Supporting Certified Origins with Helical Pile Expertise
Certified Origins Helical Pile Project in Newport News, VA
Shore Systems Group, LLC proudly partnered with LF Jennings on the construction project for Certified Origins, providing a deep foundation solution for their specialty bulk storage and packing facility. This innovative project transformed a light industrial warehouse into a state-of-the-art facility for olive oil storage and packaging in Newport News, Virginia.
Helical Pile Porject in Newport News, VA
Project Overview
What
The project involved converting a large light industrial warehouse into a specialty bulk storage and packing facility for Certified Origins' olive oil products. The foundation required over 520 helical piles to support the added weight of full storage tanks and ensure structural stability.
Where
This facility is located in Newport News, Virginia, representing an important milestone for Certified Origins in their mission to expand their specialty storage capabilities.
When
The helical pile installations began in mid-October 2023, with Shore Systems Group completing the installations in just five weeks. This timeline included the installation of probe piles and load tests as specified by the engineer of record.
Installing Helical Piles
Methodology
How
Helical piles were selected for the deep foundation solution following multiple rounds of value engineering evaluations. The final design incorporated four different pile types with varying helix sizes and depth configurations to accommodate site-specific requirements.
Why
The soils at the site were largely organic, which posed significant challenges. Organic soils consolidate and settle over time, especially under the added weight of full storage tanks. Helical piles were an ideal choice to bypass these weak soils and provide a stable foundation by anchoring into the more competent bearing strata below.
Load Testing Piles
Overcoming Challenges
Problems and Solutions
The primary concern was the small lens of load-bearing soil strata available to support the required loads. If the bearing layer was not sufficient, pile lengths could potentially double or triple to reach the desired capacity. To address this, Shore Systems Group worked closely with the design professionals to develop strategies for pile locations and batter angles that maximized efficiency and minimized risks.
Another challenge was fitting the required number of piles within the limited footprint beneath the storage tanks. Shore’s team collaborated with engineers to ensure that pile locations avoided conflicts while still meeting design specifications. These efforts resulted in a cost-effective and high-performing foundation solution tailored to the project’s needs.
Conclusion
Through meticulous planning, advanced engineering, and close collaboration with LF Jennings and Certified Origins, Shore Systems Group delivered a robust and efficient helical pile foundation in just five weeks. This project demonstrates Shore’s ability to tackle complex soil conditions and logistical constraints, ensuring long-term stability for Certified Origins' state-of-the-art olive oil storage facility.
Contact Shore Systems Group, LLC for all your foundation needs.
