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How We Conquered a Site Problem with Deep Soil Mixing
The Hacienda at Mission San Luis Rey
Located adjacent to the landmark Lavanderia on the grounds of Mission San Luis Ray in Oceanside, CA, this design-build project is a 24-hour facility on an eight-acre site.
Oppidan Investment Company is a national property development firm headquartered in Minnesota. Theyâve developed more than 566 projects valued at $4.3 billion. Their full range of real estate services focuses on senior housing, industrial, and mixed-use developments.
If we couldnât find a solution to support the weight of our building, we wouldnât be able to build.
Roger Bernstein (VP of Construction, Oppidan)
When Oppidan was selected to develop a senior living community on eight acres of National Historic Landmark property, they knew it would be a challenge. But when the soils engineer identified liquefaction at the site, the projectâs future looked uncertain. A deep foundation was needed.
One option, hauling out thousands of yards of dirt and bringing in structural fill, would be a colossal earthmoving process.
âIt was a very big issue. We were concerned it would impact the schedule and budget,â said Roger Bernstein, Oppidanâs VP of Construction.
Deep Soil Mixing: An Innovative Approach, Skillfully Coordinated
W.E. OâNeil analyzed options from a cost and time perspective, working closely with soils and structural engineers.
The solution was innovative: deep soil mixing piers. Concrete would be mixed with existing soil to form hundreds of bearing piers deep below ground. âIt was a very efficient, effective way to install the deep foundation system,â Roger said.
Next, W.E. OâNeil evaluated subcontractors and coordinated the installation of approximately 900 piers, 60-70 feet below ground.
It was a mammoth undertaking, but a critical one. Roger shared that âif we didnât hit bearing capacities, we wouldâve had to go deeper with the soil mixing piles and it wouldâve cost a lot more money.â
A Stronger, Deep Foundation. Within Budget. Way Ahead of Schedule.
The deep soil mixing piles achieved the required depth and bearing capacity to support the building. And installation was completed in 4 months, well within projections. âIâm very happy with it. I think it provided an extremely strong base,â Roger said.
âThey executed the foundation system very, very well. Which set them up to start building the superstructure right on schedule. They werenât trying to make up time.â He added, âRight now, itâs running 4 to 6 weeks ahead of schedule. I think thatâs largely due to upfront coordination.â
âW.E. OâNeilâs preconstruction coordination with the consulting team was really phenomenal. And very thorough. And because of that it set the project up for success.â
Shannon Rusk, Oppidan Senior VP of Development, saw something unique in our innovative ideas for site stabilization. âSome other general contractors just bid what they see. W.E. OâNeil took it a step further and said, âWeâve built a lot of these projects. We understand this environment. We think weâve got a better solution.ââ
W.E. OâNeil is a GREAT partner. Theyâre engaged, theyâre timely, they never miss a meeting. Youâd think they were Oppidan employees. They want this to be successful, just like we do. I feel like theyâre us at this point in the game.
Shannon Rusk (Oppidan Senior VP of Development)
Need innovative solutions and better control of your time and costs? If youâre ready for thoughtful leadership in the building experience, weâre the right partners.
For more information about this project, or to start a conversation about a new project, contact Bill Hearne.