Southern Colorado
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Project Type: Underpinning & Repair
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Division: Commercial
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Service: Helical & Resistance Piers
Project Overview
In Southern Colorado, a commercial project required urgent underpinning and repair services due to severe rains that had oversaturated the deep fill beneath four critical transformer pads. This caused the pads to settle by up to six inches, jeopardizing the stability of high voltage power lines connected to the transformers. The general contractor entrusted Straight Line to stabilize and lift the transformers, ensuring their safe and efficient operation.
Solution Implementation
To address the issue, an L 8x8x3/4 angle was fastened to each existing transformer pad, and underpinning brackets were securely welded in place. Two 2-7/8 inch helicals with 8-inch helices were strategically placed near the ends of the pads, carefully avoiding the transformer lines. The pads were then lifted to a level position, with the recovery process carefully controlled to minimize stress on the electrical cabling. Any void spaces created during the lifting were filled with a soil-cement grout to ensure long-term stability.
Project Execution and Results
Given the critical nature of the facility, where downtime was estimated to cost $1 million per hour, the team placed the facility on emergency generator power during the helical driving and lifting operations. This meticulous planning allowed all work to be completed within a two-day period (Friday-Saturday), ensuring minimal disruption. The project successfully stabilized and leveled the transformer pads, safeguarding the high voltage power lines and restoring the facility’s operational integrity. This case study exemplifies the expertise and efficiency of Straight Line in handling urgent commercial underpinning and repair projects.