A Sample of Successful Projects Deep Foundations
PCI has completed a wide variety of deep foundation projects. Our techniques include driven piles, Chance Anchor (Helical Pile) System, Ductile Iron Piles (DIPs), micropiles, small-diameter drilled shafts, and more.
University of Iowa Hancher Auditorium
The original Hancher Auditorium was destroyed by the devastating floods of 2008. The new auditorium is a 189,000-square foot building with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and is 7 ft above the 500-year flood level. PCI performed the demolition of the old, flood-damaged building, and installed a soldier pile and lagging (with walers and anchors) shoring system to allow for a 20-ft-deep excavation. PCI also drove H-piles to depths of 65 ft to provide deep foundation support for the new Hancher Auditorium. Winter work required ground heaters during pile driving.
Iowa River Landing Parking Ramp
The 185-acre Iowa River Landing has become one of Iowa's premiere cultural and entertainment district destinations. PCI played a significant role in the development of the Iowa River Landing, installing deep pile foundations for several structures including a new hotel and conference center, several parking structures, and the new boardwalk. PCI performed the excavation and site grading at all locations and installed over 59,000 linear feet of steel H-piles to bear on bedrock for the structures. PCI also self-performed the pile cap excavation and backfill at all sites. Temporary shoring was installed by PCI to support existing city streets, adjacent properties and utilities where needed. PCI also developed the pond area by installing a cut-off wall between the pond and the hotel and constructing a decorative pile cap sea wall.
XStream Arena and Staybridge Suites
The state-of-the-art Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse opened in 2020 and completes the Iowa River Landing’s 185-acre master plan. The 5,100 fixed seat Xtream Arena (6,600 concert capacity) serves as host home for University of Iowa Volleyball and the Iowa Heartlanders ECHL hockey tenant, and directly connects to the 30,000 sq. ft 5-court fieldhouse. The Staybridge Suites is attached to the XStream arena with a shared wall. PCI performed the excavation and site grading for the new arena and installed over 26,000 linear feet of steel H-piles to support the structures. For the Staybridge Suites, PCI installed a combination of 3,000 linear feet of H-piles, plus a design-build ground improvement solution consisting of Geopier Rammed Aggregate Pier®.