Case Study
Crane Foundation Support - Tyler, TX
SITUATION
Cortex was preparing to install an overhead crane system inside an existing warehouse facility. The new crane system required additional foundation support to accommodate the structural loads associated with the load requirements for the new overhead crane system.
The challenge was not only providing the required foundation capacity—it was doing so inside an active warehouse without interrupting Cortex's ongoing operations.
Cantsink was brought in to provide a deep foundation solution based on the project's engineering plans and geotechnical report.
SCOPE OF WORK
After reviewing the engineering plans and geotechnical information, Cantsink developed a helical pile solution designed to provide the foundation support required for the new overhead crane system.
Based on the column design loads, Cantsink proposed to install two (2) 3.5" OD helical piles at each location to meet the Engineer's design load of 52 Kips per column. A double 12/14" helix configuration was recommended based on the soil data provided from the two soil borings that reveled dense silty sand at 15 feet with an "N" value of 46 at boring 1 and poorly graded sand with silt at 20 feet with an "N" value of 22.
ANCHOR SYTEM
The project utilized:
- 72 pile installations
- 3.0" Schedule 40 pipe piles
- Double 12/14" helix configuration
- Anticipated installation depth of approximately 21 feet
- Installation within an active warehouse facility
Once installation began, actual pile depths ranged from approximately 14 to 21 feet. Because the piles reached the required installation criteria without exceeding the anticipated depth, there was no change order to the project budget for Cortex.
The helical pile system allowed Cantsink to install the required foundation support within the existing warehouse while minimizing disruption to the facility's day-to-day operations.
RESULT
Cantsink successfully installed 72 piles throughout the warehouse to provide the foundation support required for Cortex's new overhead crane system.
The piles were installed between 14 and 21 feet, consistent with the anticipated installation depth based on the project's design requirements. As a result, Cortex experienced no additional foundation costs.
Just as importantly, Cantsink completed the installation while Cortex continued its normal warehouse operations. No facility shutdown was required, allowing Cortex to maintain productivity while the foundation piles were completed.
Cantsink combines engineering-driven foundation solutions, in-house manufacturing, and experienced installation crews to provide efficient deep foundation systems tailored to each project's requirements.
