Innovative Shoring Solution for Pinyon Apartments in Reno, NV
Challenge
Project Overview
Pinyon Apartments is an upcoming 252-unit affordable housing community at Moana Lane and Neil Road in Reno, Nevada. Developed by Lincoln Avenue Communities, the project includes two five-story buildings connected by sky bridges and a 280-space parking garage.
The Challenge
During construction, Martin Harris Construction encountered a challenge with the installation of underground utilities and a sewer storm drain near the parking garage. The excavation site, located between the garage footings and the property line, was only 12 feet wide but required depths exceeding 12 feet. To safely complete the work while maintaining the construction schedule, Madole Construction was brought in to provide a shoring solution. As part of the construction process, Martin Harris Construction required a solution for installing a sewer and storm drain system within a tight excavation site. The trench, positioned between the parking garage footings and the property line, was only 12 feet wide but required excavation depths exceeding 12 feet. Given the depth and limited workspace, temporary shoring was necessary to stabilize the excavation walls and ensure a safe environment for workers installing underground utilities and manholes.
Without proper structural support, the excavation posed significant safety risks and could delay the project schedule. Additionally, given the multi-story apartment buildings and associated loads near the excavation site, the shoring system needed to effectively support the surcharge from adjacent structures while allowing for smooth utility installation.
Solution
To address these challenges, Madole Construction evaluated multiple shoring options before recommending the Spile Wall system.
Options Considered:
- Beam and Plate Shoring – This method involves driving steel beams into the ground and inserting steel plates between them to create a temporary retaining wall. While effective for certain applications, this system requires considerable installation time and limited adaptability in tight spaces like the Pinyon Apartments trench.
- Slide Rail System – A modular system where steel panels slide down guided by vertical posts, offering incremental excavation and enhanced worker protection. However, due to the confined space and deep excavation requirements, the slide rail system was not the most time- or cost-efficient solution for this project.
Proposed Solution:
Madole Construction designed and installed a Spile Wall system, which consisted of two rows of closely spaced micropiles extending 30 feet deep and reinforced with a concrete grade beam tying the rows together. This approach provided pre-excavation stabilization, allowing for complete trench excavation without the need for additional reinforcement during the utility installation.
The Spile Wall effectively supported the adjacent multi-story apartment buildings, ensuring no movement or instability while underground work was completed. Unlike traditional shoring methods, the Spile Wall remained in place post-installation, reducing long-term maintenance concerns and improving the overall structural integrity of the site.
Results:
Madole Construction’s innovative Spile Wall solution delivered multiple benefits:
✔ Accelerated project schedule – The system was fully installed within one week, significantly reducing excavation delays.
✔ Enhanced structural stability – The micropiles provided long-term support, preventing soil movement and ensuring safe underground utility installation.
✔ Improved cost efficiency – By utilizing this method, the project saved over $50,000 compared to traditional shoring alternatives.
✔ Minimal site disruption – The pre-excavation installation process allowed the project to proceed smoothly, avoiding interruptions to the overall construction timeline.
Conclusion
By implementing a Spile Wall system, Madole Construction provided a safe, cost-effective, and efficient shoring solution for the Pinyon Apartments project. This innovative approach mitigated potential risks, accelerated construction, and ensured long-term site stability—reinforcing Madole Construction’s reputation as a leader in specialized foundation and excavation solutions.
This project exemplifies Madole Construction’s commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique challenges of large-scale developments in urban
