Challenge


Melick-Tully, a Division of GZA (MTA) has been a design partner with Hartz Mountain Industries since the late 1970’s as they have successfully transformed the area from a swamp to a state-of-the-art retail, office and residential complex with adjacent industrial and warehouse space. The geology of New Jersey’s Hackensack Meadowlands presents complex geotechnical engineering challenges which include historic fill, compressible organic soils, and soft glacial lake sediments extending to depths of up to 200 feet in some areas.

Solution


Design and building solutions have included high capacity end-bearing piles, low-capacity friction piles to “float” lighter structures, and ground improvement programs including surcharging and deep dynamic compaction.

Benefit


MTA served as a valued partner throughout the design and construction process for this challenging wetlands location, providing geotechnical solutions that made construction possible on this highly valued real estate which is just minutes from Manhattan.