growing regions like Southern California, creative geotechnical engineering solutions are the key to developing safe, sustainable infrastructure.
At GMU, we combine our geotechnical and structural expertise to ensure that even the most challenging sites can be successfully developed with long-term performance in mind. From initial design to final inspections, our work supports the foundation of a stronger, more resilient built environment.
