Case History: Harbor Point Baltimore Evolution of Deep Foundations over 40 years-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

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The Harbor Point site in Baltimore has undergone more than 40 years of environmental remediation and redevelopment. A peninsula formed by very compact silty sand and sandy silt, the site also contains river-bottom deposits, a continuous gravel layer, weathered rock, and groundwater that flows northwest to southeast. Centuries of human use and a century of industry left groundwater contaminated with hexavalent chromium.<br /><br />After the industrial facility closed in the mid-1980s, investigations and remedy design led to containment in place. The remedy included a low-permeability soil-bentonite hydraulic barrier, perimeter embankment, and multimedia cap. Design and construction required extensive geotechnical investigation and careful management of trench stability, groundwater, settlement, bulkhead stability, and quality control. Organic clay was pre-compressed using surcharge and wick drains, while portions of the perimeter were strengthened with dredging, graded stone placement, and vibro-densification.<br /><br />Redevelopment began in phases in 2005 and continues today. Because uncontrolled fill is deep and the active remedy imposes strict environmental controls, foundations generally require deep piles. Driven piles were selected over drilled piles based on cost, installation speed, and reduced steel use. Load tests performed in 2007 and 2013 informed design; environmental restrictions required off-site testing, supplemented by robust indicator-pile and PDA testing during construction. Construction also required controlled excavation, management of hazardous spoils and contact water, and temporary covers to limit stormwater infiltration.<br /><br />One parcel remains to be developed, presenting complex conditions including abandoned foundations and piles, sheet-pile cofferdams, a thick concrete mat, and sharply varying groundwater chemistry. The presentation highlights how decades of investigations, construction experience, and improving digital tools have advanced understanding of the site and will guide future development.

Keywords

Harbor Point

Baltimore

environmental remediation

groundwater contamination

hexavalent chromium

soil-bentonite barrier

geotechnical investigation

redevelopment

driven piles

stormwater control