Overview

MDOT undertook a massive, $180 million, I-96 Reconstruction Project which spanned a seven-mile stretch from Newburgh to Telegraph Roads and included redevelopment of 37 bridges, overpasses and their respective on/off ramps. The project was completed in 167 days (October 2014) – one of the most compressed timelines ever accomplished for a project of its scope. Running beneath and adjacent to I-96 is a network of civic infrastructure, most notably a critical, 48-inch diameter Detroit Water and Sewerage Department water supply pipeline that could not be compromised.

G2 provided geotechnical design and construction consulting for 11 temporary and permanent earth retention systems for highway and bridge reconstruction.

Challenges/Solutions:

• The 180 day schedule hinged on expediting every aspect of the construction process. G2 collaborated closely with the road and bridge contractors in the design of the earth retention systems to facilitate ultra-efficient construction while maintaining site safety. Often when a problem was identified in the field during the day, the engineering team came up with a solution that night to keep progress moving the next day.
• Where the excavation zone of influence enveloped the 48-inch water line, structural elements were identified as critical, and the design team specified “zero movement.” Here, Nicholson Construction’s pressure grouted anchoring system was installed as close as safely possible to the utility bottom.   Where the water main was outside the critical area, open cut techniques were used to reduce sheeting, reducing material costs and schedule significantly.   The team implemented pre-developed contingency plans twice to stabilize sloughing slopes in this critical area.
• Over 800,000 cubic yards of fill resulted from the widening of I96.  G2 contributed to the team’s implementation of logistical and technological best practices to move this volume of material without jeopardizing existing underground infrastructure.