- Our Projects
The Philadelphia Navy Yard
Project Overview
GeoStructures performed a geotechnical investigation with detailed site characterization that showed a 25-ft thick, soft, high plasticity silt layer across the site due to its close proximity to the Delaware River. This layer is sandwiched between two alluvial sand layers. Laboratory CRS consolidation testing of high-quality Shelby tubes confirmed the high compressibility of this layer so when loaded by the proposed building foundations and slab, this deposit will cause a 16-inch settlement over 4-year period. In order to construct shallow foundations, this silt layer needs improvement otherwise; a more expensive pile foundation with structural slab system will be required to support the building.
The ground improvement consists of surcharging and strip (wick) drains. The design was optimized considering the cost of the additional fill needed to construct a higher surcharge embankment versus the cost of installing wick drains to achieve the desired waiting period. The optimum design consisted of constructing 10-ft high embankment with 6-ft spaced wick drains with 6-month waiting period. The surcharge height was increased to 20 ft in order to effect the removal of settlement for a mechanical room that was conceived at later stage.
Three vibrating wire settlement sensors and drive-point piezometers were installed to monitor the settlement. 50 to 75% of the total measured settlement had occurred while the surcharge is being placed. Sensors settlement measurements matched the predicted one. Post surcharge in-situ and laboratory testing showed a 3-fold improvement in the pre-consolidation pressure.
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Our Comprehensive Project Workflow: Step-by-Step Guide
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.
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.
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.
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.
Project Delivery and Invoicing
Upon completion, we deliver the final project and issue an invoice for the completed work, ensuring full transparency and satisfaction.
