Navy Barracks

The Challenge

The renovation needed new foundation capacity in weak soils. The project team required a foundation system that could reliably provide axial compression, tension, and lateral resistance. A system without relying on skin friction in the soft upper strata.

The Solution

Magnum-Geo Solutions designed a pressure grouted helical pile system using MAGNUMreg MH325BR grouted helical piles. Advanced Builders, Inc. installed 146 piles, including load test piles to verify performance. The specified allowable capacities of 40 KIP compression, 30 KIP tension, and 2.5 KIP lateral. The pressure grouting improved pile performance in the weak soils. This provided the required axial and lateral resistance for the renovated barracks.

Results

The installed MAGNUMreg MH325BR grouted helical piles met the projects allowable capacities, addressing the weak soil conditions and providing the additional foundation support required for the Navy barracks renovation at Norfolk Naval Station.

Highlights

Project Date: April 2013,

Project: Navy Barracks Renovation (Buildings IF, KJ, and KK),

Location: Norfolk Naval Station, Norfolk, VA,

Engineer of Record: Magnum-Geo Solutions,

Installer: Advanced Builders, Inc., MAGNUMreg

Product: MH325BR Grouted Helical Piles,

Piles Installed: 146, Allowable Capacities: 40 KIP compression; 30 KIP tension; 2.5 KIP lateral,

Soil Conditions: Weak soils present at the site,

Foundation Approach: Pressure-grouted helical piles; load testing performed

MAGNUM® Piering

MAGNUMreg grouted helical piles provided dependable axial compression, tension, and lateral resistance in weak soils, making them well suited for renovation work at the existing Navy barracks. By combining pressure grouting with the MH325BR pile, the system delivered the additional foundation capacity required for the project.