Stabilisation of a Two-Storey Building: After Flooding 

After a burst water pipe in a neighbouring building, mixed-use property (shops and flats) in Beacon, New York, was heavily flooded. The basement was filled with around 90 cm of water. As a result, several concrete footings (46 x 46 cm) began to sink by 2.5 to 4 cm, putting the structure at risk. A quick and careful response was needed to stabilise the building without moving the occupants.

Key Details-

Date: January 2017;

Location: Beacon, New York, USA;

Dealer: Techno Metal Post Hudson Valley;

Engineers: various structural and geotechnical engineers;

Contractor: Lambert & Grenier;

Objective: stabilise and support the existing two-storey building without interrupting its use.

Main Challenges-

Narrow access

• The entrance to the basement was only 71 cm wide.
  Solution: our R2D machine was adapted (outer wheels removed), and a custom ramp was built to fit through the space.

Occupied building

• Residents and shop owners needed daily access during the works.
  Solution: the site was cleaned and secured every evening to ensure safe entry.

No fuel-powered machines allowed

• There was not enough ventilation for petrol or diesel engines.
  Solution: we used our electric-hydraulic R2D, which produces no emissions. Welding areas were also ventilated outside the building.

Why use helical piles?

Digging around the concrete pads could have made the sinking worse. Helical piles were installed deep enough to reach solid rock, safely supporting the building.

Thanks to our compact and electric-powered Techno Metal Post equipment, the work was done quietly, quickly, and without disturbing the tenants.

Technical Summary

Pile type: P3;

Extensions: 1.5 m welded sections;

Ground conditions: clay to 2.1 m, then dense rock;

Depth: 2.7 m;

Load per pile: 9 tonnes;

Machine used: R2D electric-hydraulic.

Results

The building was fully stabilised with no need to relocate occupants. The structure returned to its original level and is now safe and secure.

This project shows how effective Techno Metal Post solutions can be, even in tight spaces and sensitive environments.