GEOTECHNICAL • GEOLOGICAL • GEOCONSTRUCTION MONITORING AND TESTING • MATERIAL TESTING
GMTS, PSC
Founded in 1996, GMTS provides comprehensive geoprofessional services, including geotechnical, geological, and soils / construction materials testing, to a wide variety of clients and industries in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. GMTS has assembled a small network/team of highly qualified specialists and professional experts, including professionals with over 35 years of experience in a broad diversity of projects.
Our company is founded on solid engineering principles and experience, gained through many years of study, hard/honest work, and great sacrifice. We look forward to working with you in your next project.
GMTS, PSC (Geotechnical and Materials Testing Services) is a geoprofessional services firm with offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico. GMTS provides comprehensive geoprofessional services, including geotechnical, geological, and soils / construction materials testing, to the construction and manufacturing industries, government, law firms, consulting groups, out-of-state firms, and other clients in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our team includes engineers and professionals with over 35 years of experience in a wide variety of projects, including iconic construction projects in Puerto Rico.
GMTS, PSC (Geotechnical and Materials Testing Services) is a geoprofessional services firm with offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico. GMTS provides comprehensive geoprofessional services, including geotechnical, geological, and soils / construction materials testing, to the construction and manufacturing industries, government, law firms, consulting groups, out-of-state firms, and other clients in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our team includes engineers and professionals with over 35 years of experience in a wide variety of projects, including iconic construction projects in Puerto Rico.
GMTS was founded in 1996 by Engr. Héctor L. Lavergne Ramírez as a reorganization of Soil Tech, Corp., one of the largest geotechnical and geo-environmental companies in the Caribbean, in which he acted as a consulting engineer and partner. Since its beginnings, GMTS has strived to assemble experts from the industry to provide our clients superior quality services, focusing mainly on geotechnical and material testing aspects of projects. Engr. Manuel E. Ochoa Lavergne continues the GMTS legacy after Engr. Lavergne partially retired in 2016.
GMTS is founded on solid engineering principles and experience, gained through many years of study, hard/honest work, and great sacrifice. As we move forward into the new generation and world economic challenges, GMTS continues evolving over a solid technical foundation. We encourage the exploration of new and sound emerging technologies, focusing always on the best possible services for our clients. GMTS, therefore, uses for example state-of-the-art computer programs, including complex finite element modeling, if projects so require. Finally, we strongly believe (more than ever) in a teamwork approach, with close communication and coordination with clients and our network of experts.
GMTS’ mission is to be recognized as a leading expert in the field of geotechnical engineering and material testing services, with specialty in tropical regions. This can only be achieved if our clients’ projects succeed. Therefore, GMTS’ goals are aimed to provide cost effective, high quality, safe, AND on-schedule professional services. We thrive to provide nothing but the best possible services that we can… no exceptions! To meet these commitments and goals, the company has assembled a small network/team of highly qualified specialists and professional experts, to deliver the highest level of quality with the individualized approach required by each client.
A NOTE ON SAFETY: our employees are our NUMBER ONE ASSET!!! No project is successful if our safety goals are not met. While conscious of the safety risks associated with the construction industry, we strongly believe in a Nobody Gets Hurt philosophy. For this, every project is planned accordingly, and employees are encouraged to focus on safety… no job is so important to risk our employees’ health and safety.
MEET OUR NETWORK OF PROFESSIONALS
- Manuel E. Ochoa Lavergne, MSCE, PE (Senior Geotechnical Engineer / President)
- Héctor L. Lavergne, PE, CWI, NACE (former GMTS President)
- Nicole M. Lavergne Díaz, MSCE, PE (finite element and complex computer modeling)
- Nicolino Liberatore, PhD, PG (geologist / hydrogeologist consultant)
- José G. Paniagua, PhD, PE (geotechnical and seismic consultant)
- AATech Scientific, Inc. (deep foundation consultant)
- SPEC Group (laboratory testing services and consultant)
- Forrest Environmental Services, Inc. (geophysical survey specialists)
GMTS, PSC (Geotechnical and Materials Testing Services) is a geoprofessional services firm with offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico. GMTS provides comprehensive geoprofessional services, including geotechnical, geological, and soils / construction materials testing, to the construction and manufacturing industries, government, law firms, consulting groups, out-of-state firms, and other clients in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our team includes engineers and professionals with over 35 years of experience in a wide variety of projects, including iconic construction projects in Puerto Rico.
GMTS was founded in 1996 by Engr. Héctor L. Lavergne Ramírez as a reorganization of Soil Tech, Corp., one of the largest geotechnical and geo-environmental companies in the Caribbean, in which he acted as a consulting engineer and partner. Since its beginnings, GMTS has strived to assemble experts from the industry to provide our clients superior quality services, focusing mainly on geotechnical and material testing aspects of projects. Engr. Manuel E. Ochoa Lavergne continues the GMTS legacy after Engr. Lavergne partially retired in 2016.
GMTS is founded on solid engineering principles and experience, gained through many years of study, hard/honest work, and great sacrifice. As we move forward into the new generation and world economic challenges, GMTS continues evolving over a solid technical foundation. We encourage the exploration of new and sound emerging technologies, focusing always on the best possible services for our clients. GMTS, therefore, uses for example state-of-the-art computer programs, including complex finite element modeling, if projects so require. Finally, we strongly believe (more than ever) in a teamwork approach, with close communication and coordination with clients and our network of experts.
GMTS’ mission is to be recognized as a leading expert in the field of geotechnical engineering and material testing services, with specialty in tropical regions. This can only be achieved if our clients’ projects succeed. Therefore, GMTS’ goals are aimed to provide cost effective, high quality, safe, AND on-schedule professional services. We thrive to provide nothing but the best possible services that we can… no exceptions! To meet these commitments and goals, the company has assembled a small network/team of highly qualified specialists and professional experts, to deliver the highest level of quality with the individualized approach required by each client.
A NOTE ON SAFETY: our employees are our NUMBER ONE ASSET!!! No project is successful if our safety goals are not met. While conscious of the safety risks associated with the construction industry, we strongly believe in a Nobody Gets Hurt philosophy. For this, every project is planned accordingly, and employees are encouraged to focus on safety… no job is so important to risk our employees’ health and safety.
MEET OUR NETWORK OF PROFESSIONALS
- Manuel E. Ochoa Lavergne, MSCE, PE (Senior Geotechnical Engineer / President)
- Héctor L. Lavergne, PE, CWI, NACE (former GMTS President)
- Nicole M. Lavergne Díaz, MSCE, PE (finite element and complex computer modeling)
- Nicolino Liberatore, PhD, PG (geologist / hydrogeologist consultant)
- José G. Paniagua, PhD, PE (geotechnical and seismic consultant)
- AATech Scientific, Inc. (deep foundation consultant)
- SPEC Group (laboratory testing services and consultant)
- Forrest Environmental Services, Inc. (geophysical survey specialists)
GMTS has collaborated in projects for a distinguished national and international clientele. A representative sample of key projects is listed, to illustrate the diversity of clients and services offered.
HIGHWAYS/INFRASTRUCTURE:
- Route PR-66 Phase I and Phase II, Canóvanas to Rio Grande, PR
- Route PR-181/PR-17 Interchange, San Juan, PR
- Reconstruction / Rehabilitation of Piers 8 & 9 in San Juan Harbor, San Juan, PR
- South Airfield Improvements at Luis Muñoz Marín Airport, Carolina, PR
- New LPG Conversion Facilities at WAPA, St. Thomas & St. Croxi, USVI
INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL:
- Improvements and expansions to Lilly del Caribe, Carolina, PR
- Facility upgrades at Bacardi, Cataño, PR
- Baxter Healthcare Corporation of PR (various projects)
- Expansions and Cavity Assessments at Merck, Sharp & Dohme Química de PR, Barceloneta, PR
- Various Expansions at Plaza Las Américas and Plaza del Caribe Mall, San Juan / Ponce, PR
RESIDENTIAL:
- Montehiedra Development, San Juan, PR
- Finca Elena Development, Guayanbo, PR
- Bahía del Sol Development, Cabo Rojo, PR
- Puerta del Mar Complex, Aguadilla, PR
- Riviera Community, Bayamón, PR
INSTITUTIONAL TOURISM:
- Puerto Rico National Cemetery (VA), Bayamón / Morovis, PR
- El Conquistador Resort, Fajardo, PR
- Improvements to Héctor Martinez Ruiz School, Barceloneta, PR
- Bernardino Cordero Vocational School, Ponce, PR
- Sheraton Hotel at Puerto Rico Convention Center District, San Juan, PR
SPECIAL COMMUNITY
- ENLACE Caño Martín Peña Sanitary Sewer at Israel-Bitumul & Paseo del Caño Sur, San Juan, PR
- Comunidad Especial El Guano, Utuado, PR
- Comunidad Especial Rio Hondo, Mayagüez, PR
- Comunidad Especial Las Juanitas, Las Marías, PR
- Comunidad Especial Juana Matos, Cataño, PR
STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATIONS
- Caribe Hilton structural investigation and corrosion assessment, San Juan, PR
- New Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico structural investigation, San Juan, PR
- Rise Village structural investigation, Carolina, PR
- Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Popular Center parking building structural investigation
- Márquez Arbona Housing Project structural investigation and corrosion assessment
WELDING INSPECTIONS:
- Inspection of fabrication and erection of steel roof of the Coliseo de PR, San Juan, PR
- Inspection of fabrication and erection of steel roof of the Natatorio de PR, San Juan, PR
- OPA Building Phase II at VA Hospital, San Juan, PR
- Hospital Municipal San Fernando, Carolina, PR
- Corco Tower, Peñuelas, PR
OTHER:
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at the Puerto Rico Convention Center
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at Macy’s Store
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at JcPenney’s Stores
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at the General VA Building
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at San Jorge Children Hospital
HIGHWAYS/INFRASTRUCTURE:
- Route PR-66 Phase I and Phase II, Canóvanas to Rio Grande, PR
- Route PR-181/PR-17 Interchange, San Juan, PR
- Reconstruction / Rehabilitation of Piers 8 & 9 in San Juan Harbor, San Juan, PR
- South Airfield Improvements at Luis Muñoz Marín Airport, Carolina, PR
- New LPG Conversion Facilities at WAPA, St. Thomas & St. Croxi, USVI
INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL:
- Improvements and expansions to Lilly del Caribe, Carolina, PR
- Facility upgrades at Bacardi, Cataño, PR
- Baxter Healthcare Corporation of PR (various projects)
- Expansions and Cavity Assessments at Merck, Sharp & Dohme Química de PR, Barceloneta, PR
- Various Expansions at Plaza Las Américas and Plaza del Caribe Mall, San Juan / Ponce, PR
RESIDENTIAL:
- Montehiedra Development, San Juan, PR
- Finca Elena Development, Guayanbo, PR
- Bahía del Sol Development, Cabo Rojo, PR
- Puerta del Mar Complex, Aguadilla, PR
- Riviera Community, Bayamón, PR
INSTITUTIONAL TOURISM:
- Puerto Rico National Cemetery (VA), Bayamón / Morovis, PR
- El Conquistador Resort, Fajardo, PR
- Improvements to Héctor Martinez Ruiz School, Barceloneta, PR
- Bernardino Cordero Vocational School, Ponce, PR
- Sheraton Hotel at Puerto Rico Convention Center District, San Juan, PR
SPECIAL COMMUNITY
- ENLACE Caño Martín Peña Sanitary Sewer at Israel-Bitumul & Paseo del Caño Sur, San Juan, PR
- Comunidad Especial El Guano, Utuado, PR
- Comunidad Especial Rio Hondo, Mayagüez, PR
- Comunidad Especial Las Juanitas, Las Marías, PR
- Comunidad Especial Juana Matos, Cataño, PR
STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATIONS
- Caribe Hilton structural investigation and corrosion assessment, San Juan, PR
- New Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico structural investigation, San Juan, PR
- Rise Village structural investigation, Carolina, PR
- Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Popular Center parking building structural investigation
- Márquez Arbona Housing Project structural investigation and corrosion assessment
WELDING INSPECTIONS:
- Inspection of fabrication and erection of steel roof of the Coliseo de PR, San Juan, PR
- Inspection of fabrication and erection of steel roof of the Natatorio de PR, San Juan, PR
- OPA Building Phase II at VA Hospital, San Juan, PR
- Hospital Municipal San Fernando, Carolina, PR
- Corco Tower, Peñuelas, PR
OTHER:
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at the Puerto Rico Convention Center
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at Macy’s Store
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at JcPenney’s Stores
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at the General VA Building
- Inspection of Sprayed Fire Resistive Material at San Jorge Children Hospital
With a network/team of highly qualified specialists and professional experts, including professionals with over 35 years of experience, GMTS strives to provide optimal and individualized services per project requirements. This includes a variety of services, project phasing, and the use of state-of-the-art technologies. We encourage our clients to inquire us about special project requirements that we may be of service. Our services may be summarized within the following general categories.
- Geotechnical
- Geological (including: Hydro-Geological
and risk potential of karst environments)
- Assessment of potential quarry and borrow material sites
• Geotechnical design evaluation & analyses
• Value engineering (including finite element modeling)
• Shoring and excavation design
• Forensic engineering
• Peer review
• Expert witness
- Electrical resistivity
- Micro-Gravity
- Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW)
- Seismic refraction
- GPR
• Geotechnical investigation:
- Drilling and sampling (soil and rock)
- Dynamic cone penetrometer (DCPT)
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
- Monitoring wells
- Inclinometers
- Percolation tests
• Soil and rock advanced testing
• Construction material testing (soil, concrete, steel, ceramics, etc.)
*Our laboratory testing providers are AASTHO, MRL, A2LA, and/or USACE
accredited/validated!!!
and Testing Services:
- Compaction/density testing
- Site improvement
• Sitting of structures
• Concrete testing (including mass concrete)
• Deep foundation monitoring and testing:
- Static/Modulus load test monitoring
- Bi-Directional Static Load Testing (BDSLT)
- Dynamic Testing (PDA)
- Integrity Testing (PIT/CSL)
• Non-Destructive testing (NDT)
• Corrosion testing (NACE)
• Sprayed-On fire resistive inspection (SFRM)
• Coatings testing / inspection
• Structural investigations
• Quality control & inspection services for civil engineering projects