
Ovation Deep Shoring Project
New Westminster, BC
Following nearly a year of meticulous tender pursuit, Henry Foundation Drilling Inc. (HFDI) was successfully awarded the contract for the Ovation deep shoring system for a new landmark tower development in New Westminster, BC.
- exceeding 250 MPa
- Boulder compressive strength
The challenge
The sub-surface scope for this urban high-rise development was exceptionally demanding, featuring some of the most challenging drilling conditions in the region: Below Sea Level Excavation: Deep structural digging advanced entirely below sea level. High Hydrostatic Forces: Severe artesian water pressure encountered directly at the floor of the excavation. Severe Obstructions: Presence of massive underground boulders with extreme compressive strengths exceeding 250 MPa. Unstable Soil Profiles: Multiple free-flowing water layers shifting within the subsurface soils. Site Constraints: Minimal working footprint within a highly congested urban environment.
The solution
To combat these severe conditions, HFDI engineered a high-performance shoring matrix utilizing deep secant piles, high-capacity ground anchors, and structural steel corner braces. Tight Tolerances: Due to the extreme depth of the foundation and the massive volume of water pressing behind the structures, installation tolerances for the secant wall were incredibly tight. Overcoming Obstructions: Our specialized drilling crews deployed heavy-duty rotary methods to cut through the ultra-hard 250 MPa boulders without deviating from the vertical alignment.
Project Overview & Collaborative Engineering
Following nearly a year of meticulous tender pursuit, Henry Foundation Drilling Inc. (HFDI) was successfully awarded the contract for the Ovation deep shoring system for a new landmark tower development in New Westminster, BC.
When the project owner faced budget constraints with the original layout, HFDI stepped in with an innovative design-build shoring solution. This engineering pivot successfully reduced overall project costs, minimized structural risks, and optimized the tight construction schedule.
Complex Geotechnical & Hydrologic Challenges
The sub-surface scope for this urban high-rise development was exceptionally demanding, featuring some of the most challenging drilling conditions in the region:
The Engineering Solution & Meticulous Execution
To combat these severe conditions, HFDI engineered a high-performance shoring matrix utilizing deep secant piles, high-capacity ground anchors, and structural steel corner braces.
Project Success & Quality Milestones
The final execution of the Ovation shoring wall stood as an immense success for the civil infrastructure team:
