Case Studies
Otter Rock Stair Case
Situation: In December of 2009 Ram Jack of Oregon was contacted by a local contractor
in Otter Rock, Oregon, to stabilize concrete stair landings that allows
beach access for condominium complex residents. The fear was that an ongoing
erosion issue would potentially jeopardize the staircase’s integrity,
not allowing beach front access. The concrete stair landing had originally
been constructed with another deep foundation system. However, there were
concerns about the lateral stability of the existing foundation system
as the potential of future erosion existed.
Solution: Due to the steep incline and sensitive environment, the site did not
allow for heavy equipment access. Because of this, the project engineer
originally specified galvanized pipe piles installed with an eighty-pound
vibratory hammer. Ram Jack of Oregon suggested the use of Ram Jack’s
2 7/8” diameter driven pile with an extended external sleeve to
increase the pile’s lateral strength even more. The project engineer
found this to be a superior alternative to the vibratory piles due to
the ability to install the piles to a higher load bearing capacity (20,000
lbs. ultimate).
Conclusion: Ram Jack driven steel piles can be installed with hand carried hydraulics
making it ideal for power and strength even in the tightest of working
conditions. Ram Jack of Oregon was able to install four driven piles in
a single day stabilizing the concrete landings. The bottom two pictures
on the left were taken one year after Ram Jack driven piles were installed.
As can be seen, the concerns of future erosion were accurate and the piles
are performing as intended. When strength and stability are needed most,
more engineers turn to Ram Jack.
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