Western Lake Superior Sanitary Interceptor Pipe and Concrete Support Piers are Damaged by 2012 Flooding. Lipe Brothers Construction Installs Helical Anchors and Tie Rods to Stabilize the Pipe & Concrete Piers.

December, 2012

Lipe Brothers Construction

5116 Jean Duluth Road

Duluth, MN 55803-9752

218-525-3364

www.lipebrothers.com

Project Overview

During the flood of 2012, 2-3 feet of soil around the Pier # 3 and 4 (two concrete piers closest of the creek) were washed away and thus the piers’ original foundation stability were compromised without compacted soil cover around the piers. Six helical anchors were installed and connected to the concrete piers to provide above grade lateral support. Loose soil around the concrete piers was removed and replaced with 8” rip-rap.

The concrete support piers are located adjacent to the north and south sides of the creek saw some movement during the June 2012 Duluth area flood event and soil erosion & bank stability concerns warranted that temporary bracing be installed to limit the risk of future movement until permanent repairs can be made at a future date.

Additionally the pipe segment had exterior pipe insulation covered with aluminum jacketing and several sections of jacketing & insulation sustained damage as a result of the flood. The area around the piers on each side of the creek had chain-link security fencing; some in-place and some damaged from the flood.

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. . . to read the scope of work for the helical anchor and connection portion of the project.

As the general contractor, Lipe Brothers Construction was responsible for the installation of helical piles, the connections to the piers, the removal of debris and flood-damaged materials and the placement of #8 rip-rap around each pier location.

As the pictures reveal, the job site was very challenging. Due to the depth of the ravine, materials had to be lowered to the site with a conveyer system. Additionally, crews were restricted from placing any equipment closer than 10 ft. from the center two concrete piers.

The project was completed in 12 days.