ARCADIS’ MAKELAND approach is based on a firm understanding of final land use. It starts with geotechnical engineering because this is where most costs are incurred. However, it does not stop there.

The MAKELAND approach considers ecosystem and infrastructure, focusing on return in value for project investment. It utilizes a broad array of site-improvement technologies, including densification, settlement acceleration, soil stabilization/solidification, geosynthetic application and electro-kinetics.

The MAKELAND approach addresses site-specific criteria from a holistic perspective:

• Geotechnical site improvements to address geotechnical shortcomings, such as low bearing capacity, high compressibility, liquefaction potential, inundation and other drainage issues
• Ecosystem improvement opportunities to integrate terrestrial- and aquatic-habitat restoration goals and create comprehensive ecosystems
• Removal or immobilization of contamination, if present, using site-improvement technologies
• Regulatory compliance at all levels of federal/national/EU and state/provincial/municipal jurisdiction
• Cost-saving efficiencies