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.
Earth Retention Services for
Non-Commercial Buildings

Government Buildings & Courthouses

Schools & Universities

Museums, Libraries & Cultural Centers

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.
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.
