Heathman Hotel, Kirkland, WA (2006)

Shoring System: Temporary Soil Nailing, Anchored Piles, and Internal Raker-Braced Piles

Client: Kulchin Foundation Drilling

General Contractor: W.G. Clark Construction

Shoring Contractor: Kulchin Foundation Drilling

Shoring Face Area: 14,710 Square Feet

Wall Depth Range: 35 to 45 feet

Status: Completed 2006

The project involved a four-level luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Kirkland, with three levels of below-grade parking. The site was challenging with more competent soil conditions on the south half of the site, less competent soils on the north half of the site, as well as lack of easements along most of the north wall. Therefore, working as a design-build team with Kulchin and WG Clark, we utilized a mixture of traditional soil nailing on the south half of the site, anchored piles in the north half of the site where we could, and a line of internally-rakered piles along most of the north wall, braced to the partially constructed foundation mat. The solution saved as much money as possible on the shoring by matching the most cost-effective systems where they could or had to be used, and yet meeting the varying demands of the site along the perimeter.