Buckman Chemical Lab - New Construction Case Studies
Specializing in manufacturing chemicals for water treatment, pulp, paper,
and leather industries, the Buckman Chemical Lab in Memphis, Tennessee
ran into an unforeseen problem when attempting to install two new chemical
tanks. The 3500 and 6500 gallon tanks weighed too much for the soil beneath
them to provide support, forcing Buckman Chemicals to contact Ram Jack
Tennessee to remedy the situation.
Situation
The soil beneath the extremely heavy tanks was simply not equipped to
adequately stabilize and support their weight. Furthermore, the tanks
were designed to store unstable, volatile, and dangerous chemicals, making
it vitally important that the tanks rest on a solid, immoveable foundation.
Proposed Solution
Working with SSR, Inc., a local engineering firm, Ram Jack Tennessee experts
determined the loads required to support the tanks and designed an ideal
layout for the helical pile installation. The height of the building limited
the type of installation equipment that could be used as well as the deep
foundation system that could be installed. In order to make up for these
limitations, Ram Jack proposed the use of 2 7⁄8 in. threaded connection
helical piles along with 3 1⁄2 in. diameter, 5 ft. long external
sleeves. This combination would resist the 2000 lb. lateral loads on the
piles without having to use larger diameter piles or install tieback anchors,
saving the client both time and money without compromising the structural
integrity needed to support the tanks.
Outcome
Over the course of two days while working in extremely tight areas, Ram
Jack Tennessee successfully completed the Buckman Chemical Lab project.
The job proved tedious at times due to the proximity of unstable, dangerous
chemicals; however, Ram Jack employees remained dedicated to safety while
simultaneously ensuring a job well done. When finished, (24) 2 7⁄8
in. triple 8”-10”-12” helical piles with 5 ft. sleeves
and new construction brackets were installed to an average depth of 40
ft., adequately supporting the loads of the massive chemical tanks. After
the job was completed, Mr. Kyle Maxwell, an employee of SSR, Inc. stated,
“I really appreciate all of the help on designing the piers and
for the great, fast job.”
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