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ISSUE 1 • 2021 GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE DELIVERS MUCH-NEEDED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS Piling Industry Canada FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS
PIC OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGE OF PILING A CHANGING NORTH
MICROPILES FOR BARRIER-FREE TRANSPORT STATIONS
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40934510
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© 2021 Skyline Steel, LLC. Skyline Steel, LLC (doing business as Nucor Skyline) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nucor Corporation, North America’s most diversified steel and steel products company.
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H-Piles, Steel Sheet Piles*, Pipe Piles, and Structural Sections with boron content of less than 0.0008% * In Canada, please contact your local Nucor Skyline sales office for additional information.
STEEL FOUNDATION SOLUTIONS H-PILES • SHEET PILES • PIPE PILES • THREADED BARS • STRAND ANCHORS • MICROPILES • HOLLOW BARS • WIDE FLANGE • PILING ACCESSORIES
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© 2021 Skyline Steel, LLC. Skyline Steel, LLC (doing business as Nucor Skyline) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nucor Corporation, North America’s most diversified steel and steel products company.
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In this issue Liebherr Deep Foundatiion Machines update 6
Sales Manager: Dayna Oulion dayna@delcommunications.com
PIC Piling Industry Canada
Budget 2021 affirms the value of infrastructure
investment in driving economic recovery 8
Advertising Account Executives: Jennifer Hebert | Michelle Raike
magazine FEATURES
Bridging two nations: The Gordie Howe International Bridge 10 Steel core piles for Norwegian tunnel 18 Overcoming the challenge of piling in a changing north 22 safety with KLEMM equipment 26
EQUIPMENT PROFILE The future for the crane industry is emission-free 14 ECA brings greater drilling depths to U.S., Canada
with BAUER MC96/Berminghammer lead setup 29 CZM introduces LR65 to fleet 30
President & CEO: David Langstaff Managing Editor: Lyndon McLean lyndon@delcommunications.com
PILING INDUSTRY NEWS
Contractor drives micropile production,
Published by DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road, Winnipeg, MB Canada R3L 0G5
Production services provided by: S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com Creative Director / Design: Kathleen Cable © Copyright 2021. DEL Communications Inc. All rights reserved.The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisherin no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees. Publications mail agreement #40934510 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5 Email: david@delcommunications.com PRINTED IN CANADA | 06/2021
Index to advertisers American Piledriving Equipment Inc..................................... OBC
Keller..................................................................................................5
Arntzen Corporation................................................................Wrap
Liebherr Werk Nenzing GMBH..................................................IBC
Canadian Pile Driving Equipment Inc........................................25
Nucor Skyline........................................................................IFC & 3
Equipment Corporation of America.................................16 & 17
Platinum Grover International Inc.............................................27
Fraser River Pile & Dredge (GP) Inc..........................................11
Samuel Roll Form Group................................................................9
Hercules Machinery Corporation................................................. 7
Waterloo Barrier Inc.......................................................................6
Interpipe Inc...................................................................................21
4 PIC Magazine • June 2021
PILING Industry News
Liebherr Deep Foundation Machines update Liebherr’s Deep Foundation Machines
product segment. This was driven by fa-
product segment posted sales of €258
vourable growth in the USA. Sales rev-
million in the 2020 financial year. This
enues from non-EU countries increased,
represents a €53 million or 17 per cent, a
growth was recorded in Turkey compared
decrease compared with the year before.
to the previous year. There were bigger
GLOBAL MARKET LEADER IN DUTY CYCLE CRAWLER CRANES The 2020 financial year saw a decline in the deep foundation machines sector. This applied particularly to piling and drilling rigs, although the downturn was
declines in the European Union, most notably in Germany and France. Business also declined in Asia and Oceania, Africa and the Near and Middle East, and Central America and South America.
A SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES
less pronounced for duty cycle crawler
Liebherr launched a number of new
cranes. In general, the industry had to
products in the Deep Foundation Ma-
operate in a challenged market. Despite
chines product segment, with most of
this, Liebherr managed to maintain a
the launches taking place online for the
stable market share in the deep founda-
first time. The unveiling of the new LRB
tion engineering sector and could hold its
23 piling and drilling rig builds on pre-
position as a global market leader in duty
vious successes in this product segment.
cycle crawlers.
The compact all-rounder model boasts a
Liebherr recorded a significant in-
power output of 600 kW and a safety-en-
crease in sales in North America, the
hancing assistance system. The HS 8070.1
most important sales region for this
was the first new generation duty cycle
crawler crane to be unveiled. With a load capacity of 70 tonnes, it offers a transport option that enables a transport weight of less than 35 tonnes thanks to self-dismantling. Noise emissions and fuel consumption were lowered significantly. Besides the development of various assistance systems, predictive maintenance and electrification were two further focal points of research. The MyJobsite service provided a major contribution to the digital integration of deep foundation machines. This digital tool documents and merges data on various machines and their surroundings. The data is then used to generate reports on quality, performance, costs, and safety, assisting machine operators and fleet managers to reach the right decisions as they carry out their work. Over the reporting period, the product segment invested primarily in real estate as well as business and operational equipment. Liebherr expects to achieve a noticeable increase in sales in the Deep Foundation Machines product segment in 2021. Source: Liebherr-International AG Annual Report 2020. l
PLEASE RECYCLE
6 PIC Magazine • June 2021
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PILING Industry News
Budget 2021 affirms the value of infrastructure investment in driving economic recovery The recent release of the Federal Budget lays some important groundwork for a strong economic recovery and delivers against four of the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) pre-budget asks, including increased support for green and trade-enabling infrastructure investment, workforce capacity building, a commitment to beginning a 25-year infrastructure plan and investment to advance innovation in construction. While these new programs are welcome, the budget doesn’t address how to expedite already committed funds, says CCA, the national association representing Canada’s non-residential construction industry. “The budget endorses the valued role of the heavy civil, institutional, commercial, and industrial construction sector to building back better,” says Mary Van Buren, CCA president. “However, an equal commitment is needed to facilitate the quick and unfettered roll-out of these proposed investments.” With improved coordination, communication, and transparency between federal, provincial, and municipal governments, infrastructure investments can be delivered more efficiently, addressing the real and immediate needs of communities, speeding up the start of projects, minimizing boom-bust cycles, getting people back to work, and securing a steady supply chain. News of greater investment aimed at building a greener, more sustainable economy aligns with the CCA’s recently released white paper, Strength, resilience, sustainability. CCA recommends that the federal government also adjust its procurement criteria to accelerate the adoption of new processes, materials, or technology, 8 PIC Magazine • June 2021
by taking on more of this risk, which currently rests with contractors. Workforce capacity development is essential to Canada’s economic recovery and our long-term global competitiveness. The goal of the proposed Apprenticeship Service aimed at connecting 55,000 first year apprentices to jobs in the construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades will provide education, training and jobs for youth, Indigenous people, women, racialized Canadians, persons with disabilities and other groups traditionally underrepresented in the trades. This directly aligns with the industry’s workforce diversity efforts through CCA’s Talent Fits Here campaign and we are highly encouraged by its inclusion in Budget 2021. Additional attention needs to be paid to growing the participation of these same groups in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) so they may lead and support the industry’s digital transformation. Creating a program to temporarily subsidize new hiring at $1,100 per month for every new employee and continuing the wage and rent subsidies will help small and medium-sized businesses in Canada’s construction sector contribute to employment, job creation, and economic growth.
The complexities of infrastructure require leadership, long-term vision, and consistency to deliver optimum benefits to all Canadians. The two-year $500 million Canada Community Revitalization Fund is a welcome announcement, and the commitment to funding Infrastructure 2050 is a positive step forward. CCA is encouraged to see increased funding over three years to the federal Internal Trade Secretariat to accelerate its work reducing interprovincial trade barriers within Canada, a long-standing policy that CCA continues to champion. CCA looks forward to continuing our work with the federal government on building an inclusive and green economy, driving innovation, boosting employment opportunities, and supporting Canadian businesses. Strengthening investor confidence and reducing red tape are also important outcomes. An investment in sustainable infrastructure is an investment in Canada and our communities, and the construction industry is willing and able to partner with the government. We remain committed to helping our country re-build its economy and improve the quality of life of all Canadians. l
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Bridging two nations: The Gordie Howe International Bridge
Set to be complete by the end of 2024, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is now rising up from either shore of the Detroit River, soon to dominate Windsor and Detroit’s skyline and bring economic benefits to both Canada and the U.S. By Paul Adair Gordie Howe was born in Floral, Sas-
and bi-national figure that was a very
needed transportation improvements for
katchewan in 1928 and became famous
appropriate namesake for this bridge,”
international travellers, but also brings
playing for a quarter century with the
says Windsor Detroit Bridge Author-
significant economic development to the
Detroit Red Wings and winning the
ity (WDBA) spokesperson Mark Butler.
Windsor-Detroit region, and myriad fea-
Stanley Cup four times. A 23-time NHL
“Mr. Hockey was also well-known as be-
tures that truly sets this project apart in
All-Star, Howe is today considered the
ing a tenacious fighter, and this bridge
terms of scale and scope.
most complete player in hockey, the cre-
− with more than 20 years of planning
The 74-month construction project is
ator of the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” (one
and work behind it – certainly exempli-
being delivered through a public-private
goal, one assist, and a fight), one of the
fies that.”
partnership (P3), a long-term, perfor-
greatest to ever play the game.
With construction officially com-
mance-based approach where Canada
“A proud, Canadian-born hockey play-
mencing in 2018, the Gordie Howe In-
finances the entirety of the construction,
er and having played for the Detroit Red
ternational Bridge project is much more
but the State of Michigan receives own-
Wings, which many in Windsor consider
than a bridge. It’s a once-in-a-generation
ership of their half of the project. Over
their team, Gordie Howe was a beloved
undertaking that not only delivers much-
time, Canada will be fully repaid its con-
“ Gordie Howe was a beloved and bi-national figure that was a very appropriate namesake for this bridge.” – Mark Butler, WDBA 10 PIC Magazine • June 2021
tribution through the collection of tolls,
in North America. The U.S. Port of En-
modern, cable-stayed design featuring
at which point Michigan will start re-
try alone will be the largest of any in the
six, skid resistant lanes (three each way),
ceiving their percentage of tolls for their
country, including those along the bor-
with a clear span of 853 metres (0.53
ownership.
der shared with Mexico.”
miles) − the longest main span of any
WDBA’s private sector partner is
The bridge, however, is the most visible
cable-stayed bridge in North America
Bridging North America (BNA), a build-
aspect of this project. When complete in
and among the top five longest bridges in
design team of three separate primes,
just three years time, the bridge deck for
North America.
each experts in their fields of interna-
the Gordie Howe International Bridge
After years of preparatory work − such
tional construction: Fluor, Aecon, and
will climb 42 metres (138 feet) over the
as acquiring the property, taking away
Dragados Canada. As part of the WDBA
water of the beautiful Detroit River.
pre-existing structures, and soil reme-
agreement, BNA will also be responsible
The 2.5-kilometre (1.5-mile) bridge is a
diation and consolidation − the mas-
for the operations and maintenance of the Gordie Howe International Bridge − as well as the two ports of entry, once
Fraser River Pile & Dredge (GP) Inc.
complete − for a period of 30 years. “Bridging North America is honoured to be a long-term partner with WDBA to deliver one of North America’s largest infrastructure projects,” says Bridging North America CEO Aaron Epstein. “We are committed to the success of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and look forward to building prosperity and empowering progress for the Windsor- Essex and Detroit area.” There are four major components to the $5.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge project: the bridge itself, the Canadian and U.S. Ports of Entry (POE), and the Michigan Interchange. “Each component would represent a substantial construction activity,” says Butler. “But all together, in terms of scale and costs, this is one of the largest infra-
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structure projects currently underway Piling Industry Canada • June 2021 11
“ In terms of scale and costs, this is one of the largest infrastructure projects currently underway in North America today.” – Mark Butler, WDBA
sive bridge towers are just now starting
as pre-load/surcharge was placed and
were building was not over an existing
to take shape. Currently standing at ap-
compressed the soils,” says Butler. “It con-
salt mine or nearby cavern, and to ensure
proximately 35 metres (115 feet), the
solidated the ground much more quickly
that our massive bridge towers would be
towers will ultimately soar 220 metres
than if we just put down surcharge, and it
stable,” says Butler.
(720 feet) in the air and are designed to
worked to create a very firm foundation
resemble the curvature of a hockey stick
for us to build the towers on.”
Not only will the Gordie Howe International Bridge physically connect
In addition to mitigating an uneven
Canada and the United States, it will also
But before contractors can build up,
water table, there was also a nearby
present a colourful display of culture
they first needed to dig down. The bridge
Windsor Salt mine running under the
during construction. As the bridge tow-
towers are held up by two legs, with each
Detroit River and adjacent to the proj-
ers rise from the ground on either side of
leg having six shafts drilled to bedrock
ect’s Canadian side to further complicate
the Detroit River, murals will adorn the
for support. Because the environmental
matters. Salt mines extract salt through
tower cranes to share the history of the
assessment prohibited construction in
a process known as solution mining,
lands on which the bridge is being built.
the water to protect water quality, fish
whereby water is injected into salt de-
Artists Teresa Altiman and Daisy
migration, and navigation on the De-
posits underground to force a briny so-
White of Walpole Island First Nation,
troit River, all construction on the towers
lution up and out, to be then dried and
and Naomi Peters of Caldwell First Na-
needed to be done along the shoreline on
processed. This process also has the ef-
tion were selected to create murals for
either side of the river. This land/water
fect of creating large fissures that, given
display at the Canadian bridge site as
interface created a significant challenge
the age of this mine, went unmapped.
part of the project Community Benefits
for the build team, in that the water table
The danger of these fissures is cavern col-
Plan, which identifies opportunities for
for both the U.S. and Canadian sides of
lapse, which, while uncommon, are not
Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
the river is markedly different.
unheard of.
held in mid-shot.
Urban artist Villalobos (aka “BearLo-
“We employed a very significant soil-
“So we went through a very significant,
bos”) from Southwest Detroit was also
stabilization system that made use of
long, and expensive geotechnical investi-
selected to create artwork for the U.S.
wick drains driven into the ground,
gation where we drilled test holes across
bridge site, which honours the culture
which drew the moisture out of the piles
a wide swath to confirm that where we
of the predominantly Hispanic Delray
12 PIC Magazine • June 2021
neighbourhood, as well as some of De-
novative way of tracking environmental
economic driver for the region, not only
troit’s iconic scenes and landmarks.
requirements during construction by the
during construction when an estimated
“The hoarding on the tower crane
National Association of Environmental
2,500 jobs are expected to be created, as
climbing systems would typically feature
Professionals (NAEP). The Canadian and
well as many other direct and indirect
U.S. Port of Entry facilities are designed
employment opportunities, but for de-
to meet LEED v4 Silver rating, and the
cades to come.
some sort of branding, like the name of the bridge or company logo,” says Butler. “But it was the workers on site who suggested that we could maybe showcase art instead. This artwork is on the structure now and will remain for the next two years or so before being repurposed when the bridge is complete.” Sustainable
construction
practices
were used to construct buildings on both sides of the Detroit River, and the project was recently recognized for its in-
bridge and Michigan Interchange are
“But more than jobs and trade, this
designed to meet Envision Silver rating,
will be a beautiful bridge that will forever
both of which will ensure longevity while
change the landscape of Windsor-De-
minimizing environmental impact.
troit,” says Butler. “It will become post-
Collectively, the border crossings at
card material, and I can see people com-
Windsor-Detroit represent the busiest
ing not only because they want to travel
border crossing between Canada and the
between Canada and the US, but just
United States, accounting for more than
because they want to look at this marvel-
25 per cent of all the bilateral trade be-
lous piece of architecture. The future is
tween the two nations. As such, the Gor-
very bright for the Gordie Howe Interna-
die Howe international Bridge will be an
tional Bridge.” l
“ It was the workers on site who suggested that we could maybe showcase art instead.” – Mark Butler, WDBA Piling Industry Canada • June 2021 13
EQUIPMENT Profile
The future for the crane industry is emission-free With the unplugged series, Liebherr recently launched the world’s first batterypowered crawler cranes. Only hours before the official unveiling in December 2020, the very first LR 1250.1 unplugged had its premiere at a jobsite in Oslo. Customer Kynningsrud Nordic Crane AS was using the crane for lifting operations to build a new sports centre. But the story with the first customer begins even before the crane was ever planned. Two years ago at a business lunch with Liebherr representatives, Eirik Kynningsrud asked the question that changed everything: “What’s new in Nenzing?” At the time, it was still top secret. But a sneak preview for the long-time customer The green alternative: the first battery-powered crawler crane.
was okay. “We are working on a batterypowered crawler crane.” Eirik’s curiousity was aroused, and he wondered, “Do you have a first customer? No, not yet? Well, now you have one.” At the time, Eirik hadn’t seen any drawings or plans of the LR 1250.1 unplugged. Some weeks later, at Bauma 2019, Liebherr could show him the LB 16 unplugged, the first battery-powered drilling rig in the world. The idea was to extend the alternative drive concept to the crane. Another six months later, first customer Kynningsrud saw the initial drawings of his unplugged model for the very first time.
Liebherr: You ordered the LR 1250.1 unplugged before it was even designed. Liebherr Representative Thomas Bohlin and Eirik Kynningsrud (right) at the handover of the crane.
14 PIC Magazine • June 2021
How crazy is that?
Eirik Kynningsrud, General Manager Kynningsrud Nordic Crane AS: We don’t think it is crazy. In Norway, we have the challenge that our government want to have zero-emission construction sites, and we want to be a leading company for these projects. We always try to be the green alternative.
L: How did it come about? EK: I have been interested in the crane since I heard about it during my visit to Austria. At Bauma we had a brief presentation of the concept. It was convincing, and we decided we wanted the first LR 1250.1 unplugged.
L: How did your partners react to the idea of ordering a crane you’ve never seen before? EK: The partners were very positive that
EK: Very good, and the crane is still on the project.
achieve this by identifying our environ-
L: What was particulary positive at the
mental aspects, implement preventive
crane’s premiere?
measures and ensure compliance and
EK: We had a good presentation in Nor-
neously placing requirements on our se-
way. Even Ingjerd Schou, Vice-President of the Norwegian Parliament, was there and held a speech about the importance of construction sites with zero emission.
L: How was the feedback from the operator?
EK: Very good. To begin with he missed
the accelerator pedal on the floor to adjust the speed of movements, but now he is accustomed to using only the joysticks. By the way, the heating system is brilliant.
L: Have you received any feedback from
Norway’s/Oslo’s population?
we can work emission free, and of course it attracts quite some interest, giving us positive publicity.
EK: Not yet, but the contractors are very
L: Why was it so important to you to be
emission of the crane in such metropoles?
the first customer of the LR 1250.1 unplugged?
EK: It is also very positive together with
positive.
L: How important is the reduced noise
pany that delivers emission-free cranes.
zero emissions. It makes it easier to communicate and, in a way, safer on the construction site.
L: Are you planning to extend your fleet
L: How does the electrical supply for the
EK: We wanted to be the leading com-
with other unplugged cranes?
EK: Yes, the future for the crane industry in Norway is emission free.
L: You probably know that we will launch the LR 1130 and LR 1160 in unplugged versions this year.
EK: This is very interesting because the LR 1250.1 unplugged with its 250 t load capacity is too big for many projects and is, therefore, also more costly for our customers.
L: The first jobsite of the LR 1250.1 unplugged was in Oslo. How was your first experience?
ly and sustainable development. We shall
continuous improvement while simultalection of goods and suppliers of services. Our efforts to minimize our influence on the environment involves everyone in the company, and we shall follow all relevant laws, regulations and requirements. When we invest, we think green, and all new machines shall have the latest environmental classification. Our focus is on an environmentally friendly machinery park and reducing our carbon footprint. Our vision, “pleasure of being useful”, and our values “honest - loyal - enthusiastic” provide a guideline for our environmental efforts.
L: What role does the unplugged crane play in this?
EK: That should be clear – we aim to minimize our influence on the environment, to reduce our carbon footprint, and as you see – we think green!
L: Let’s talk about tenders for construc-
crane work?
tion projects. Do you already see an in-
EK: It works very well. We had no prob-
creased demand for alternative drive sys-
L: Have you already planned the next
Oslo region, there is a lot of focus on re-
lems getting the electrical supply on the construction site. projects for the LR 1250.1 unplugged?
tems for construction machinery?
EK: Yes, absolutely. Particularly in the ducing emissions on construction sites.
EK: We are working on several projects, but have not yet decided which project we will attend.
L: If so, you can expect more projects
L: Kynningsrud supports a HSE strategy
EK: Yes, definitely!
(Health, Safety and Environment). Can you explain this philosophy?
EK: Kynningsrud Nordic Crane shall
contribute to an environmentally friend-
with unplugged cranes, right?
L: How do you like the name “unplugged”?
EK: I like this name a lot! l Piling Industry Canada • June 2021 15
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Steel core piles for Norwegian tunnel By Dominik Gächter, Dipl. Ing., Keller This article was originally published in DFI’s bi-monthly member magazine, Deep Foundations, Nov/Dec 2020 issue. DFI is an international technical association of firms and individuals in the deep foundations and related industries. To join DFI and receive the magazine, go to www.dfi.org. The largest bottleneck for railway traffic in Norway is in the Follo district between Oslo and Ski, a suburb of the capital city. As part of the Norwegian National Rail Administration’s plan to increase rail capacity out of Oslo, the Follo Line Project was begun in 2014 as the largest infrastructure project in Norway’s history. This project is the focus of intercity development that is planned south of Oslo, Norway’s largest city. It includes the Nordic region’s longest railway tunnel, which extends over 12.5 miles (20 kilometres). The Follo Line Project involves a twintube tunnel that is mostly embedded in solid granite, and that will allow trains to reach a speed of 150 mph (250 kmh). Keller began serving as the subcontractor on the project in 2016, mobilizing more than 70 specialists from nine European countries for this major project using steel core piles (SCPs) for the foundation. The geotechnical challenge centered on stabilizing sensitive clay and quick clay where it transitions into hard rock along sections of the railway tunnels. To do so, Keller used a combination of dry deep soil mixing and jet grouting. Besides the development of a novel jet grouting an18 PIC Magazine • June 2021
chor system, the subcontractor also used a backflow treatment plant to minimize the environmental impact of jet grouting — the first successful application of this approach in Norway. The foundation work that is the focus of this article relates to Oslo’s main railway station (Oslo S). The main construction work started in 2015 and is expected to be finished within 2020 so that the railway and signaling works can start. The first train is expected to pass through the new tunnel by December 2021.
GEOLOGY The soil in which the tunnels needed to be constructed is often characterized by different types of clay. In some parts of Norway, the clay is soft and might even be characterized as quick clay that can become unstable under stress; but in other areas, the clay is described as stiff and medium in its sensitivity. Above the clay there is typically a layer of dry crust and fill that mostly varies in thickness between 3.3 feet (one metre) to 16.4 feet (five metres), sometimes thickening up to 33 feet (10 metres). Underneath the clay, there is often a moraine layer between 3.3 feet
(one metre) and 66 feet (20 metres) thick, before reaching the bedrock of diabase and syenite porphyry. In the Oslo area, there are layers of alum shale between the moraine and bedrock. This is a black shale that resembles species of rock containing pyrites (sulphur ore) and pyrrhotite (magnetic pyrites). Quick clay in its remolded state has a shear strength of < 0.07 psi (0.5 kPa) and will be a liquid. This soil has brittle fracture properties (a considerable reduction of strength) when experiencing strains larger than strains at its maximum strength. Therefore, quick clay may cause progressive landslides, where a minor landslide evolves into a considerably larger landslide. Such landslides due to quick clay tend to occur in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, and Alaska.
FOUNDATIONS WORKS For the tunnel foundation, an SCP was chosen, which is the most executed foundation type in Scandinavia. An SCP typically has a permanent casing of 3.5 to 16 inches (90 to 406 millimetres) for corrosion protection and a centered, solid steel core of three to 12.5 inches (80 to
320 millimetres) for load transfer into the bedrock. The gap between the casing and steel core is filled with concrete or mortar to ensure double corrosion protection. With casing sizes between 14 inches (350 millimetres) and 47 inches (1,200 millimetres), the steel core is replaced with concrete that has a reinforcement cage. The main parts of an SCP are: • A permanent steel casing, drilled through soil and then into rock. • A steel core, installed with spacers over the full pile length; it is extended by using American Petroleum Institute (API) threads. • When necessary, rock-socket drilling without a casing is done instead to create a skin friction pile. • Load transfer elements, such as a head plate and tension pile application. • Grout to provide corrosion protection and load transfer. To extend the casing, welding or threaded sleeves are used. The cores are joined by API threads and are placed in the casing with a nonconductive spacer to
guarantee minimum grout coverage for corrosion protection. Depending on the bedrock quality, different socket lengths are drilled below the casing. If so, the casing is placed about 3.3 feet (one metre) into the bedrock, followed by pilot drilling into the solid rock to place the steel core and to guarantee that a good load transfer occurs, mainly by skin friction.
PILE DRILLING In the Scandinavian subregion, a casing is often drilled into the ground using the overburden drilling eccentric (ODEX) method. When suitable for this approach, a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer, or a top
hammer, is used. This is done in nonsensitive soil conditions as an efficient, economical combination to install casings. However, the air consumption necessary to power the DTH hammer for a standard pile configuration is around 20,000 L3 (20 metres) of air per minute. Taking this air consumption into consideration, a modified drilling technique was required for the Follo Line Project to minimize the likelihood of uncontrolled pore pressure changes in sensitive clays, which were found to occur early on during piling works. The Keller Reversible Circulation Drilling (KRCD) technique that was devel-
Piling Industry Canada • June 2021 19
oped, which is water-based, requires 40 times less volume per minute to install a pile than air-powered drilling systems. This significantly impacts the risk factor for uncontrolled pore pressure changes. Therefore, all piling works at the Oslo S project were changed to the KRCD method. With this drilling technique, the environmental footprint is also improved due to the ability to use electric-powered pumps for drilling and to reuse the water from drilling because of a recycling process. Keller developed the drilling technique during the project to minimize the influence of drilling to the surrounding soil. As the drilling fluid is reused during the process, the environmental footprint is significantly improved compared to standard drilling techniques. The KRCD technique is performed using a doublehead rotary drill rig in combination with a water-powered hammer and a backflow treatment plant in the form of a centrifuge or filter press. Casing and drill rods are rotating independently by means of rotation direction and drilling velocity. Therefore, leakage is avoided of groundwater out of the casing and into the pile or drilling fluid. If this approach were not applied, any change in the groundwater table and/or pore pressure would cause large settlements of the surrounding buildings. As the drill bit is located around 15 inches (40 centimetres) higher than the casing shoe during drilling, the drilling debris is continuously flushed through the inner ring space between casing and drill rods. At the drill rig, a sealed con20 PIC Magazine • June 2021
nector allows measurement of the volume of backflow before the debris is treated by the filter press; the treated water is reused for flushing and powering the water hammer. With this drilling system, an overall analysis is also performed of the amount of drilling fluid input and debris output for every single pile. In quick clay — or in very soft soil — it is important to prevent the drilling fluid, air or water of drilling to enter into the surrounding soil formation. In assessing pore pressure measurements for a piling group of 50 piles using the KRCD approach, no major changes in pore pressure were observed during and after the piling works. According to Handbook R762E from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Keller’s drilling method is in line with the definition of a reversible circulation system, characterized by having the flushing fluid returned to the surface inside the casing. In soft soil conditions, such as clay, drilling is done with the rotation of the casing. This method avoids the overcut between the casing and the drill bit (the so-called ring space). This allows all drilling debris to be transported up to the working platform through the casing, where it can be properly controlled and treated. The full-face drill bit is set at approximately 15 inches (40 centimetres) inside the casing to avoid any increase of pore water pressure and to only flush out the drilled material (to have a low water pressure for soil removal). Also, since the casing shoe is welded onto the casing, there is no overcut, which avoids leak-
ages. The casing size is the actual drilling diameter. This technique is mainly used in sensitive soils since it is the most effective technique to avoid disturbing surrounding soil in terms of pore water overpressure or connection of different water layers. The big advantage of this drilling technique is that a complete material flow chart can be produced for each single pile. Therefore, flow meters are mounted to measure the water used during drilling and to analyze the amount and consistency of drilling debris recycled by the backflow treatment plant.
BACKFLOW TREATMENT At the Follo Line Project chamber filter press, units were used to separate solids from water, which was then reused for drilling. The filter press is a very effective backflow treatment system. The hydraulic filter press itself has chamber panels equipped with filter textiles for the separation process. Due to the overpressure in the filter panels, water is squeezed out and solids accumulate in the filter chambers. As soon as the plates are filled with dewatered clay, the hydraulic piston releases its pressure, and the solid mud is ready to be discharged. The overall cycle time depends on the backflow material and its composition. The setup used at Oslo S demonstrated that each cycle can treat around 250 feet (seven metres) of drilling debris in around 25 minutes.
PILE TESTING To verify the bedrock quality and proof the bearing capacity of the piles, static and dynamic load tests were executed (even though static load tests are uncommon in Scandinavia). The installed piles consisted of a 10.7 inches (273 millimetres) casing with a six inches (150 millimetres) solid steel core and were tested with a load of up to 112. 4 kip (500 kN). For the static load test, a settlement of 1.3 inches (34 millimetres) at a load of 112. 4
kip (500 kN) was measured, with a perpile, in combination with automating the to a landfill. However, because electric manent settlement found of 0.8 inches versions of other machines are still being drilling parameters used for project ex(eight millimetres). developed, Keller executed the micropile ecution. l Dynamic testing for SCPs is not standrilling at Oslo S using a KLEMM 807 dard as well, mainly due to their high Dominik Gächter, Dipl. Ing., is the regional drilling rig, with a fossil fuel-based enbearing capacity in respect to a small manager for Keller in Norway. In the last gine. cross section. A dropping height of 3.3 10 years, he has built up international Based on the KRCD method being sucfeet (one metre) and a weight of 24,251 experience in geotechnical engineering and cessfully applied at the Follo Line Project, pounds (11 tonnes) was necessary to contracting and leads some of the largest Keller is investigating automatization of analyze the system and get bearing caEuropean infrastructure projects for Keller. stages in the flow chart for each single pacity feedback. After reviewing the pile load test results, a socket length based on the drilling speed was defined in correspondence with the drilling logs from the test piles. Further piling works were ONTARIO controlled by dynamic pile tests to verify Interpipe Inc. is a steel pipe distributor of new 3320 Miles Road, RR#3 the bearing capacity. The model used to and used structural steel pipe. We have two Mount Hope, Ontario analyze the dynamic testing was calibratlarge stocking locations of Seamless, ERW, L0R 1WO ed by the static load tests executed at the Spiralweld and DSAW pipe. beginning of the project. Interpipe Inc. is a steel pipe distributor of new CONCLUSION and used structural steel pipe. We have two andin used structural of steel pipe.thicknesses We have 3” OD – 48” OD a variety wall large stocking locations of of Seamless, ERW, several stocking locations Seamless, The KRCD method applied with douare stocked in Spiralweld bothSpiralweld locations. and DSAW pipe. pipe. ERW, and DSAW ble rotary heads allowed the most sensi-
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Overcoming the challenge of piling in a changing north STG Technician preparing and setting foundation piles. (B.Walsh, STG Inc.)
Setting the first pile for the foundation of a 900kW wind turbine. (B.Walsh, STG Inc.)
Climate change is altering the permafrost foundation of the Arctic, and challenging the resilience and innovation of piling companies operating in the far north like never before By Paul Adair Building in the Arctic has always presented a set of unique challenges for construction companies, from isolated communities with limited access to skilled workers and equipment, from working through harsh winters and navigating rough geographic terrain to gaining project acceptance from local communities. Overcoming these kinds of challenges can prove difficult and tend to add to a project’s overall complexity and costs. “If you go into those remote locations where they rely on winter roads or have fly-in access only, things like Internet interconnectivity, sourcing and moving materials, housing costs, energy costs, and food costs can be substantial, particularly in those months when the winter roads are unavailable,” says Paul Gruner, President and CEO at Det’on Cho Man22 PIC Magazine • June 2021
agement LP in Yellowknife, NT. “Farther
ing, however, there’s an increased risk to
north, in places with even less access,
northern structure foundations. Because
you will have to plan your projects a sea-
some permafrost is essentially just water,
son in advance, at a minimum.”
it has nearly zero compressive strength
PERMAFROST’S FOUNDATIONAL PROBLEMS For piling, the logistical hurdles to overcome are compounded by the onset of climate change that’s causing the permafrost underfoot to become somewhat less permanent. Permafrost is defined as any ground that remains completely frozen for at least two years in a row – essentially, a frozen solid mass of earth or frozen water with small amounts of soil particles. Even under ideal conditions, piling in permafrost conditions can prove to be
when thawed, as evidenced by the growing number of sagging buildings across the north. “Where the permafrost underlying buildings is ice-rich, any degradation of the permafrost could lead to thaw settlement and building distress,” says Canadian
Construction
Association
President Mary Van Buren. “As such, managing erosion and sedimentation for northern community infrastructure will be a specific challenge for the piling industry going forward.”
PILING IN THE NORTH
difficult. Taking into account long-term
There are generally two kinds of piles
and rapidly accelerating climate warm-
commonly being used for foundations
“ Managing erosion and sedimentation for northern community infrastructure will be a specific challenge for the piling industry going forward.” – Mary Van Buren, CCA installed into permafrost: drilled and slurried piles or driven piles. A third type − helical (rotated-in) pile systems − has also seen some increased interest as a potential piling solution. Drilled and slurried piles are installed in a drilled hole approximately 150 millimetres larger than the pile diameter to a specified depth. The annulus between the pile and the in situ material is filled with a sand (or sandy-gravel) and water slurry that’s mixed to about a 100 millimetre to 150 millimetre slump, which is placed like concrete and vibrated to reduce voids. Driven piles are placed similarly to driven piles in conventional thawed material, with the exception that the permafrost can be very hard to penetrate and there’s the possibility of structural damage to the pile from overdriving when using an impact hammer. Both impact and vibratory hammers are used and, occasionally, pre-drilling and temporary ground-warming systems are Foundation piles with thermal-coils, set in place, waiting to be slurried. (B.Walsh, STG Inc.)
used to increase production. Whatever piling method is used, however, it will require contractors to invest in either reliable equipment that works in a northern climate without breaking down, or additional measures to protect piling equipment from the frigid cold. “Much of the equipment and construction techniques designed for construction down south are simply not well-suited the arctic cold,” says Edward Yarmak, President at Alaska-based Arctic Foundations Inc. “Much of this can be solved by using engineered controls such as temporary structures or enclosed equipment, which – while effective - all add to the cost to the project.”
top layer of soil that undergoes freeze
THE CHALLENGES ARE HEATING UP
are both installed through the drill and
As climate change becomes more evident in the north, the once-permanent permafrost is thawing and a greater rate than in years past. And because permafrost is a viscoelastic material with strength that is temperature dependent, it grows weaker as the active layer (the
thaw action seasonally) increases in thickness. “Basically, what’s stable today may not be stable tomorrow,” says Yarmak. “Overall, the designers are calling for deeper − and sometimes larger-diameter − piles when climate change is considered. So, larger and more robust equipment is becoming necessary for installation. Some existing foundations are moving when they shouldn’t, and repairs increasingly need to be considered.” To help counter the challenges to piling created by the thawing permafrost, Arctic Foundations manufactures Thermopiles and Thermo Helix-piles, which slurry technique. The Thermopile is a passive groundcooling device that removes heat from the soil whenever the air is colder than the soil, helping to ward off the effects of climate change locally. The Thermo Helix-pile, on the other hand, is a thermo-
A crane moving a Thermo Helixpile. (B.Walsh, STG Inc.)
Piling Industry Canada • June 2021 23
“ Basically; what is stable today, may not be stable tomorrow.” – Edward Yarmak, Arctic Foundations Inc. pile with a continuous flight of helix at-
systems to remove heat from the ground
in places like the Arctic, where the im-
tached in the bearing zone. The Thermo
and maintain the thermal regime.
pact of warming will be felt more acute-
Helix-pile uses frozen soil shear along
“We have supplied hundreds of ther-
ly. Research has shown that the benefits
the helix perimeter and/or the edge of
mosyphons that were installed by drill-
of investing in community adaptation,
the drilled hole to resist axial load and
ing next to existing piling in order to
innovation, and resilience at the front-
is probably the highest-capacity pile that
cool the bearing zone and reduce pile
end, will outweigh the cost of such in-
can be installed in permafrost. The durability of this product is impressive; the very first thermopiles were installed back in 1960 at a site with marginal permafrost, and they’re still in service today! Where there are issues that preclude drilling open holes for drill and slurry
movement so that existing structures can continue to be used,” says Yarmak. “Generally speaking, because our passively refrigerated systems remove heat all winter, the piles never see the free-
vestments by a ratio of six to one. “We will certainly need to take advantage of new technologies to overcome the challenges presented by climate change,” says Gruner. “Not piling-specif-
field ground temperatures.”
ic, but when you look at a project like the
THE PATH AHEAD
they’re able to contain permafrost and
Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, where
installations, Arctic Foundations man-
Without changes to existing practices
somewhat control melting, we can really
ufactures thermosyphons, which are
that do not prioritize climate resiliency
see how technology and science are able
non-structural thermopiles that can be
in infrastructure, climate change costs
to be brought in to help us weather cli-
installed in, or adjacent to, driven pile
for Canada could escalate, particularly
mate change for the better.” l
“ We can really see how technology and science is able to be brought in and help us weather climate change for the better.” – Paul Gruner, Det’on Cho Management LP 24 PIC Magazine • June 2021
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Contractor drives micropile production, safety with KLEMM equipment By Brian M. Fraley, Fraley Construction Marketing
Technical Foundations drilled holes with a KLEMM KR 806-3G and fed rod and casing sections to the rig with an excavator-mounted HBR 120 rod-handling attachment on a micropile project near Roanoke, Virginia.
Technical Foundations has been providing specialty foundation contracting services along the Eastern Seaboard for 27 years, with a heavy focus on Virginia and the Carolinas. The contractor’s reputation for taking on unique projects is evident in its selection of equipment, the most recent of which was the rental of a KLEMM drilling rig and rod-handling attachment from Equipment Corporation of America (ECA). “Technical Foundations specializes in unique projects,” says Project Engineer Butch Stoneman. “We like to provide cost-efficient, innovative solutions, and sustainable ground improvements for challenging sites where conventional approaches won’t quite work.” 26 PIC Magazine • June 2021
ECA’s Account Manager Greg Barta arranged the rental of the KLEMM drilling rig and rod-handling attachment and KLEMM specialist Burt Kerns conducted on-site operator training for the team at the beginning of the project since this was the contractor’s first time using the HBR 120.
The contractor has done business with the ECA Washington branch for more
Careful hand signaling was required between a spotter and the equipment operators to get the rod-handling attachment and drilling rig mast on the right plane to keep the casing sections properly aligned.
MICROPILES CHOSEN TO AVOID DISRUPTION
than 10 years. Although the original con-
Technical Foundations put the KLEMM
nection was with Branch Manager Mike
drilling rig and handling system to work
Brown – known by Stoneman and many
in January 2021 on a project near Roa-
other contractors for his intimate knowl-
noke, Virginia. The contractor was hired
edge of the KLEMM line – it was Account
to install 230 micropiles to support a size-
Manager Greg Barta that arranged the
able commercial building addition and
rental of the drilling rig and rod-handling
multi-story precast parking garage.
attachment. Technical Foundations is no
The micropiles would be spread across
stranger to KLEMM drilling rigs, but
the roughly two-acre site to support the
ECA’s KLEMM specialist Burt Kerns was
proposed structures in unsuitable soils.
sent to conduct on-site operator train-
The existing site was essentially a valley
ing for the team at the beginning of the
that had been backfilled with a variety of
project since this was the contractor’s first
materials to level it.
time using the HBR 120 rod-handling attachment.
Technical Foundations started off by test drilling to locate the bedrock. During
that process, it discovered that unsuitable fill would make it impossible to build the structures on conventional spread footers without settlement issues. Various deep foundation systems were considered. The existing business would remain fully operational, so avoiding disruption was critical. Driven piles were ruled out primarily due to the vibration that would occur with pile driving and heavy equipment. After several load tests, it was determined that six-inch-diameter piles would achieve the right capacity. They were to be clustered in a pile cap configuration around the building columns and under some of the grade beams.
since it has separate drives for the outer casing and inner rod. This was especially helpful when drilling through different types of materials and formations.
KLEMM ROD-HANDLING ATTACHMENT DRIVES PRODUCTIVITY KLEMM Drilling Rigs can be equipped with a MAG 7.0 Revolver, which is ideal for deep foundation methods like tiebacks or soil nails where the casing is
being reused. The KR 806-3G Technical Foundations rented on the Roanoke project did not have a revolver since micropile casings are a one-time use. The HBR 120 rod-handling attachment proved to be a better fit. The drilling crew would drill a hole with the casing and the inner rod. The KR 806-3G operator would leave the casing in place and pull the inner rods. The HBR 120 was then used to grab the inner
MICROPILE DRILLING WITH THE KLEMM The KLEMM KR 806-3G was the primary workhorse for micropile drilling. Technical Foundations had several other rigs on standby. “It was more efficient to have one drill concentrating on drilling and the other focused on grouting the holes afterwards,” says Stoneman. “It was also a really tight schedule, so we had an extra machine out there to make sure our flow of work wasn’t interrupted.” The KR 806-3G was drilling piles from 20 feet to 65 feet deep and seating them five feet into bedrock. The top layer of fill material was generally soft and moist, containing a mixture of concrete debris, tree roots, and various types of soil that had been in place for up to 40 years. The native soil below was a weathered rock, which was underlain by bedrock. “We chose the KLEMM because it was the most reliable machine we had available, and with the different features it has, it was going to be a little bit more versatile in difficult drilling conditions,” says Stoneman. Stoneman is referring to the rig’s electronic shifting capabilities, which allow for the changing of torque and speed. The KR 806-3G’s double-head drilling capability was also beneficial
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Piling Industry Canada • June 2021 27
The HBR 120 can rotate on a 360-degree axis, but Technical Foundations did not require that level of movement on this project.
Technical Foundations completed 14 micropiles per day because of the KLEMM rod-handling attachment, compared to the six to eight it would normally achieve using traditional methods.
rod and feed it back into the next piece of casing. “When the crew was ready to start drilling the next hole, they were all ready to go,” Stoneman says. “Having the casing and rods pre-loaded allowed them to drill at a faster production rate.” The smoothness of the micropile drilling operation nearly doubled productivity compared to the contractor’s traditional method. Technical Foundations would traditionally use the winch to hoist the casing and inner rod and make the connection by hand. The contractor would typically achieve six to eight micropiles daily with that method compared to the 14 it completed using the KLEMM rodhandling attachment. “The rod handler holds the inner rod and casing still so that we can make the connection to the drill head,” explains Stoneman. “The drilling rig operator can detach from both joints, then raise the head up, so it’s a faster transition to add the next piece of drill steel.” The HBR 120 can fit on any brand of excavator, but Technical Foundations kept it mounted on a Komatsu. Mounting the attachment was simple. The contractor built an adapter that allowed the rodhandling attachment to be easily mounted to the arm with pins and bolts. A piggyback system facilitated the connection of hydraulic hoses and electronics to the fuse block of the excavator. This allowed 28 PIC Magazine • June 2021
the operator to easily control the functions of the rod-handling attachment, including rotating, tilting, and clamping casing and inner rods. The HBR 120 can rotate on a 360-degree axis, but Technical Foundations didn’t require that level of movement on this project. The bigger focus was getting the rod-handling attachment and the drilling rig mast on the right plane to keep the casing properly aligned so the sections would thread properly. This process required careful communication between a spotter and the drilling rig and excavator operators. The KLEMM drilling rig was operated by remote control so he had the flexibility to move into a position with better visibility. The spotter used hand signaling to help both operators to properly line up the joints.
TAKING SAFETY TO A NEW LEVEL The KLEMM rod-handling attachment also improved safety for the Technical Foundations ground crew. The 10-footlong inner rod and casing sections were about 300 pounds, which have the potential to cause serious injuries. “By using the rod handler, you reduce the chance of a pipe section coming loose and falling and hurting somebody, but you also are able to get people’s hands away from joints,” says Stoneman. “When you can fully eliminate serious injury or any potential human contact, it’s a positive thing.”
The ability to control the KLEMM drilling rig via remote control added to the safety of the micropile drilling operation. Groundwater kept dust control at a minimum on the Roanoke project, but the ability for the operator to move to an area with improved visibility was helpful. “With the remote control, the operator can position himself where he’s out of the dust that can occur during drilling and in a place where he can best see what’s going on,” Stoneman says. “The farther away you can get from the machine, the safer the operator is.”
BEATING THE DEADLINE DESPITE ADDITIONAL MICROPILES The owner at the Roanoke project had a drop-dead opening date for this building, so they couldn’t extend the schedule, according to Stoneman. Further complicating matters, the owner called for 40 additional piles between the bid submission and project start date. Technical Foundations arrived on site at the Roanoke project in January of 2021 and finished in late February of 2021. “Our crew worked through some extreme conditions and the equipment improved productivity, so we finished the job several days ahead of schedule even after starting about a week behind,” Stoneman says. Technical Foundations rented the KLEMM drilling rig and rod-handling attachment from ECA for the Roanoke project. After it was complete, the safety and productivity gains combined with the potential for future projects made the decision to purchase the HBR 120 an easy one for the contractor. Technical Foundations didn’t have enough relevant work to keep the KR 806-3G consistently busy at that point. “We were exceptionally pleased with the productivity and the safety it (HBR 120) added to the project,” says Stoneman. “We see multiple places where it will benefit us in the future.” l
EQUIPMENT Profile
ECA brings greater drilling depths to U.S., Canada with BAUER MC 96/ Berminghammer lead setup Maschinen collaborated to develop this special lead setup specifically for the MC 96 series of duty-cycle cranes in 2020. BAUER and Berminghammer also developed special joint kinematics to allow the lead itself to be rigged easily and quickly. No additional modifications are required to connect the Berminghammer lead to any MC duty-cycle crane. In addition to the latest drilling features such as drill or pull assist, this MC 96 uses a standard BAUER KDK 280S Equipment Corporation of America (ECA) is bringing the unique BAUER MC 96 duty-cycle crane paired with hanging Berminghammer lead assembly to North America to allow customers to achieve drilling depths of up to 150 feet (45 metres).
rotary head, which is powered by the onboard Caterpillar C18 engine. This means that no additional power pack is required, reducing noise levels and operating costs. ECA has been a leading supplier of foundation construction equipment in
Equipment Corporation of America (ECA), a leading distributor of specialty foundation equipment, is bringing the unique BAUER MC 96 duty-cycle crane paired with hanging Berminghammer lead assembly to North America to allow its customers to achieve drilling depths of up to 150 feet (45 metres). Both ECA and ECA Canada will offer this rig to customers for sale or rental. “ECA is thrilled to add the BAUER MC 96 duty-cycle crane equipped with a Berminghammer leader and a powerful BAUER KDK 280S rotary head to our fleet,” says Director of BAUER Product
the high-end CFA setup.” When equipped with the 138-foot-long (42-metre) Berminghammer lead, BAUER’s 130-ton duty-cycle crane can reach depths of up to 150 feet (45 metres). The specially adapted MC 96 mast geometry allows an operator to drill in single-pass mode using the complete mast length. This means that the 750-millimeter auger can achieve a depth of 115 feet (35 metres) in a completely continuous drilling process. It’s also possible to attach a Kelly extension to drill down an additional 33 feet (10 metres).
the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada for more than a century. We’re the exclusive distributor for BAUER drilling rigs, KLEMM anchor and micropile drilling rigs, RTG piling rigs, and BAUER MAT slurry-handling systems. We also distribute HPSI vibratory pile hammers, WORD International drill attachments, Dawson construction products, ALLU ground improvement equipment, Pile Master air hammers, DIGGA dangle drills, Olin Concrete Pumps, and KB International synthetic polymer slurry. ECA offers sales, rentals, service, and parts from nine facilities throughout the
Sales and Service Gordian Ulrich. “The
This customized rig represents a part-
rig can drill up to 150 feet of single-pass
nership between two of the world’s lead-
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piles (CFA or FDP) in various diameters,
ing manufacturers of foundation equip-
our ever-improving specialty foundation
which is 25 feet more than our BG 45 in
ment. Berminghammer and BAUER
equipment solutions. l
Eastern U.S. and Eastern Canada. Visit
Piling Industry Canada • June 2021 29
EQUIPMENT Profile
CZM introduces LR65 to fleet CZM Foundation Equipment has introduced a long-reach option to their popular EK65 model. The Long Reach series is a unique CZM design that brought the high performance of CZM’s EK line to a boom-mounted set up with increased reach. The long-reach machines are equipped with a specially designed boom with two lift cylinders, allowing for a higher torque and crowd force to be applied to the tool, which aligns with interlocking Kelly bars that make it efficient in rock and hard-soil drilling. Round friction bars are also available for high production in softer soils. The LR65 is the smallest model of CZM’s long-reach series mounted on a CAT323 base. Highlights include 64 horsepower, 67,150-foot pounds of torque, a maximum drilling diameter of nine feet, standard drilling depth of 40 feet, main winchline pull of 27,120 pounds with two gears for high speed and pulling force, and an operation weight of 80,000 pounds. The rotary offers three operation and spinoff speeds and automatic gear shifting. Its maximum reach of 10 feet, three inches is ideal for applications such as sound-bearing walls, transmission lines and utilities, substations, drilling on steep slopes, and difficult-to-reach holes. The LR65 model can be transported in one load, with the Kelly bar on, and is easy to set up, without the need of any support equipment. It’s also equipped with our control system to monitor drilling parameters, perform some functions automatically and to help with diagnostics and maintenance records. We can also log in remotely to its telematics system to troubleshoot and resolve issues. CZM has been manufacturing founda30 PIC Magazine • June 2021
tion drill rigs since 1976, and in the early 2000s, CZM USA opened in Savannah, Georgia. Training and service support for all equipment is provided by CZM, and equipment is available for rental,
direct sale, or rental/purchase options. CZM Foundation Equipment is headquartered in Savannah and has an office in Saginaw, Texas, along with sales teams in all regions of the US and Canada. l
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