OVATION DEEP SHORING PROJECT

Project Overview & Collaborative Engineering

Following nearly a year of meticulous tender pursuit, Henry Foundation Drilling Inc. (HFDI) was successfully awarded the contract for the Ovation deep shoring system for a new landmark tower development in New Westminster, BC.

When the project owner faced budget constraints with the original layout, HFDI stepped in with an innovative design-build shoring solution. This engineering pivot successfully reduced overall project costs, minimized structural risks, and optimized the tight construction schedule.

Complex Geotechnical & Hydrologic Challenges

The sub-surface scope for this urban high-rise development was exceptionally demanding, featuring some of the most challenging drilling conditions in the region:

  • Below Sea Level Excavation: Deep structural digging advanced entirely below sea level.

  • High Hydrostatic Forces: Severe artesian water pressure encountered directly at the floor of the excavation.

  • Severe Obstructions: Presence of massive underground boulders with extreme compressive strengths exceeding 250 MPa.

  • Unstable Soil Profiles: Multiple free-flowing water layers shifting within the subsurface soils.

  • Site Constraints: Minimal working footprint within a highly congested urban environment.

The Engineering Solution & Meticulous Execution

To combat these severe conditions, HFDI engineered a high-performance shoring matrix utilizing deep secant piles, high-capacity ground anchors, and structural steel corner braces.

  • Tight Tolerances: Due to the extreme depth of the foundation and the massive volume of water pressing behind the structures, installation tolerances for the secant wall were incredibly tight.

  • Overcoming Obstructions: Our specialized drilling crews deployed heavy-duty rotary methods to cut through the ultra-hard 250 MPa boulders without deviating from the vertical alignment.

Project Success & Quality Milestones

The final execution of the Ovation shoring wall stood as an immense success for the civil infrastructure team:

  • Zero Defects: Not a single secant pile was installed out of tolerance.

  • Flawless Structural Wall: Zero blemishes or gaps were found in the secant wall during the full excavation phase.

  • Water-Tight Sealing: All high-capacity ground anchors were sealed perfectly tight, completely halting the high-velocity water flow from behind the wall.