- 45-Mile 500 kV Electric Transmission Line Project
- Soil Borings and Individual Foundation Design Recommendations for 120 New Towers
- On-site Engineering Observation of Drilled Shafts and Rock Anchors
- Project Challenges included Difficult Terrain, Complex Access/Easement Issues, Winter Working Conditions
Challenge
Melick-Tully & Associates (MTA), now a division of GZA, worked closely with the lead engineering firm to complete soil borings and individual design reports for 120 new PSE&G overhead transmission towers along an approximate 45-mile corridor. GZA also provided on-site engineering observation during construction of the foundations. Coordination and scheduling for this high-profile project were complex.
Solution
Despite the difficult terrain, winter working conditions, and easement/access restrictions that presented project challenges, GZA’s scope of work proceeded on schedule and within budget. During construction, design challenges in the field, such as variations in the depth of rock or other localized conditions, were addressed by GZA, providing real-time data to the design team and working closely with them to develop necessary modifications in foundation design. Solutions included drilled shafts up to 10 feet in diameter, spread foundations, rock anchors, and micro-piles. GZA also provided environmental services to the team, developing remedial solutions for areas in which unanticipated soil disturbance occurred due to changes in construction activities as the project progressed.
Benefit
GZA integrated seamlessly into the engineering design team to complete the planned, as well as unexpected, work on this massive transmission corridor project within the original budget and schedule.