At a residential community in Denver, Colorado, ongoing erosion and soil settlement had become more than a landscaping problem. Around one townhome, enough soil had washed away that the deck footings were exposed, creating a potentially hazardous condition for the homeowner. The soil movement had also stretched irrigation lines and caused damage to several retaining walls.
The problem was tied to two conditions working together: the sloping site was not adequately retaining soil, and roof drainage was directing additional water into the affected area. Over time, that combination contributed to major erosion and settlement around the building.
The community needed to understand why the problem kept happening and how to keep it from happening again.
Finding the Right Repair
Knott Laboratory’s civil engineering team evaluated the site conditions and developed a repair approach focused on the underlying causes of the erosion.
The repair plan addressed both soil stability and water management. An additional retaining wall was proposed to better hold the soil in place along the slope, while changes to the roof drainage system would help control where water was directed around the building. The design also accounted for repairs to affected foundation elements if needed.
Giving the Community a Plan
Once the repair approach was established, Knott developed the engineering documents needed to move the project toward construction. These included site and base plans, demolition information, and drawings outlining the proposed repairs.
Together, the plans gave the community a coordinated path forward for stabilizing the area, improving drainage, and repairing the damage caused by the ongoing erosion.
For homeowners, property managers, and HOA boards, the project is a good reminder that repeated erosion or settlement is often a sign of a bigger issue. Replacing soil may improve the appearance temporarily, but a lasting solution starts with understanding where the water is going, why the soil is moving, and what needs to change to keep the problem from returning.
