Parallel Products �� 100 Duchaine Boulevard New Solution to Difficult Drilled Shaft Installation for Solar Canopies

gzadan — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 14:47:28 +0000

Parallel Products �� 100 Duchaine Boulevard New Solution to Difficult Drilled Shaft Installation for Solar Canopies gzadan Thu, 08/04/2022 - 10:47

Challenge

Based on borings at the site, GZA provided a geotechnical report for solar canopy foundation design by a design-build contractor. Their design assumed 36- to 42-inch-diameter drilled shafts installed with temporary casing. Drilled shaft installation went according to expectations, except for one area where multiple drilled shaft installations encountered “running sands��, which is caused by loose sands and shallow groundwater. The Owner and Contractor reached out to GZA to help find a construction solution while drilled shaft installation was halted.

Solution

Working promptly with the contractor and the project team, GZA suggested several alternative drilling methods, none of which was deemed practical by the contractor. GZA recommended extending the canopy drilled shafts to derive support from deeper, denser soils. Therefore, GZA conducted an additional boring program to further evaluate subsurface conditions. The borings identified a deep, very dense sand and gravel layer suitable for end bearing of the drilled shafts. GZA recommended the designer redesign assuming end bearing conditions with a permanent casing extending through the loose sands.

Benefit

GZA was responsive to our client and their contractor to expedite the project schedule and find a construction solution to the difficult drilled shaft installation conditions; the solution did add cost but was definitive and worked to everyone’s benefit.

Geotechnical report for solar canopy foundation design
Drilled shaft installation complicated by running sands
Additional boring program to evaluate deeper subsurface conditions
Construction solution achieved

Energy

Geotechnical Engineering Services

Clarke at Garden Avenue

gzadan — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 19:00:09 +0000

Clarke at Garden Avenue gzadan Tue, 04/12/2022 - 15:00

Clarke is a global environmental products and services company whose mission is to make communities around the world more livable, safe, and comfortable. They do this by pioneering, developing, and delivering environmentally responsible solutions for public health through mosquito control and healthy natural habitats.

Challenge

As part of their long-term sustainability mission, Clarke envisioned a holistic transformation of their Garden Avenue property into a demonstration of sustainable design strategies, both inside and outside the buildings. Their vision included ‘green breaks�� for nature exploration, sustainable stormwater, outdoor learning spaces, increased biodiversity that represents the major ecotypes of the Midwest �� prairie, wetland, and savanna, and education for staff and visitors.

Solution

To meet their sustainability goals, Clarke created time for collaboration sessions between staff, GZA, and a select design team to envision environmental initiatives for the site. The hands-on collaboration led to native habitat gardens, rainwater collection and distribution systems, green infrastructure, edible gardens, outdoor learning spaces, renewable energy initiatives, and increased awareness for Clarke’s sustainability mission.

Benefit

Since the project has been completed, Clarke has seen measurable decreases in the buildings carbon footprint, energy use reductions, decreased water use, and reduced waste streams. They have also seen significant increases in biodiversity levels across the site, have increases in operational efficiency, and is 100% carbon neutral.

Their annual reporting has also found that staff retention has increased, and staff are becoming more involved with outside volunteer groups and efforts to enhance the environment where employees live.

Holistic design approach to multiple sites that included staff and design team
Solar carport with permeable pavers (pictured)
More reliance on renewable energy
Increases in operational efficiency
100% carbon-neutrality
Increased levels of biodiversity
Increased staff retention and field work productivity

Natural Resources and Ecological Services

Carport Solar

Parallel Products �� 100 Duchaine Boulevard New Solution to Difficult Drilled Shaft Installation for Solar Canopies

Challenge

Solution

Benefit

Clarke at Garden Avenue

Challenge

Solution

Benefit