Alexandria, VA

Developer - Ford’s Landing Limited Partnership
Geotechnical Engineer - Engineering Consulting Services, Ltd.

A proposed townhouse development was underlain by very soft silt and clay deposits from the adjacent Potomac River. The proposed townhouses were four stories in height. The development was in a very upscale neighborhood of Alexandria, with Washington, D.C. being on the other side of the Potomac River.

The geotechnical consultant supported the townhouses on deep foundations. Wick drains with surcharging were utilized to accelerate the settlement in the common areas and the pavement areas prior to construction. A total surcharge height of approximately 20 feet was used over the majority of the site.

The wick drains were used in conjunction with horizontal strip drains to provide atmospheric venting of the wicks.