Expansion project for Diatom manufacturing facility
Problem
Diatom Industries reached out to CNT Geotechnical to support the expansion of their manufacturing facility in Georgetown, SC. The project involved the installation of multiple 35-foot-tall storage silos, each requiring a stable, high-capacity foundation. However, geotechnical investigations revealed poor soil conditions at the site—posing a significant risk to both the structural integrity and long-term performance of the new silos. Traditional foundation methods were not viable without extensive and costly ground improvement.
Solution
To overcome the poor soil conditions and meet the structural demands of the new silos, CNT Geotechnical designed and installed a grouted helical pile system. Engineered for an ultimate load capacity of 160 kips per pile, the solution delivered the required support without the need for soil replacement or large-scale excavation.
