Project

The project consisted of a six-story, 103-bed hospital tower in Winter Garden.

The Problem

The geotechnical investigation found loose sandy soils to depths of thirty feet. The proposed structural loading of the hospital tower would cause the sandy soils to settle excessively. The Geotechnical Engineer recommended Vibro Replacement stone columns to densify the sandy soils, lending proper support for the proposed structure.

Earth Tech Solution

Earth Tech proposed a value engineering solution utilizing Vibro Compaction, in lieu of the more expensive Vibro Replacement technique. Earth Tech performed a plate load test on a nine-foot square foundation to verify the value engineered solution. Measured settlement at design load was well within the acceptable limits for the project using a bearing pressure of 8,000 PSF. The value engineered solution provided a savings of over 50%.