The development in downtown Minneapolis rises 16 stories on the previous site of a surface parking lot. Bordered on two sides by residential condominiums built in 1900 and 1916, the project site is very tight with highly sensitive structures within feet of the new construction.
Braun Intertec was selected to perform vibration monitoring services for this project which required installation of an H-pile earth retention system around portions of the site perimeter. Braun Intertec began this process with pre-construction condition surveys of the adjacent condominium buildings, performed and overseen by our highly experienced vibration monitoring team. The condition surveys revealed that both structures were in good condition and built of robust materials such as concrete, brick masonry, and timber. Based on this review, vibration recommendations were set specific to each structure with considerations for specific areas of concern within each structure.
During the H-pile installation, Braun Intertec placed vibration monitors enabled with automated remote alerts inside and outside the adjacent structures. As pile driving approached the buildings, our vibration monitoring team provided in-person monitoring of the structures and deployed additional instrumentation at critical points in the building. This approach allowed pile driving to continue within a few feet of the adjacent structure. Additionally, it saved the construction team thousands in alternate low vibration pile installation fees.
Interested in learning more about Braun Intertec vibration monitoring services? Sign up for our webinar, “Decoding Vibration Thresholds: When Do Buildings Crack?” with project engineers Ren Keyport, PE and Cody Bain, PE. Click the button below to sign up.
