How The Dwyer Company Solved a Foundation Excavation Challenge with Helical Piers
- Project Type: Commercial
- Project Services: Deep Foundation Systems, Helical Piles
When construction began on the Merchant Street Townhomes in Springdale, Ohio, the project presented an unexpected engineering challenge. An existing detention area ran adjacent to the southern end of the new building, making traditional excavation for footers unsafe and potentially damaging to the detention structure.
Working closely with Manning Contracting, The Dwyer Company engineered and installed a precision helical pier foundation system that eliminated the need for deep excavation and allowed the project to stay on schedule. This custom-engineered solution proved that even in constrained conditions, structural stability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
Quick Facts
- Location: Springdale, Ohio
- Project Type: New Construction
- System Installed: 11 Helical Piers
- Design Load per Pier: Approximately 15 kips
- Timeline: September 2022
- Partners: Manning Contracting (General Contractor)
The Challenge:
The primary challenge was supporting new foundation loads near an active detention area without undermining existing structures. Excavation for footers in this area was not acceptable due to the risk of soil instability and water management disruption.
Compounding the challenge, construction was already underway, requiring The Dwyer Company to mobilize quickly, coordinate with multiple trades on site, and deliver a solution that maintained both safety and schedule integrity. Conventional footing excavation could not meet these constraints without significant delay and cost.
The Solution: Helical Piers for Shallow Excavation and Structural Stability
The Dwyer Company designed and installed 11 precision-engineered helical piers to support the southern end of the new building. Each pier was rated to carry approximately 15 kips, transferring loads safely to competent bearing strata below the detention area.
The installation process required detailed pre-planning and real-time coordination with ongoing construction. Specialized low-clearance drilling equipment allowed the crew to work efficiently within the active site while maintaining exact installation depths and torque specifications.
Within one week of being contacted, Dwyer completed the installation, enabling the general contractor to resume foundation work and keep the project on track. The solution eliminated deep excavation, minimized disruption, and ensured verified structural performance for the new townhome structure.
Key Project Details
Helical piles installed to engineered specifications
Load capacity per pier by design
Mobilized and completed installation within one week
Eliminated the need for deep excavation near detention area
Maintained project schedule despite active site constraints
Delivered verified structural stability with minimal disruption
Why Helical Piers?
Helical piers offer a proven and efficient foundation solution for sites with excavation limitations or sensitive adjacent structures. Their screw-like design allows for immediate load transfer without vibration or soil displacement, making them ideal for constrained urban environments.
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Minimal Excavation
Protected the detention area by removing the need for deep digging. -
Rapid Installation
Completed installation within one week to avoid costly downtime. -
Reliable Load Capacity
Verified performance with engineered torque correlation and bearing depth. -
Precision Engineering
Installed under tight access conditions with accurate depth and alignment. -
Cost Efficiency
Avoided redesign or extended project delays through a targeted, adaptable solution.
The Impact: Safe, Efficient, and Verified Performance
The impact was threefold: schedule acceleration, cost efficiency, and structural reliability. By implementing a helical pier foundation system, The Dwyer Company eliminated the need for extensive excavation and protected the detention structure while maintaining the project’s aggressive timeline.
Most importantly, this approach allowed the general contractor to continue construction without delay, achieving a safe, permanent, and verified foundation solution that will provide decades of reliable performance.
Why Choose The Dwyer Company for Structural Integrity?
Deep History • Solid Choice
The Dwyer Company’s proven track record in commercial and industrial foundation systems made us the trusted partner for this critical infrastructure project. Our team’s technical expertise, advanced equipment, and commitment to precision execution delivered a foundation system that will support decades of heavy industrial use.