Snowbox.
Alex Macon and Strickland Davis debating whether the sand is SP or SP-SM.
MSE Wall getting a makeover after a flash flood dislodged a few face blocks during construction.
Big job, big equipment! CAT D-11 Bulldozer.
Sandbox on a windy day.
Project Sandbox
Large-Scale Earthworks for a Warehouse Distribution Center.
GeoEngineers supported the development of a major hardware retailer’s new warehouse distribution center in Westminster, Massachusetts, which was one of the Boston office’s largest earthwork efforts to date. The project, informally known as Project Sandbox, transformed a former gravel pit into a 600,000-square-foot warehouse, 350,000 square feet of outdoor storage, and a new CSX rail spur for direct product distribution. The site’s unique topography required major cutting, filling, blasting, and slope stabilization, and GeoEngineers provided continuous geotechnical support to help the client deliver a safe, stable, and constructible platform for the facility.
Approach
• Provided full geotechnical engineering and construction observation services throughout earthwork operations, including oversight of large cuts up to 90 feet and fills exceeding 30 feet.
• Conducted frequent compaction and density testing to verify soil performance, ensure long-term stability, and maintain compliance with project specifications.
• Collaborated daily with the Construction Manager and contractors to confirm that grading, retaining walls, and slope construction met design intent.
• Monitored blasting and earth movement as the team relocated approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of soil and 300,000 cubic yards of rock, maintaining quality control throughout.
• Maintained a strong on-site presence, coordinating field decisions in real time and adapting to challenging conditions, including extreme cold, drought, and high winds.
• Supported the client with proactive problem-solving and clear communication, ensuring efficient sequencing of work across the extensive site footprint.
Results
The distribution center was successfully constructed on a complex, heavily graded site through a combination of careful observation, close contractor coordination, and rigorous QA/QC. GeoEngineers’ involvement helped the team meet design requirements, maintain schedule progress, and deliver a stable platform for the retailer’s new warehouse and rail-connected operations. Ultimately, Project Sandbox showcased the Boston team’s ability to manage large-scale earthwork, navigate difficult geologic conditions, and support clients through technically demanding site development projects.
