The Job
This lightweight tank foundation installation project is located in Baltimore, Maryland. During an industrial facility expansion, a new blending tank was being installed at the top of a retaining wall. In addition concerns about lateral loading on the wall, the area is generally known to be built with uncontrolled fill over compressible soils, so settlement is a concern.
The Challenge
Due to the presence of industrial waste and debris in the area, light duty deep foundations such as helical piles are generally difficult to install. To avoid inducing settlement, the geotechnical EOR reached out to CJGeo for lightweight fill options to net out the increased weight of the mat foundation and blending tank.
Based on loads, CJGeo suggested a 25lb/cuft cellular grout with a compressive strength of at least 50psi. At this density, the engineer was able to balance all loads with a 4′ deep undercut. The undercut extended a few feet out around the perimeter of the tank foundation.
The Solution
First, the concrete foundation contractor excavated the pit. Then, CJGeo mobilized to the site and placed 110CY of 25lb/cuft CJFill-Ultra Lightweight cellular concrete into the pit. The lightweight tank foundation placement took less than an hour. The foundation contractor was able to start setting steel and forms the following morning.
Speak With An Expert
Facing a similar challenge to the one we solved with this lightweight tank foundation? Give us a shout or shoot us a text. Click the state marker for the location of your project for contact info for the appropriate rep.
