UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING BUILDING & EAST CAMPUS UTILITY PLANT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Duffield Associates provided geotechnical engineering services for the proposed Interdisciplinary Sciences and Engineering Building (ISEB) and East Campus Utility Plant (ECUP) on the University’s Newark campus.  This evaluation included the performance of Standard Penetration Test borings, auger borings and rock coring, as well as soils laboratory testing, and subsequent evaluation of possible foundation alternatives for both facilities. The program also involved the installation and monitoring of groundwater observation wells to assess the potential impact of the site groundwater table on the proposed design, as well as a review of available information on geologic/hydrologic conditions in the vicinity of the ECUP site as a preliminary feasibility evaluation of the potential for finding a supplemental water supply for this facility.  Additionally, Duffield Associates’ scope included infiltration testing and providing assistance to the project’s vibration consultant during field monitoring.

Based on the subsurface conditions encountered by this evaluation, including a high groundwater table and variable depth to rock throughout the building areas, in conjunction with the significant loads anticipated for the proposed ISEB structure, Duffield Associates’ team recommended the use of small-diameter pneumatically drilled piles (e.g., micropiles or pin piles) for support of the proposed ISEB and ECUP buildings. The approximately 550 small diameter piles were drilled into rock, ranging in depth from 25 to 125 feet.  Due to an aggressive construction schedule, drilling typically occurred from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the beginning of November through the end of January.  Installation continued during rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and darkness. 

Additionally, the ISEB building design was modified to remove the proposed basement, which was originally anticipated to house vibration-sensitive laboratory equipment.  The original floor slab for the proposed basement would have resulted in a challenging and expensive construction scenario to accommodate the equipment.  Duffield Associates worked with the University’s design team to develop a modified design, which accommodated the needs of the proposed facility while also considering the construction costs in the University’s budget.

Duffield Associates also provided support to the University’s design team with assistance in preparation of applications to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Construction Grant Program for this project.  This assistance included preparation of the Environmental Compliance information in support of the applications, which required review of existing site conditions, potential environmental impacts and coordination to obtain clearance from local agencies including the State Historic Preservation Office and the Delaware Natural Heritage Program.