The America Center Phase II project included the addition of
two six-story office buildings and a four-story parking garage
constructed on the top deck of the landfill with approximate
dimensions of 130 by 260 feet and 180 by 340 feet, respectively. Phase
II of the multi-phase project had Foundation Constructors, Inc. (FCI)
installing 470 each 18-inch PCPS square spliced pile into predrilled
holes permanently cased with CMP through the landfill material.
During the early stages of the project, and prior to installing production
piles, FCI installed and PDA tested 27 indicators to check the
driving behavior of the piles as well as confirm final pile lengths.
Due to a demanding schedule, FCI elected to utilize two pile
drivers, a Manitowoc 4000W and a Link-Belt LS338 with D62-
22 hammers for driving. As a result of the project being located
on a landfill, piles varied in length from 92 feet up to 200 feet.
Additional equipment supporting the driving crane during pile
splices, cut-offs and cap connection was 150T Kobelco crane, 50T
Michigan forklift and a Xtreme telescoping forklift.
Project challenges and innovative solutions
With the project located next to a hotel and two existing office
buildings, all deliveries had to be coordinated and executed so
that the public and businesses adjacent to the project site were not
disrupted. The site had two points of entry for all construction
work with limited material storage areas. FCI staff had to coordinate
each pile delivery truck to ensure the proper pile length
was delivered to the correct structure. Construction scheduling
was also critical. Strict schedule coordination between CMP casing
and pile driving ensured safe working conditions, along with
maximizing pile driving efficiency. Predrilling began several days
prior to FCI mobilizing pile driving equipment. This was to minimize
crews working in close proximity of each other with chance
of encroaching into another contractor’s safety fall zone.
Land: Greater
than $5 Million –
The America
Center Phase II
Foundation Constructors, Inc.
By Chris Jalowiec, Foundation Constructors, Inc.
Strict schedule coordination
between CMP casing and pile
driving ensured safe working
conditions, along with maximizing
pile driving efficiency.
92 | ISSUE 4 2017