Problem
During the construction of a new 10-foot-tall, 145-foot-long reinforced concrete retaining wall for a lake house and pool at Lake Bridgeport, the wall began to shift before final construction was complete. Given the size and design of the wall, built along a sloped waterfront site, there were concerns about long-term structural performance under lateral loads.
Frank W. Neal & Associates Structural Engineering recognized the risk and recommended Ram Jack Texas, in partnership with Fortified Engineering Solutions, to address the issue and ensure the wall could meet load-bearing expectations.
Proposed Solution
Ram Jack proposed installing (23) RJ 2⅞” helical tiebacks with 8-10 helix configurations. Designed to meet a minimum torque of 6,800 ft-lbs and installed at a 20-degree angle, the tiebacks would provide the necessary resistance to lateral forces acting on the retaining wall.
Due to the existing wall structure, cores were drilled through the wall to allow proper access for tieback installation. The tiebacks were designed with embedment depths ranging from 21 to 42 feet to meet varying soil conditions and load requirements. High-strength threaded rod components were used to activate the tiebacks and connect them to wall assembly plates.
Outcome
Installation was completed over two days with no deviation from the original plan. Ram Jack’s team successfully installed and activated all 23 tiebacks, meeting all engineering specifications and torque requirements. The solution delivered peace of mind for the homeowners and project engineers, ensuring the wall was equipped to handle the expected lateral forces from the adjacent slope and pool structure.
This project demonstrates Ram Jack’s ability to execute deep foundation solutions, even mid-construction, to protect a structure’s integrity without compromising environmental or architectural goals.
Location: Bridgeport, TX
Project Type: Residential – Retaining Wall
Products Used: (23) RJ 2⅞” Helical Tiebacks with 8-10 Helix Configuration
Engineering Partner: Frank W. Neal & Associates Structural Engineering and Fortified Engineering