OVERVIEW:
Rising above its prewar neighbors stands The Orchard, a 12-story mixed-use development on the Lower East Side. The site was once home to the iconic Moscot eyeglass HQ—one of NYC’s oldest local businesses. After sitting vacant for years, the original two-story building was demolished to make way for redevelopment.
PROJECT TEAM:
Structural Engineer: Wexler Associates
Geotechnical Engineer: Dynamic Earth
Installation Contractor: EMC, Inc.
CHALLENGES:
Deep existing fill material and very loose soils meant a shallow foundation could not be used to support the structure. A deep foundation system would be needed and drilled displacement piles were one of the recommendations provided by the geotechnical engineer. Driven piles were also recommended, but the vibrations significantly increased the risk of damaging the neighboring prewar buildings. Additionally, with a site footprint of just 2,400 square feet, any system requiring a specialized drill rig would have been slow and cumbersome.
SOLUTION:
STELCOR allowed for smaller equipment that was well-suited for the tight working conditions. With no flushing of water, no pressure grouting, and zero vibrations, STELCOR eliminated the risk of disturbing adjacent structures—a key concern in dense urban settings. A total of 112 piles were installed to 30 feet— within budget, on schedule, and without affecting any nearby structures.
DESIGN LOADS:
Compression: 60 tons
Tension: 30 tons
PILE DETAILS:
Type: STELCOR 1600
Nominal Grout Diameter: 16 inches
Steel Core: 5-1/2” O.D. 0.361” W.T.
Quantity: 112 piles
Length: 30 feet
SOIL PROFILE:
Fill was encountered to depths of 11 to 13 feet. Beneath the fill, natural upper Lacustrine Deposits were encountered to depths ranging
from 50 to 70 feet below ground surface. Lower
Lacustrine Deposits consisting of sand/silt were
encountered to depths of 75 to 100 feet.