Axalta Coating Systems

Project Overview

Axalta Coating Systems Inc. brought an estimated $70 million global research and development facility to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The two-story building totaling 175,000 square feet serves as Axalta’s “Global Innovation Center.” The project was developed by Liberty Property Trust and Synterra Partners. GeoStructures was retained by Liberty Property Trust to perform the geotechnical investigation to characterize the subsurface conditions for foundation design and construction.

GeoStructures identified two subsurface factors governing the geotechnical design: (1) buried remnant foundations with loose existing fill and (2) consolidation settlement of the underlying soft silt. Upon performing geochemical analysis and numerous consolidation tests on the silt, a feasible site remediation plan was developed. This plan consisted of proof-rolling to densify the existing loose fill and preloading to induce consolidation of the soft silt prior to construction. The need for costly piles was thus eliminated and, instead, conventional shallow foundations were used.

An average of 12ft-high surcharge fill was placed on site and left to settle for approximately 6 months. During this period, the ground settlement and pore pressure in the silt layer were continuously monitored. Once the preloading was confirmed to have achieved its intended objectives, the surcharge was cut back to the proposed subgrade and building construction began.

In addition to conducting infiltration testing in relation to proposed stormwater facilities, GeoStructures was awarded the construction inspection and materials testing for the project. The scopes of inspection work included earthwork and subgrade, cast-in-place concrete, structural steel, and fireproofing.

Instrumentation and Special Testing

Geotechnical Laboratory Testing

Foundation Investigation and Design

Drilling Services and Subsurface Investigations

Percolation and Permeability In-Situ Testing

Our Comprehensive Project Workflow: Step-by-Step Guide

01.

Initial Consultation and Client Needs Assessment

Our team responds promptly to your inquiries, ensuring timely communication and immediate attention to your project needs. We work closely with clients to understand all project requirements, ensuring that we capture every detail and objective from the start.

02.

Development of Work Plan

Our expert project managers extend innovative problem-solving to project planning, resulting in technically-sound, cost-effective work plans to better serve our clients.

03.

Project Proposal and Agreement

We provide a detailed project proposal outlining the scope of work, fee schedule, and agreement terms. The project begins once the proposal is approved.

04.

Execution and Quality Assurance

Our highly skilled team of principals, project managers, engineers, and field staff execute the project with precision, maintaining open communication to ensure alignment with client expectations. Each project undergoes a rigorous quality check by our team of licensed professional engineers, ensuring all deliverables meet our high standards of excellence.

05.

Project Delivery and Invoicing

Upon completion, we deliver the final project and issue an invoice for the completed work, ensuring full transparency and satisfaction.