FMF Cape Breton Pile Work
The Cape Breton project, executed on an active naval base, required strict security protocols, meticulous planning, and responsiveness to base incidents. This complex project showcased CDI’s ability to handle high-security environments and unforeseen challenges.
Key Project Information
- Project Type:Concrete Rebar Placement and GroutingPile Driving
- Budget:$9.5M
- Timeline:8 months
- Client:EllisDon Kinetic – A Joint Venture
Scope of Work
Our team installed 265 permanently-cased, 610mm diameter CIP piles over two work packages. The process involved several stages to ensure precision and overcome obstructions:
- Pre-Auger and Casing: Pile locations were pre-augered with a MAIT 180 hydraulic drill and fitted with oversized starter casings for vertical plumbness. Production casings were driven with an APE200 vibratory hammer through controlled-density fill and blue clay until refusal.
- Rock Drilling: Using a Barber DR-40 dual rotary, reverse circulation drill rig, casings were seated one meter into bedrock with an additional 2.5-meter-deep rock socket into 290-350MPa granite.
Challenges & Solutions
- Security Protocols: Adhered to strict base security protocols and managed material deliveries under tight restrictions.
- Tight Site Conditions: Successfully navigated very tight site conditions and a severely undulating bedrock profile.
- Quality Assurance: Conducted video inspections of rock sockets, installed full-length reinforcing cages, and poured 35 MPa tremie concrete. An Osterberg-cell load test confirmed the integrity of the piles.
Overall Impact
Despite stringent security measures and challenging site conditions, CDI installed all piles precisely and to the owner’s satisfaction, demonstrating our expertise in high-security, complex environments.