Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Geotechnical Engineering Services in Owings Mills, MD
The Robert B. Balter Company has been a leader in geotechnical, geo-environmental, and pavement engineering for over 50 years. Founded in 1954 by Robert B. Balter, a protg of soil mechanics pioneers Karl Terzaghi and Arthur Casagrande, we have completed more than 17,500 projects across the United States and internationally. Our team of engineers, geologists, and technicians brings decades of combined experience to every project, ensuring innovative, cost-effective solutions tailored to client needs. We maintain rigorous quality standards through 92 accredited ASTM and AASHTO test procedures and 53 USACE validations. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our work on landmark infrastructure projects, including airports, dams, and transportation systems.We prioritize integrity, ethical conduct, and client satisfaction, fostering long-term relationships with public and private sector clients. Our expertise spans subsurface investigations, materials testing, construction QA/QC, and specialized drilling, supported by state-of-the-art equipment and a fleet of in-house drill rigs. Recognized as a woman-owned small business, we combine technical proficiency with a personalized approach to service. Our professionals hold certifications from ACI, ASTM, and other industry bodies, ensuring compliance with the highest standards. This legacy of excellence has earned us numerous engineering awards and a reputation as one of the Mid-Atlantics most trusted geotechnical firms.
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Geo-environmental Assessments
Pavement Design
Subsurface Investigations
Materials Testing
Construction QA/QC
Special Inspections
Drilling Services
Foundation Design
Slope Stability Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 17,500 projects since 1954, including landmark infrastructure developments.
- Our team holds 92 accredited ASTM and AASHTO test procedures and 53 USACE validations.
- We maintain in-house drilling fleets and advanced geotechnical laboratories for rapid, accurate testing.
- Our engineers and geologists average 24 years of experience in geotechnical and geo-environmental practice.
- We are certified by ACI, NICET, and other industry bodies for construction materials testing and inspection.
Associations and certifications
- AASHTO R-18
- ASTM E329
- ASTM C1077
- ASTM D3666
- ASTM D3740
- ASTM C1093
- ER 1110-1-261
- WACEL
- NASSCO PACP, MACP, LACP, and ITC for CIPP
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical engineering services include subsurface investigations, foundation design, and slope stability analysis. We evaluate soil and rock conditions to inform construction projects, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. With advanced testing equipment and 50+ years of experience, we deliver precise assessments for infrastructure, transportation, and development projects.
Geo-environmental Assessments
We conduct geo-environmental assessments to evaluate soil, groundwater, and material contamination. Our services include Phase I/II ESAs, monitoring well installation, and remediation planning. By integrating LEED standards and sustainable practices, we help clients address environmental challenges while meeting regulatory requirements for development and infrastructure projects.
Pavement Design
Our pavement design services cover rigid and flexible pavement systems, subgrade improvements, and asphalt quality assurance. We analyze traffic loads, climate conditions, and material properties to create durable, cost-effective roadways. Our team supports projects from initial design through construction, ensuring compliance with FAA, USACE, and state transportation standards.
Subsurface Investigations
We perform subsurface investigations using truck-mounted and portable drill rigs to collect soil and rock samples. Our methods include SPT borings, wireline coring, and geophysical surveys. These data inform foundation design, excavation support, and groundwater control strategies, ensuring safe and efficient construction in complex geological conditions.
Materials Testing
Our AASHTO-accredited laboratories conduct materials testing for soils, concrete, asphalt, and aggregates. We perform compaction, strength, and durability tests to verify compliance with project specifications. Automated equipment ensures rapid, accurate results, supporting quality control for infrastructure, airport, and building projects across the U.S. and internationally.
People
Lori Balter
President
Lori Balter leads The Robert B. Balter Company with a focus on strategic growth and client relations. She upholds the firms legacy of engineering excellence while expanding its commitment to innovation and sustainability in geotechnical practice.
Edward Balter
Executive Vice-President
Edward Balter oversees operations and technical services, ensuring adherence to quality standards across all projects. With decades of experience, he specializes in construction management and QA/QC for large-scale infrastructure developments nationwide.
Jay Whittle
Technical QA Review and Senior Consultant
Jay Whittle, a licensed PE and PG, has contributed to over 8,000 projects, specializing in geotechnical problem-solving. His expertise in underground challenges and military history enriches the firms technical and cultural perspectives.
Jeremy Cooper
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Jeremy Cooper specializes in cost-effective geotechnical designs and expert witness testimony. With 30+ years in Maryland, he addresses complex foundation and construction issues, blending technical rigor with practical solutions.
Kris Crist
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Kris Crist leads projects involving airports, government facilities, and transportation systems. His fieldwork experience and geology background from the University of Delaware support innovative solutions for challenging sites.
Questions
What geotechnical services does The Robert B. Balter Company offer?
We provide subsurface investigations, foundation design, slope stability analysis, pavement engineering, and construction QA/QC, supported by in-house drilling and accredited laboratories.
How long has the company been in business?
The Robert B. Balter Company has served clients since 1954, completing over 17,500 projects across the U.S. and internationally.
Are your services accredited?
Yes, we hold 92 ASTM/AASHTO accreditations and 53 USACE validations, ensuring compliance with industry standards for materials testing and construction inspection.
What regions do you serve?
We primarily serve the Mid-Atlantic region but have completed projects nationwide and in the Caribbean, including airports, dams, and transportation infrastructure.
Can you handle large-scale infrastructure projects?
Yes, our experience includes managing multi-phase programs for airports, highways, and environmental remediation, with QA/QC oversight for complex developments.
Do you offer environmental assessments?
Yes, we conduct Phase I/II ESAs, contamination assessments, and groundwater remediation planning, integrating sustainable practices into geo-environmental projects.
