BAI installed 57 production micropiles for a new foundation of a clarifier at the City of Chinook Wastewater Treatment Plant. BAI conducted verification testing in tension to the Design Engineer’s specifications, installed 57n production micropiles per plan locations, and completed performance testing across the project site.
This project was originally designed for grouted helical piles, with BAI mobilizing to the site in March 2025 to install a helical pile test program. During installation, the test piles met refusal at shallow depths and additional probing revealed subsurface conditions with rocks, boulders, and cobbles that were not suitable for helical pile installation. The project was temporarily on hold while BAI staff worked closely with the design team to evaluate alternative solutions. After thorough review, the team selected micropiles as the preferred foundation system. BAI returned to the site in July 2025 to install a micropile test program, which exceeded project expectations by successfully testing to four times the required design load. This strong performance allowed the overall production pile count to be reduced to 57 from the originally planned 72, resulting in greater project efficiency. BAI completed final installation ahead of schedule and under budget.
