Protective structures
Berm design in Quebec, New Brunswick, the N.W.T. and Nunavut
JPC Consultants inc. designs berms in Quebec City and the surrounding regions: stable protective mounds suited to the site's soils and to their intended use.
Our approach
A simple-looking mound, a structure to calculate
A berm is an elongated mound made of earth, stone or other materials. It is built to protect a site, a structure or a work area.
Even if it looks simple, a berm must remain stable. Its height, slopes and foundation depend on the soils in place and the loads it must carry.
JPC Consultants inc. includes berms in its soil stabilization and protective structure mandates. We prepare the calculations and engineering plans needed to build them.
As with all our mandates, we present the possible options and their limits before designing the structure. If a project does not seem viable to us, we tell you.
- Stability calculations
- Engineering plans
- Suited to the soils in place
- Options compared with you
Understanding the structure
What is a berm used for?
A berm creates a physical barrier. It can, for example, hold back materials, separate a work area from a traffic lane or form a screen around a site.
Its design takes into account the stability of its slopes, the bearing capacity of the soil that supports it and drainage. A poorly designed berm can slump or slide.
When there is not enough room for a gently sloped mound, a retaining wall or a gabion wall can take over. We compare these options with you.
We also design other protective structures. This includes anti-collision walls for train derailment, like the one in the photo at the top of this page.
Our mandate
What berm design includes
Each berm meets a specific need. Here are the items we check and specify in our plans.
- 01
Soils in place
Checking the bearing capacity of the soil under the mound.
- 02
Geometry of the structure
Height, width and slopes suited to the use and the materials.
- 03
Slope stability
Calculations to prevent slides and slumping.
- 04
Drainage
Water management to protect the mound and nearby structures.
- 05
Engineering plans
Clear plans for building the berm.
- 06
Alternative solutions
Retaining wall or gabion wall when space is limited.
Our process
From need to finished structure
- 01
Site analysis
Review of soils, available space and the intended use of the berm.
- 02
Choice of solution
Berm, gabion wall or retaining wall, based on the site and cost.
- 03
Design and plans
Stability calculations, engineering plans and construction notes.
- 04
Construction follow-up
Site inspection and technical answers during the work.
Who we serve
For mining, public and commercial sites
We support contractors, mining companies, cities and communities and developers. Our mandates also cover commercial and private projects.
A berm rests on soil that must be checked. When needed, we combine its design with our soil stabilization solutions, such as bearing capacity reinforcement.
Do you have another civil engineering structure to design? Contact us. If we cannot do it, we will tell you quickly.
- Contractors
- Mining companies
- Cities and communities
- Developers
- Commercial projects
Why us
Why choose JPC Consultants inc.
Since JPC Consultants inc. was founded in 2012, the goal has always been the same: keep the same clients and contractors, and make sure they are satisfied.
Fast response
An engineer gets back to you quickly and gives you an opinion from the very first conversation.
Deadlines and fees respected
Documents are delivered within the agreed deadlines and in the required format.
Expertise
In-depth knowledge of our fields of expertise, and we handle all the calculations.
Personalized service
Each mandate is approached according to the project's technical and contractual constraints.
Transparency
If we believe a project is not viable, we tell you.
Recognized suppliers
A wide range of suppliers established in Quebec, to offer you a variety of solutions.
Between Fermont and Gatineau, by way of Nunavut and New Brunswick, JPC Consultants inc. has worked on a great many projects. We are members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ), of NAPEG for the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and of AIGNB-APEGNB for New Brunswick.
A berm is an elongated mound made of earth, stone or other materials. It is built to protect a site, a structure or a work area.
Its stability depends on the soils in place, its slopes and drainage. Calculations help prevent it from slumping or sliding.
A retaining wall or a gabion wall can replace a gently sloped mound. We compare these options with you before the design.
Yes. We design, among others, anti-collision walls for train derailment and all kinds of retaining walls.
In Quebec, New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, including projects in remote areas.
Need a berm designed?
For berm design in Quebec City, in the surrounding regions or in remote areas, tell us about your site and its intended use. An engineer will outline the possible options and the data needed for the design.