Case Studies
Mid-Continent Public Library
Introduction: Part of the largest library system in the Kansas City metropolitan area,
the Mid-Continent Public Library provides learning experiences, educational
resources, and books to the local community. And while the historic, brick
structure looks as solid as a rock, over time the foundation below settled,
and the structure’s walls were beginning to show some wear. Public
officials in charge of the structure called KC Ram Jack to take a look.
The Problem: A Ram Jack professional detected severe settlement in the southeast corner
of the building. The southeast part of the library is an older portion
of the structure, making it more susceptible to Father Time. In addition,
settlement was discovered around the south and west walls. Despite the
fact that these walls were part of a newer addition to the building, these
walls were in serious need of repair.
Proposed Solution: KC Ram Jack proposed installing 28 piles to raise and support the settling
portions of the library. Each of the piles would be strategically placed
7 ft. apart, with four piles on the interior of the structure and the
remaining piles outside. The piles would not only lift the building, but
they would stabilize the structure and ensure prevention of further damage.
Outcome: After making some slight modifications to the original plan, the Ram Jack
professionals installed 26 exterior piers to an average depth of 16 ft.,
lifting the southeast corner of the structure a full 1.5 in. and stabilizing
the south and west walls to prevent further damage. The Mid-Continent
Public Library was able to remain open and operational during the entire
project, and the job was finished in a timely manner despite rainy weather.
When the project was completed, the structural integrity of the Mid- Continent
Public Library was restored, and it was fortified from the shifting soil
and settling dirt below.
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