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Ram Jack South East Installs (18) Helical Tiebacks & (41) Push Piers for Excavation Support at NY Yankees Spring Training Facility in Tampa, FL
Key Project Details
- Client: Turner Construction, subcontractor Baker Concrete
- Engineer of Record: Don Boggs, Green Building Design
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- Number of Piles Installed: 59
- Scope of Work: Stadium remodel foundation support, tieback installation, pile installation
- Challenges: Shoring existing columns & load bearing wall due to adjacent 7’-0 excavation, scheduling delays, rain delays
- Outcome: Successfully reinforced foundation of wall & columns, met structural integrity requirements, adapted to scheduling challenges
- Start Date: May 29, 2024
- Completion Date: June 28, 2024
Project Overview
Ram Jack Southeast - Florida Foundation Repair was contacted by Baker Concrete, a subcontractor to Turner Construction, to assist in the renovation of the New York Yankees Spring Training Facility in Tampa, Florida. The remodel included the addition of a swimming pool adjacent to the locker room within the stadium. As part of this renovation, structural load-bearing walls and columns needed shoring while an adjacent 7’-0 excavation was made to construct a new foundation for renovation.
Problem
When Ram Jack Southeast first learned about the project, the stadium’s remodel required the removal of existing structures and extensive excavation. Given the complexity of the work, proper foundation reinforcement was essential to prevent shifting or settlement issues during construction. The excavation process presented a challenge, as structural load-bearing walls required vertical underpinning piles and helical tiebacks to maintain the structural integrity of the wall and columns. Green Building Design, led by engineer Don Boggs, was brought in to oversee the engineering requirements for this project. Darin Willis and his team at Fortified Engineering provided the underpinning shoring design and calculations.
Proposed Solution
To address the foundation support needs, Ram Jack Southeast proposed a three-phase approach:
- Phase 1: Upon arrival at the site, the excavation and pile layout had already been completed by other contractors to a depth matching the bottom of the footer and extending approximately five feet off the wall. Ram Jack’s team then hand excavated each pile location to install vertical piles with precision. They installed 10-foot guide sleeves on each vertical pile to strengthen the buckling capacity of the pile. After Phase 1 was complete, the general contractor excavated an additional four feet to prepare for the installation of the helical tiebacks which were attached to the vertical pile to provide additional bracing.
- Phase 2: Ram Jack returned to the site to install a row of tiebacks approximately four feet below the footer. It was hoped that soil loss would be minimal, requiring only one phase of shotcrete wall installation. However, site conditions were monitored closely, and the engineer of record provided further direction upon pile installation completion. Once the tiebacks were installed, the general contractor proceeded with the preparation and installation of a six-inch reinforced shotcrete wall.
- Phase 3: In the final phase, Ram Jack returned to hand-dig under the column footings to install the remaining nine tiebacks. It was essential to install two rows of tiebacks to provide the required lateral support to the piles supporting the columns.
June 2024
Outcome
The project proceeded as planned, with the designed solution proving effective. While there were slight scheduling delays due to other contractors falling behind—particularly with the installation of the shotcrete wall—Ram Jack Southeast successfully adapted to the evolving timeline. Rain delays also presented minor setbacks, but the team remained flexible and committed to the project's successful completion.
Ultimately, the work was completed to the highest standard, securing the stadium’s foundation and ensuring the longevity of the new construction elements. Ram Jack successfully installed 59 piles, with an average pile depth of 44 feet for driven piles and 18 feet for tiebacks. The ultimate capacities achieved were as follows:
- Driven Piles: 88.8 Kip
- Helicals: 62.1 Kip
- Tiebacks: 62.1 Kip
The foundation was fully supported, ensuring the facility’s structural integrity throughout the renovation process.
Client Testimonial
Erik Anderson, Project Superintendent at Turner Construction, expressed his gratitude for Ram Jack Southeast’s professionalism and adaptability:
"Ben/Tony,
We appreciate all the hard work Bo, John, and the rest of your team did. I know this was kind of a coordination nightmare, but thanks for working with us on getting over the hurdles we had to deal with. Now that I know what you guys can do, I will definitely keep you as a resource for future foundation support issues we may come across.
Thanks,
Erik Anderson, LEED Green Associate
Project Superintendent, Turner Construction Company"
Conclusion
Ram Jack Southeast’s expertise and strategic approach played a crucial role in the successful renovation of the New York Yankees Spring Training Facility. By implementing a well-planned three-phase process, the team ensured that excavation work progressed smoothly without compromising the integrity of the stadium’s structural walls. Their ability to adapt to scheduling challenges and site conditions made them a valuable partner on this high-profile project. With this successful completion, Ram Jack Southeast has solidified its reputation as a trusted foundation support expert in large-scale commercial projects.
