Ground Improvements

Salem Gymnastics Expansion

As part of the facility expansion for Salem Gymnastics & Swim, Taproot Construction was contracted to improve subsurface conditions using aggregate piers to address challenging subsurface conditions characterized by soft, compressible soils. To enhance the soil’s bearing capacity and control settlement, Taproot installed aggregate piers using advanced bottom-feed technology.

The installation was completed using a RTG piling rig paired with the VIPAC bottom-feed system, which allowed for efficient, low-vibration installation of stone columns from the bottom up. However, subsurface conditions varied across the site with obstructions and shallow rock encountered within the pier design depths. To overcome these challenges, Taproot pre-drilled select locations ahead of pier installation to advance through obstructions and ensure the full design depth could be achieved. This approach maintained production while ensuring each pier met the project’s performance criteria.

Using the RTG and VIPAC system enabled Taproot to achieve a high-quality, well-compacted pier with minimal disturbance to surrounding soils. This was critical for this active site adjacent to the existing facility. The technology also minimized noise and vibration, helping maintain safe and uninterrupted operations at Salem Gymnastics throughout construction.

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