Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/233313
FIELD / WORK From the Ground UP The foundation of a 50-year-old senior living center is strengthened and the structure brought up to Florida code. The Westminster Bradenton Manor in Bradenton, FL, was scheduled for renovation in 2011, but this wasn't going to be a typical renovation project. The senior living facility's south elevation was the target for the renovation, but built in 1961, with 50 years having passed since its inception, the building was in need of being brought up to the latest Florida building code. The project architect, James E. Toth Architecture, determined the entire facade needed to be removed. The new design called for hurricane resistant windows, new stucco with Mediterranean detailing and a new mansard roof. The engineers involved, including geotechnical engineering firm Nodarse & Associates, Winter Park, FL, determined that the renovation would generate additional loading to the existing wall footing, which meant there would be differential settlement between the new footer and existing footer. McElroy Engineering, Orlando, FL, which served as the structural engineer on the project, recommended a deep foundation to transfer the load from the new footer to the limestone below. To minimize vibration The Helical Piers are installed using smaller equipment and with less vibration are disturbance to the existing structure. and possible damage to the existing structure, McElroy Engineering recommended Helical Piers to serve as the deep foundation support for the new footer at Westminster Bradenton Manor. Helical Piers were chosen as the ideal deep foundation system because they can be installed with smaller equipment and with less vibration and disturbance to the existing structure. L.R.E. Ground Services, Inc., Brooksville, FL, was chosen to install the Helical Pier system for this project. Stabilized The south elevation of Westminster Bradenton Manor was the target for renovation calling for hurricane resistant windows, new stucco with Mediterranean detailing and a new mansard roof. The changes, however, generated additional load to the existing wall footing, which meant differential settlement between the new footer and existing footer. 18 One of the challenges with the Westminster Bradenton Manor project was the fact that the senior living facility was open for business, meaning L.R.E. had to do its best to not disrupt the existing structure or the people's lives in it. L.R.E. is one of Florida's most experienced and largest foundation contractors with more than 130 full-time team members. It has successfully completed over 4,500 residential and commercial projects throughout the state. L.R.E. used 54 Helical Piers (287 prototype), which are manufactured by Foundation Supportworks, Omaha, NE. The Helical Pier System permanently stabilizes a foundation and provides the opportunity to lift the structure back to STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION / IBS PREVIEW 2014