A Case Study of Metropolitan Community College

November 12, 2021 | Grip-Tite | Foundation Repair Category

Perimeter Improvements Project

The perimeter improvements project included the construction of three (3) new signage elements/architectural landscape features. Two of the signage elements measure 30 feet by 5 feet and 20 feet tall. One combined sign/architectural feature measures are more than 110 feet long and 20 feet tall. Construction consisted of poured concrete foundations, reinforced masonry block, brick, and precast concrete.

Twenty-four soil borings were completed across the site in January 2005 as part of the geotechnical investigation for the then-proposed connector building and site improvements. The test borings identified undocumented fill soils to depths ranging from 3.5 feet to 18.5 feet. The fill was described as silty clay with varying quantities of gravel, brick, concrete, and organic material. The moisture content, density, and strength of the fill were also highly variable. Soft to stiff silty clay Peorian loess was encountered beneath the fill. Stiff to very stiff lean to fat clay Loveland loess was encountered in four of the test borings at depths of 40 feet to 50 feet.

The Construction Plan

The design team determined the existing fill soils to be unsuitable for support of the structures on shallow spread footings, due to the relatively high risk of damaging differential settlements. The foundations were then designed as grade beams supported by new construction helical piers, each pier with a design load of at least 25 kips (25,000 pounds).

Based upon the soil and loading conditions, Grip-Tite^® determined a helical pier configuration consisting of a 2 7/8-inch outside diameter round shaft with a triple-helix lead section (10-inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch diameter helix blades) followed by one (1) double-helix extension (two 14-inch diameter helix blades). Standard extensions would advance the piers to the design depths.

Execution of the Plan

Thirty-four (34) helical piers were installed to depths ranging from about 28 feet to 39 feet. The ultimate pier capacities, determined by correlation to installation torque, confirmed the initial calculated design capacities and were at least twice the design load. Despite encountering rubble fill and old, buried concrete and brick foundations, pier installation was completed in four days.

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Grip-Tite® Products Used

Helical Pier System

Helical piers (also known as helical piles) are used to repair an existing structure and also for new construction