Saint-Hyacinthe sits at 45 metres above sea level on the south shore of the Yamaska River. The soil here is tricky. Thick marine clay from the old Champlain Sea blankets much of the region. That clay amplifies seismic waves. The 2013 National Building Code update raised the bar for seismic design in Quebec. We run MASW surveys across the Saint-Hyacinthe area—from the agri-food district near Highway 20 to the residential expansion zones south of downtown. The data feeds directly into NBCC site classification. VS30 is the number engineers need. We deliver it. No fluff. For deeper correlation on soft soils we combine MASW with CPT testing to verify stratigraphy before classifying the site.
VS30 is not just a number for the permit. It is what determines how much your building will shake.
Common questions
How much does a MASW survey cost in Saint-Hyacinthe?
A standard single-line MASW survey in the Saint-Hyacinthe region typically ranges from CA$2,070 to CA$4,220. The final amount depends on access conditions, number of lines, and whether additional testing like refraction is bundled. We send a fixed-price quote after reviewing the site address and project scope.
Which NBCC site class applies to the clay soils in Saint-Hyacinthe?
Most clay deposits in the Saint-Hyacinthe area fall into site class D or E depending on thickness and shear wave velocity. NBCC 2020 Table 4.1.8.4.A defines the boundaries. VS30 below 180 m/s generally triggers class E. We measure the actual velocity. No assumptions.
How long does it take to get the VS30 report?
Field work for a single MASW line takes about two hours on site. Data processing and report preparation require three to four business days. We deliver a stamped PDF report with the Vs profile, VS30 value, and NBCC site class ready for permit submission.
