Port Covington Chapter 1B Infrastructure Revitalization

Headed by the Weller Development Company, the Chapter 1B infrastructure project is the first phase in a large urban revitalization effort to transform south Baltimore’s Port Covington into an 18 million square feet mixed-use development. Chapter 1B includes the construction of the first four blocks of the neighborhood planned for multi-story residential, retail, and parking facilities. Some of the steel framed and precast concrete structures are designed for foundation column loads upwards of 1,000 kips.  

Teamed with ATC Group Services, FTG is the Geotechnical Engineer of Record for the project. A site investigation of 28 soil borings with various laboratory testing was utilized to develop design parameters and recommendations for intermediate and deep foundation options. Due to historical site use as a marine terminal, the proposed project development is located within a “Brownfield” area. A comprehensive soil management plan was in effect during FTG’s drilling program to appropriately identify and handle any material posing an environmental concern.  

The encountered soil conditions presented many challenges for foundation design: variable fill, high ground water, vapor control, and deep soft alluvium soils.

To meet the desired structural loading capacities for the various buildings across the four blocks, FTG designed foundation systems with suitable options for Controlled Modulus Columns/Rigid Inclusions or Auger Cast Piles.

With different designers and contractors for each block, FTG has collaborated with the development teams to address structure specific parameters including lateral earth pressure, sub slab drainage, lateral pile analysis, coefficients of friction, to name a few. Foundation installations with a load testing program is expected to start winter of 2019.