Commercial Applications Case Studies: Southern University at New Orleans
Challenge
The Southern University at New Orleans campus, like many structures in that area, was constructed without proper planning for hydrological hazards. In this particular case, most of the campus was built in the shadow of a massive reservoir, protected only by a large earth levy. Once it became clear that this situation wouldn't be sustainable in the long term, plans were assembled for the construction of a concrete floodwall. However, due to the tendency of the soft soils in that area to swell and move with changes in moisture, special considerations had to be made in the planning for the wall foundation in order for the wall to remain stable.
Solution
Before the wall itself was built, nearly 300 2.875-inch diameter helical piers were installed under the footing location. They were installed at a depth that would not only bear the compressive weight of the structure, but would be resistant to lateral and uplift forves generated by hydrological forces.
Project Summary
Products Installed: (290) Supportworks Model 288 Helical Pier
