Department of Veterans Affairs - Willamette National Cemetery
Client: Department of Veterans Affairs
Year: 2025
Location: Portland, OR
Features:
Approximately 300-acre cemetery expansion
75 geotechnical borings completed across the project site
Evaluation of shallow groundwater and seasonal perched water conditions
Seismic Site Class D determination in accordance with ASCE 7-16
Low liquefaction and lateral spreading risk confirmed
Foundation recommendations supporting buildings, walls, and site infrastructure
Engineering support for roads, parking areas, underground utilities, and retaining structures
Project Summary
Central Engineering Services provided comprehensive geotechnical engineering services for the expansion of the Willamette National Cemetery in Salem, Oregon. Supporting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this 300-acre expansion will increase the cemetery's capacity for approximately 15 years through the development of new burial sections, in-ground cremation areas, a future columbarium, entrance roads, parking facilities, and supporting infrastructure.
Our team performed a comprehensive subsurface investigation and engineering evaluation to provide the geotechnical information needed to support design, construction, and long-term performance of the site while meeting federal design standards.
Scope of Work:
Central Engineering Services performed a comprehensive geotechnical investigation that included drilling 75 soil borings with Standard Penetration Testing (SPT), laboratory testing, and detailed engineering analyses to evaluate the site's subsurface conditions. Our team assessed groundwater, seismic hazards, liquefaction potential, lateral spreading, slope stability, and earthwork considerations while developing design recommendations for foundations, retaining structures, pavements, slabs-on-grade, excavation, and drainage. The completed investigation provided the Department of Veterans Affairs with construction-ready geotechnical recommendations to support final design and future construction activities.
Features:
Completed 75 Standard Penetration Test (SPT) borings across the 300-acre project site.
Evaluated subsurface soils consisting of silts, sands, gravels, and basaltic materials common to the Willamette Valley.
Performed laboratory testing including moisture content, density, gradation, and Atterberg limits to determine engineering properties.
Assessed groundwater conditions, including perched and seasonal groundwater impacts on future construction.
Conducted seismic site classification, liquefaction, lateral spreading, and slope stability evaluations in accordance with ASCE 7-16.
Developed design recommendations for shallow foundations, retaining structures, earthwork, pavements, groundwater management, and erosion control.
Results:
Central's investigation confirmed the site's suitability for long-term cemetery expansion and provided the geotechnical information necessary to advance design with confidence. By identifying site constraints early and delivering practical engineering recommendations, our work helped reduce construction risk, support resilient infrastructure design, and further the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to expand burial capacity for veterans and their families.