The installer measured the dock and it was decided that a mini excavator with a drilling rig would just barely fit. The design called for the helical piles to be installed next to, or in between, some of the pilings that had lifted. Each would provide 2 kips of uplift resistance. The installer drove their CAT 303, mini-excavator (with a Pengo 12K drilling head) down a small boat ramp to the beach, then across the beach, and under the dock. The wet sand was pretty stiff, so getting bogged down wasn’t a problem; head room was. There were only 7′ or 8′, which was just enough room to lift the boom of the excavator.
Members of the Roton Boat Club in Norwalk, Connecticut can once again enjoy sitting on the club’s large dock (25′ by 100′), especially now that it is level.
Project Summary:
- Helical Pile Type: 1.75″ Square Shaft
- # of Helical Piles: 10
- Location: Norwalk, CT 06853
- Installation Depth: 15′
- Equipment Used: CAT 303, Mini Excavator with a Pengo 12k Drivehead
- Challenge/Unique Aspect: 7-8 feet head room
