Geotechnical Engineer – Miami
Foundation Masters, LLC is a licensed Geotechnical Engineering and General Contracting firm serving Miami and South Florida.
We specialize in subsurface investigations, foundation engineering, sinkhole evaluation, ground improvement, and coastal stabilization for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal projects across Miami-Dade County.
With thousands of completed projects—from downtown high-rises to coastal infrastructure—our team brings deep local geology knowledge and field-tested solutions to every site.
Your Miami Contact
Jay Chen, Ph.D., P.E.
Principal Geotechnical Engineer
Phone: 813-317-3888
Email: jchen001@tampabay.rr.com
Why Geotechnical Engineering Matters in Miami
Miami’s porous limestone (Miami Oolite/Anastasia), high groundwater, loose sands, organics, and shoreline erosion demand careful site evaluation and custom foundation design. Tidal effects and saltwater intrusion add long-term durability and uplift considerations.
- Identify subsurface risks early (cavities, organics, SHWT, corrosion).
- Recommend durable, cost-effective foundations and ground improvement.
- Prevent water intrusion, settlement, and construction delays.
Local Expertise & Typical Project Areas
We routinely deliver projects in Brickell, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Doral, Wynwood, and along Biscayne Bay. Designs account for tidal uplift, dewatering constraints, organic settlement, and chloride exposure.
Geotechnical Engineering Services – Miami
- Site feasibility & due diligence
- Subsurface exploration: SPT borings, CPT soundings, rotary wash
- Foundation & coastal engineering design
- Ground improvement: vibro-replacement, soil mixing, pressure grouting
- Seawall & shoreline stabilization
- Sinkhole/void assessment & mitigation (where applicable)
- Dewatering & groundwater control design
- Pavement subgrade & roadway foundations
- Seismic/uplift checks for high-rise/coastal structures
- Forensic investigations & expert witness
Related pages: Geotechnical Engineering – Florida • Push & Helical Piers
Surveying & Subsurface Support
- Boundary & topographic surveys
- ALTA/NSPS land title surveys
- GPS & high-definition 3D laser scanning
- Construction layout & as-built QC
- Wetland delineation & hydrographic mapping
- Geophysical surveys (GPR, electrical resistivity, seismic)
We maintain a regionwide database of soil, rock, and groundwater data to speed planning and budgeting.
Coastal Ground Improvement & Foundation Support
- Vibro-compaction and vibro-replacement (stone columns)
- Soil mixing and cement stabilization of organics
- Seawall stabilization and corrosion-aware detailing
- Dewatering systems and cutoff barriers
- Underpinning and retrofits for existing coastal structures
Designs consider tidal fluctuations, flood events, chloride exposure, and long-term subsidence/void risks.
Miami Geotechnical FAQs
- What’s the typical subsurface profile in Miami?
- Shallow sands over porous limestone with high groundwater; organics and solution cavities occur locally, especially along the coast and former wetlands.
- Which foundations work best?
- Shallow foundations on improved ground for light structures; deep foundations (helical, micropiles, drilled shafts) or stone columns for heavier loads/void risk; corrosion protection near saltwater.
- Do I need dewatering?
- Often yes for excavations below SHWT. We design temporary and permanent groundwater control to manage uplift and inflow.
Start Your Miami Project
Planning a new build, addition, or remediation in Miami-Dade? Call 813-317-3888 or email our team for proposals and scheduling.