A 250,000 pound printing press and two box cutting machines needed to be supported on deep foundations underneath structural floor slabs. Zero settlement tolerances were required for these machines which produced a dynamic load due to the large cylinders producing constant vibration while in operation. Helical piles were selected as they were able to achieve the load, meet the strict settlement criteria and mitigate various site issues at the plant.
Project Summary:
- Helical Pile Type: 5.5″ Pipe Piles- grout filled
- # of Helical Piles: 38 for the Printing Press; 20 for each cutter
- Location: Fairless Hills, PA
- Installation Depth: 12′ to 15′
- Helix Plates/Ultimate Pile Capacity: 14″ 16″ 18″/40 Kips
- Equipment Used: Samsung Excavator, 30 K Drive, Marian Torque Indicator
- Challenge/Unique Aspect: Access for the excavator was tight and limited to an oversize bay in the rear of the building. Each work area needed to be sealed off from the rest of the plant which remained in operation throughout the various installations. Soil consisted of fill [Gravel] overlaying a fine sand which produced dust. A load test was required to prove that helicals could support the seismic load from the constantly rotating cylinders in the press and box cutters.
- Engineer/Architect: Michael A Beach Consulting – Structural Engineers
ECS – Pile Inspectors - Gencorelli Engineering – Load Test & Pile Design
- General Contractor: Rapacioli Corp
- Certified Installer: Vaspoli Builders
