MANAGE DEEP
FOUNDATION RISK
Fugro Loadtest removes uncertainty in foundation
construction by establishing confidence, reliability and
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quality control and testing. We have unsurpassed
experience managing deep foundation risk with
thousands of full scale load tests performed around
the world. Loadtest provides focused risk management
decisions through confirmed excavation quality
conditions, calibrated foundation designs, and verified
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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Piling within the basement
VersaPile was contracted to install the new foundation
piles. Equipment was hoisted into the excavated crawlspace
using a highly technical engineered lift. The scope
included the installation of 18 new helical piles, with
eight for the elevator pit alone. The piles measured 55
feet in length, with a diameter of 4.5 inches and a 16-inch
helix on the end.
Helical piles were used for this project to ensure the
load of the structure would be equally distributed. To
provide sufficient load transfer for the soil conditions,
each pile was made of galvanized steel and concrete to
prevent rusting and had helical steel plates, instead of
continuous flighting. Using helical piles allowed PCL to
achieve adequate foundation support within the confines
of the tower’s basement.
The use of helical piles, also known as screw piles,
was ideal for this project due to the unpredictable composition
of Winnipeg soils. Helical piles are economical,
relatively quick to install, provide a tremendous amount
of strength and stability and are great for reinforcing
existing foundations.
During the installation, a hydraulic drill motor was
attached to an excavator boom using a drive attachment
and the piles were screwed into the ground to depth,
working within the basement level. The piles for the elevator
were installed 13 feet deeper than required to avoid
any issues with soil moisture fluctuation. To minimize
tenant disruption, the pile installation work was done
primarily during evenings and weekends.
Once the piles were installed, the elevator pit was
formed and placed, as well as the elevator walls to the
concourse level. All concrete slabs were installed by PCL.
At this stage, PCL had the structural steel infill installed
to support the four new automated teller machines at the
main floor entrance, which were part of the Scotiabank
branch upgrade.
The Scotiabank Tenant Improvement project was
driven by a need to provide an updated tenant experience
within this iconic structure. While construction provided
a unique challenge to PCL and its trade contractors, the
new elevator and stairwell not only make the building
more attractive to existing users, but also provide muchneeded
access and accessibility. Updated office finishes,
as well as new mechanical and electrical systems, create
a winning situation for both current and future tenants.
Work on the site was declared substantially completed on
July 17, 2019. The updated Scotiabank branch opened to
the public a month later, with a grand opening celebration
held in December 2019.
36 Issue 4 2021 www.pilingcanada.ca
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