Case Study: Terra Line Used to Support Unstable Ground Conditions

Overview

Soil conditions are a serious and substantial concern in all deep foundation projects. Understanding the different conditions and how to work with them is a key part of a project’s success. For Ludwig Drilling’s caisson project in Utah, AMICUS provided material suggestions from its environmentally friendly Terra Product Line to assist in the changing soil conditions. AMICUS Chemical Solutions provided a material formula, which helped navigate the challenging subsurface environment, assisting in the successful competition of the drilled shafts. 

Project Background

Ludwig Drilling was staring down a challenging drilled shaft project in tricky soil conditions in a remote area 8 miles West of Blanding, UT. Ludwig was tasked with constructing the caissons that would be used to support a new bridge.

Challenges

• Remote Location: The project site was located roughly 6 hours from any major city.
• Soil Conditions: Complex soil conditions with a potential to create extreme fluid loss, and hole instability
• Field Support: Mobilization of product and technical personnel to a remote location. 

AMICUS’ Solution

Partnering For Success

Strategic Planning: AMICUS and Ludwig worked together for months, prior to mobilizing to the remote work site, to understand the intricacies of the entire project. Having a clear understanding of the working environment, unstable soil conditions, and the proper amount of product needed to complete the project were a few of the many solutions devised. 

Make-up Water: Testing the make-up water prior to use and then adding Soda Ash to adjust the pH above 8.0 helped prepare the water for the addition of the base polymer.

Base Polymer: Upon thorough study of the soils report, AMICUS suggested BIO-VIS as the base polymer to be added to the make-up water first to create the slurry that would assist in the drilling process. 

Hole Stability: ALPINE Polymer Slurry NSF and SAHARA, from the AMICUS environmentally friendly Terra Product line, was added to the mud system next to ensure hole stability.

Extreme Fluid Loss: Based on the soils report, there was a sizeable concern with the potential of extreme losses of slurry into the formation. CONGO, a swelling polymer, was suggested as a solution to seal any fractures in the formation if extreme fluid loss became an issue.

Documentation and Compliance: Supplying necessary technical documents like Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) ensured compliance with industry standards.

Client Communication: Acting as a liaison between the project site and material suppliers, AMICUS offered 24/7 support to resolve issues promptly.

Technical Excellence: AMICUS personnel ventured to the remote location to ensure the product and project went as planned.

Conclusion

By working closely with their customer to understand the details and challenges of the project, AMICUS was able to assist Ludwig with the completion of the drilled shafts in a remote work location in Utah. This case study underscores AMICUS’ commitment to solving complex technical challenges presented by unstable subsurface conditions and highlights their environmentally friendly product line that assists in the completion of  large-scale drilled shaft construction projects.

This case study on Terra Line’s use to support unstable ground conditions speaks to reducing environmental footprint in several ways:

1. Environmentally Friendly Product Line: The use of the Terra Product Line, specifically designed to be environmentally friendly, indicates a conscious effort to reduce the environmental impact of construction projects. By choosing products that minimize ecological harm, AMICUS demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.
2. Innovative Material Solutions: The case study highlights the use of various innovative materials such as BIO-VIS, ALPINE Polymer Slurry NSF, SAHARA, and CONGO, all from the Terra Product Line. These materials were selected based on their ability to stabilize the soil and prevent extreme fluid loss, which can reduce environmental degradation and minimize waste. Using swelling polymers like CONGO to seal fractures also indicates a method of reducing the loss of drilling fluids, which could otherwise contaminate the surrounding environment.
3. Efficient Use of Resources: By thoroughly planning and testing materials (such as adjusting the pH of makeup water with Soda Ash and selecting the appropriate base polymer), the project minimized waste and unnecessary use of resources. This careful management and preparation reflect a strategy aimed at reducing waste and optimizing resource usage, which is integral to lowering the environmental footprint.
4. On-Site Technical Support and Planning: The detailed planning and presence of technical support at the project site ensured that the right materials were used effectively, minimizing mistakes that could lead to environmental harm. Proper documentation and compliance with industry standards further support sustainable practices by ensuring that all actions meet environmental protection regulations.
5. Reduced Transportation Impact: Given the remote location of the project site, efficient mobilization of products and personnel helped reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. By planning and coordinating deliveries efficiently, AMICUS reduced the number of trips required to transport materials and personnel to the site. This not only saved time and resources but also minimized fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The reduction in transportation needs directly contributed to lowering the overall environmental footprint of the project.
6. Minimized Land Disturbance: Terra Line’s products helped stabilize the ground with minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape. By effectively addressing unstable soil conditions early in the process, the project reduced the need for extensive excavation or rework, which can often lead to greater environmental degradation. The use of environmentally conscious materials in tandem with precise planning meant the project had a smaller physical impact on the land.

Terra Line’s approach to supporting unstable ground conditions demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through the use of eco-friendly products, innovative materials, efficient resource use, and reduced transportation impacts. This case study showcases how careful planning, material selection, and logistical coordination can lead to significant environmental benefits, ultimately reducing the project’s carbon footprint and contributing to more sustainable construction practices.

Future Directions

The success of this project has spurred AMICUS to continually refine and innovate its product line to incorporate new technologies for even greater efficiency. With each project, AMICUS builds on its extensive expertise, ensuring that future clients benefit from proven solutions tailored to their unique challenges. This case study reflects the comprehensive approach taken by AMICUS to solve and understand the ever changing subsurface world for their clients, highlighting specific actions and outcomes related to the Ludwig Drilling drilled shaft project in Utah.