Special Construction and Geotechnical Considerations in Deep Foundation of Vaudreuil-Soulanges Hospital Center in Greater Montreal Area-Video

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The presentation describes the $2.6 billion design-build Vaudreuil-Soulanges Hospital project in Quebec, scheduled for completion in 2027. To expand regional healthcare capacity, the team installed more than 500 drilled piles in just nine months, through abrasive soils and very strong rock, while addressing liquefiable ground and aggressive site conditions.<br /><br />Early collaboration between contractor Pomerleau and engineering firm GHD enabled them to revise an initially overdesigned solution, remove permanent casings, and improve cost, schedule, constructability, and carbon performance. Full-scale testing helped optimize pile capacity and develop durable, workable concrete. Temporary casing and cluster drilling proved effective, supported by intensive equipment maintenance and environmental controls.<br /><br />The project was a Quebec first for this construction approach and required up to seven rigs working across two shifts. It recorded no lost-time injuries over 160,000 work hours. Key lessons included involving contractors in design, considering construction methods and equipment early, and treating testing as an investment that reduces construction risks and costs.

Keywords

Vaudreuil-Soulanges Hospital

drilled piles

design-build construction

geotechnical engineering

Quebec healthcare project