Drilled Shaft and Driven Pile Test Project

Map of project area showing approximate drilled shaft, driven pile, and acoustic and vibration monitoring locations

Click on the above map to see full sized PDF. Image of the drilled shaft equipment

Two foot diameter shaft during pile installation on March 29, 2012 in Oregon. When completed, the pile will be 131 feet deep.

The Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project will conduct a construction techniques test project in March 2012. Through this research, CRC will evaluate the strength of the soil and the construction techniques for the replacement Interstate 5 bridge support structures. Construction noise and vibration effects at nearby residences and businesses also will be evaluated. The work will allow engineers to refine design assumptions and project plans, ensuring the construction phase for the CRC project stays on schedule and on budget.

The work will occur at two on-land locations just west of I-5 near the I-5/State Route 14 interchange in Washington and the Hayden Island interchange in Oregon. The locations were chosen to represent a range of soil conditions and required foundation depths for the CRC bridges.

Any necessary night work will conform with applicable city noise ordinances. Construction on the test project is scheduled to be complete by summer 2012.

Why is this test project being conducted?

This test project will help engineers evaluate:

Soil strength and construction techniques for drilled shafts and driven piles
Noise and ground vibration levels produced by pile driving at different locations and distances
Installation methods to ensure the construction phase of the replacement I-5 bridge stays on schedule and on budget
Methods and procedures to help ensure foundation work will not diminish groundwater quality

What are drilled shafts and driven piles?

Drilled shafts are deep, cylindrical holes into which concrete is poured for bridge foundations.

A pile is a long, cylindrical steel column that is driven into the soil to provide support for bridges and other structures. Installation of driven piles can create noise associated with metal striking metal.

What specific work is being done?

Construction crews will install a total of three drilled shafts and five piles at two locations just west of I-5 near the I-5/State Route 14 interchange in Washington and the Hayden Island interchange area in Oregon. The three drilled shafts for this test project will measure 6 feet, 8 feet and 10 feet in diameter and will be installed 130 feet, 160 feet and 260 feet below ground level.

Noise and vibration levels on land will be monitored on Hayden Island before and during testing to assess the effects of the driven pile installation in the nearby communities. A minimum of three noise monitors and six vibration monitors will be used to measure effects of the test project. (See map for locations.) Test pile driving will not occur in Vancouver.

What should I expect to see and hear?

The test project will resemble a construction project and large cranes will be visible in the work areas just west of the I-5 bridge. Temporary, chain-link fencing will be placed around the work zones.

There will be a combination of sounds associated with driving piles. The noise heard will depend on the surrounding topography, buildings, wind and other noise. Noise associated with the test might be heard intermittently for up to a few hours a day during the study. Other sounds typically associated with construction include heavy equipment, trucks and truck back-up beepers, an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirement.

When will the test project occur? How long will it last?

The test project is expected to begin mid-March. The project could take up to 14 weeks to complete with work occurring in daytime and night-time hours. All work is expected to be complete by summer 2012.

How can I get more information?

Email: feedback@ColumbiaRiverCrossing.org