A.H. Beck installs augercast piles for the deep foundation slope stabilization system for a deep slope failure along the Potomac River in Virginia.
A.H. Beck, working as a subcontractor to Sequoia Services, completed the deep foundation slope stabilization system to support a deep slope failure along the Potomac River in Virginia. The stabilization system consisted of 480 30-in diameter auger cast piles at two levels parallel with the slope; one improvement zone was along the toe of the slope (elements within 10-ft of the Potomac River) with average element lengths of 27-ft and the second zone was in the middle of the slope with average element lengths of 57-ft. The piles were installed in a “zipper” pattern along both levels of the slope and had full length reinforcing steel placed through the fluid grout column utilizing a self-contained high torque drilling rig. The work pads at both levels were 25-ft wide at their widest point allowing just enough room for the drill rig to traverse in a specific pattern. Steep slopes extended outside of the working pads at a 1:1 slope. The success of the project stemmed from the daily logistics planning amongst the project team as the top of the levee was the only entrance and exit for removal of spoils, delivery of up to 120 yards of grout per day, and delivery and fabrication of pile reinforcement.
