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Helical Pile Foundation for Shortek Shoring Stops Sloughing Soils for Luxury Home Build
Helical pile technology combines with innovative shoring system to save a custom home from the effects of sloughing soils and restore safe working conditions to the jobsite
Client
Harris Builders
Project
Shortek Shoring System Installation
Pile Details
5-1/2" Ø shaft, 16" double helix, combined with Shortek Shoring Panels
Key Challenges
● Sloughing Soils● Unstable Soils● Tight Access● Residential Area (Noise)
Problem
VersaPile was engaged to assist a valued customer in shoring an excavation for a luxury infill home build. In residential applications the typical shoring solution is to drill holes in the ground to place 6x6 timbers with plywood in behind to hold back soil from sloughing.
Unfortunately in this circumstance the weight of the soil was increased by the nearby back alley and the wood shoring gave way, failing to keep the soils from sloughing. This created a situation where the back alley was at risk of being compromised and where workers could no longer work safely in the excavation.
Driven H piles or vibrated sheet piles are typical alternatives to the affordable wood solution, however they are far from affordable. Such piles are also installed with large equipment which are difficult to work with in a residential setting and that could add weight to a back alley which was at risk.
For residential project shoring is not typical and a commercial shoring solution is a major budget add-on which can be necessary in order to build safely but does not add value/equity to the home.
Solution
VersaPile Inc. worked with the good people at Shortek Systems Inc. to develop a shoring solution using their patented Shortek System.
Shortek is a helical-driven interlocking sheet panel system which can be installed using the high torque anchor drives that are typical for high capacity helical pile installations.
In this instance, the pile shaft was 5-1/2" in diameter with two helix plates. The panels were spaced 50 inches apart and each panel was capable of shoring up to a 12 foot deep excavation.
In just two days on-site our team from VersaPile, alongside Pete from Shortek Systems, installed more than 70 lineal feet of shoring. A whaler system was welded to the top of the panels to add further strength to the shoring.
The installation process was done with no impact to the back alley, was a low noise solution, and produced no vibrations which nearby neighbors much appreciated.
Conclusion
When compared to alternative commercial shoring solutions, Shortek was a significant cost saving of nearly 50%.
Initially, the Shortek and VersaPile teams were hopeful the shoring panels could be removed after stabilization, however the strong adhesion of Winnipeg's clay soils prohibited us from retrieving the panels. Had the soil allowed retrieval of the panels, the cost to the customer would have been decreased to ~30% the cost of commercial shoring solutions. Plus, the panels could have been re-used.
Regardless, the customer was very happy to save money on an unexpected budget item and were able to safely complete their build and gain peace of mind knowing the alley will remain protected for years to come.
Contact Us
Address
2046 Van Gorp Road
Ile Des Chenes, MBCanada R0A 0T0
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 - 17:00
Contact
(234) 567-8900moc.elipasrev%40olleh