PROJECT OVERVIEW
Phoenix Project #2105
For this project, 4 drilled micropiles (“DMPs”) were installed to support a new elevator foundation at the Simmons University Phase 2 Renovation project in Boston, MA.
Phoenix was working from approximately slab elevation inside an existing building with less than 10 feet of headroom at all pile locations. The construction site was accessed through an opening on the side of the building, so the rig was able to fit inside.
The micropiles each had a specified compression design load of 20 tons. All piles were permanently cased through the overburden soils and embedded one (1) foot into the dense sand and marine clay layer. Next, each pile was socketed uncased 35 feet into the natural sand and clay strata. After each hole was advanced to the required tip elevation and prior to materials placement, the drill hole was flushed clean with water to remove excess cuttings. Grout was then placed via tremie to displace any excess cuttings and water remaining in the drill hole, and the reinforcing steel was lowered into place.
Phoenix successfully and safely installed all 4 drilled micropiles even with the challenge of limited headroom within the existing building.
