Building Strong Foundations for Public Infrastructure

From schools to community centers, Schnabel provides geotechnical solutions that ensure stability, safety, and long-term performance for non-commercial building projects.

At Schnabel, we understand the unique challenges faced by non-commercial building projects—whether it’s a government building, a school, or a museum. We deliver earth retention and specialty foundation solutions tailored to the specific needs of public and institutional infrastructure, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum safety for every project.

Earth Retention Services for
Non-Commercial Buildings

Non-commercial construction projects often come with unique challenges, including working around occupied facilities and minimizing disruption to surrounding communities. Schnabel’s geotechnical solutions are designed to meet these demands, providing safe, reliable, and efficient earth retention services. We support:
Government Buildings & Courthouses

Government Buildings & Courthouses

Schools & Universities

Schools & Universities

Museums, Libraries & Cultural Centers

Museums, Libraries & Cultural Centers

Religious Buildings

Religious Buildings

Geotechnical Solutions for Public and Institutional Projects

We offer a range of geotechnical services tailored to the specific needs of non-commercial building projects:

Excavation Support Systems

Enabling safe and efficient construction of basements, utility corridors, and below-grade structures.

Cut-Off Walls

Reducing groundwater intrusion to improve site safety and mitigate construction risks.

Underpinning

Stabilizing and protecting adjacent facilities during excavation, ensuring minimal disruption.

Specialty Foundations

Transferring structural loads to deeper, more stable soils or bedrock, ensuring long-term stability and resilience.

Ready to Build Strong, Safe Public Spaces? Let’s Talk.

Why Schnabel?

For more than 65 years, Schnabel has partnered with public agencies, institutions, and developers to deliver customized geotechnical solutions for non-commercial buildings. Our design-build capabilities, technical expertise, and commitment to safety allow us to help clients to navigate site constraints, minimize disruption, meet project requirements and stay on schedule and budget.

Partner with Schnabel for your next non-commercial building project
Our commitment to innovation, safety, and efficiency ensures that your project will be delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Real-World Results in Non-Commercial Buildings

Proven Expertise Across Public Sector and Institutional Projects

Schnabel has successfully partnered with public agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations to deliver safe, resilient spaces. Here are a few examples of how we’ve made a difference.

Illinois State Capitol Phase IV

Location:

Springfield, IL

Client:

Core Construction and River City Construction

Background

The State of Illinois began renovations on the 155-year-old Capitol Building’s north wing, including basement modifications and a new underground conference center.

Schnabel’s Solution

Schnabel provided excavation support and underpinning for a 30-ft deep excavation adjacent to the Capitol. Work included 190 piles, 140 permanent tiebacks, and 880 SF of underpinning, using both hand-dug and mechanically-dug pits.

Results

Despite limited access, overhead utilities, stiff clay, and groundwater conditions, Schnabel delivered safe, cost-effective support that preserved the historic foundation and enabled future expansions.

Cal Poly Landslide Stabilization

Location:

San Luis Obispo, CA

Client:

Core Construction and River City Construction

Background

In 2017, heavy rains triggered a landslide that impacted the Fremont Dorm at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, forcing evacuation. The university sought a permanent stabilization solution.

Schnabel’s Solution

Partnering with Yeh & Associates and Cannon Engineering, Schnabel designed and built an earth retention system. The design included soldier pile walls, waler galleries, and 29,000 LF of tiebacks anchored into bedrock. Schnabel also served as general contractor, self-performing gallery wale construction and tieback drilling.

Results

The project successfully stabilized the landslide, allowing the university to safely move forward with future use of the dorm facility.

See How We Can Help You Build with Confidence

Explore how Schnabel’s innovative geotechnical solutions can support your non-commercial project.

Key Contacts:

David Vega Sanchez | PM, Pre-Con

Key Contacts:

German Varon | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Ernie Brandl | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Key Contacts:

Ryan Whaley | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Kristopher Knier | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Brendan Sheppard | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Key Contacts:

Claus Ludwig | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Key Contacts:

Mark Goudschaal | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Key Contacts:

Sue Wright | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Harold Gathers | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Key Contacts:

Sixto Fernandez | Mid-Atlantic Area Manager

Rich Pratt | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Taylor Youngwood | PM, Pre-Con

Key Contacts:

Josh Fallon | Sr. PM, Pre-Con

Key Contacts:

Michael Patzek | Business Development Manager