Wagman Geotechnical Construction Project

Penn State University – Pegula Ice Arena

  • Location

    State College, PA

  • Duration

    March 2012 - May 2012

This $1 million design-build geotech contract was located in State College, PA. The project involved excavation support and micropile installation. Elevations of the tops of the micropiles had to be coordinated closely with the concrete subcontractor. The project site was located in an area known for sink holes, caves and inconsistent subsurface conditions (karst), which required an adaptable foundation system in order to satisfy the project design and schedule. The use of micropiles satisfied these site requirements.

Key Challenges & Project Details

  • Installed over 160 piles, totaling 9,000 linear feet
  • Micropiles penetrated through rock voids, floating rock layers and solution cavities
  • Revised foundation design during construction to address unanticipated subsurface conditions
  • Three load tests were performed to verify capacities
  • 600,000 compression load test