School Must Go On: A Case Study on the Stabilization of the Many Farms High School Using Compaction Grouting-Paper

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The 2019 Many Farms School Foundation Stabilization and Site Drainage project addressed widespread differential settlement at the Chinle Community School and Many Farms High School campuses in Arizona. Shallow and variable groundwater, moisture-sensitive expansive and collapsible soils, and localized wetting from utility leaks contributed to building distress.<br /><br />Rather than use a more intrusive helical-pier system, the design-build team selected low-mobility compaction grouting to stabilize seven buildings while allowing school activities to continue. A field proof test established a project-specific grout target of 4 cubic feet per foot. Grout was injected in staged lifts around spread footings and belled piers, with pressure, volume, and building movement monitored to guide installation. Work depths varied from approximately 35 to 74 feet. Specialized equipment accelerated exterior installation, while limited-access methods were used inside. Concrete drainage channels were also installed to reduce stormwater infiltration.<br /><br />Where compaction grouting was impractical beneath the auditorium stage, push piers provided an alternative means of supporting the belled-pier foundations. Construction ran through a cold winter and was completed in June 2019. Ongoing monitoring has recorded negligible movement since completion. The project demonstrates that compaction grouting can stabilize distressed buildings with limited disruption to their use.

Keywords

compaction grouting

foundation stabilization

differential settlement

Many Farms School

Chinle Community School

Arizona schools

soil remediation

stormwater drainage

push piers

expansive soils