“We have, at times, been brought in as the specialist drilling
firm to deal with difficult local conditions that have
stalled other deep foundation companies,” he said. “The
ability to work as a cohesive unit with the client and their
representatives – combined with partnerships with the best
local geotechnical talent – has been proven many times in
recent years on projects ranging from large-scale transportation
routes to smaller designs for private developers.”
He says the main thing that sets HFDI apart from its competitors
is the company’s mindset.
“We are nimble in that we are large enough to have all the
infrastructure required for a large company, but the leadership
structure is built around a very small core,” he said. “This
allows a flexibility and responsiveness to the client’s needs
that is difficult to emulate by bigger companies.”
Well-represented in British Columbia, HFDI also regularly
works in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. While
the operational management is split between Don and Ken,
Don is involved in the day-to-day running of the business by
ensuring he has an active part in bidding, liaisons with clients
and personally stays in touch with crews on the jobsite.
His parents are still involved with the company, but do not
have the same daily involvement.
From the office in Langley, the company has a small core
of staff responsible for bidding and project management.
“The strength of the company is in the depth of operational
staff that includes foremen, drill and crane operators
and experienced ground men,” said Don.
Notable projects
HFDI has completed numerous projects in the Vancouver
area. Don says the difficult local conditions have required
all of the facilities and equipment that make his company
unique. Among these facilities is HFDI’s own in-house fabrication
shop.
“This resource allows the company to design custom tools
to deal with any situation,” he said. “It also allows a rapid
refurbishment for the job tool as constant maintenance of
drill tools is an inherent requirement for any deep foundation
project. Complementing this fabrication shop is our mechanical
area that allows us to maintain the equipment, but also
respond to any emergency brought on by equipment failure.”
The list is long for Henry Drilling’s notable projects, but
one that stands out is the Ambleside Phase 1 project in West
Vancouver. Don says this challenging project consisted of
approximately 340 piles, 1,000 mm in diameter and up to 21
metres in length.
“The ground conditions were not favourable as the site
was located across the road from the water at an elevation
close to sea level, and consistent granite boulders up to four
metres in size were encountered throughout the duration of
the project,” said Don. “HFDI mobilized three drill rigs to the
site, including a Bauer BG-40, Bauer BG-28H and a Soilmec
SR-80 to ensure project completion through these difficult
conditions.”
Also in the Vancouver area, another successful project was
the Surrey City Hall foundation in Surrey, B.C.
In order to construct the new Surrey City Hall building,
designers were left with a difficult decision on how to
shore the main dig area. Soils were one to two metres of fill
overlying one to five metres of peat and soft, sensitive clays
overlying stiff glacial tills with a large gravel, cobble and granite
boulder component.
“After looking at all options, a secant pile wall with tie
backs was chosen for the project,” said Don. “This option
met the schedule, budget and design guidelines. The shoring
wall included a total of 340 pcs of 750-mm diameter
piles on 600-mm centres down to a depth of up to 13.5
metres. We used several Soilmec drills to complete this difficult
project.”
COMPANY PROFILE
“The strength of the
company is in the depth
of operational staff that
includes foremen, drill
and crane operators
and experienced
ground men.”
– Don Henry, President, Henry
Foundation Drilling Inc.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
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