The Audubon installation team completed this project in just one day. Issues faced during this project were complying with SEPTA and AMTRAK safety training and overhead power lines. The gradient of the hill at this location added a bit more of a challenge as well, but Chuck Tauscher stated that the project was a great success and gained Audubon valuable experience working near railroad tracks with strict restrictions due to safety concerns.
Project Summary:
- Helical Pile Type: 1.5″ Square Shaft with 6″ PVC cased grout column
- # Helical Piles: 118 with maximum spacing of 10′
- Installation Depth: 19 ‘- 24’.
- Location: Delaware County, PA
- Equipment Used:
- Equipment Used: Kubota Excavator, Pro Dig X12K5 Drive Head, Digital Torque Indicator
- Ultimate Pile Capacity: 2,000 Ft-LBs of torque to achieve 20 Kips
- Challenge/Unique Aspect: An active rail line with overhead power lines could not be shut down during construction. Helicals were the ultimate choice due to safety concerns, sensitivity to vibration and mobilization issues. Helicals are installed with small equipment which could not reach the overhead power lines and machine and material could be mobilized and demobilized quickly during construction in accordance with AMTRAK requirements.
- Installer: Audubon Environmental & Helical Piers
