Bryant was engaged to complete a geotechnical/geophysical investigation to determine the cause and origin of frequent water ponding and soil saturation noted in the backyard of a residential property in Georgetown, Texas. Our comprehensive investigation encompassed a range of crucial activities including a geotechnical/geophysical subsurface investigation, involving two geotechnical borings and three advanced resistivity profiles, employing Direct Current Resistivity Method (DCRM), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Geo-electrical Moisture Material Imaging Resistivity (GMMIR®). Additionally, we installed a piezometer well equipped with a transducer to monitor groundwater levels over time. We also rigorously lab-tested extruded soil samples to accurately characterize the soil profile. We analyzed the data, both from the soil samples and the transducer in relation to the observed ponding water conditions at the Site.

We were able to draw the following conclusions:

• The piezometer consistently registered a baseline water level approximately 6 to 7 feet below the surface.
• Following precipitation and irrigation events, water levels experienced fluctuations, temporarily rising to as shallow as about 2 feet below the surface before reverting to the established baseline.
• The presence of a permeable weathered limestone layer situated above a low permeable, high plasticity clay layer suggests a perched water table condition at the Site. This configuration allows water accumulation on top of the superficial clay layer.

Given these findings, Bryant advocated for the implementation of a French drain system as an effective measure to alleviate the prominent water ponding issue in the backyard of the Site as a strategic approach aimed to address the observed conditions comprehensively, providing a sustainable solution for improved site performance.