MCDONALD'S RESTAURANT
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
Project Description:
Many of Whitestone's corporate clients occupy properties through lease or obtain "pad sites" that are developed as part of a larger overall develop for which geotechnical engineering studies have been completed by others. Whitestone works with their clients as a consultant to assist them with ensuring that the client's geotechnical and environmental interests are being protected.
When McDonald's USA, LLC decided to build a restaurant on an outparcel in a larger retail development in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, a geotechnical exploration prepared by others had found extremely soft limestone rock with frequent voids and caverns which were susceptible to sinkhole formation. To mitigate these conditions, the developer's geotechnical engineer had specified a subsurface proofdrilling and grouting program to fill voids and seal problematic caverns and enable safe building construction.
While this procedure was put into effect underneath a portion of the site, Whitestone's review indicated that the procedure had not been completed under the McDonald's outparcel. Independent test explorations conducted by Whitestone confirmed voids beginning as shallow as seven feet below the recently constructed McDonald's building (only four feet below the respective foundation) and extending (in some areas) deeper than 23 feet. The voids also were confirmed to be interconnected in a network of sizeable caves. A grand opening event was scheduled for two weeks from the date on which McDonald's decided to independently complete the remediation work.
Whitestone contacted the president of a leading subsurface grouting and remediation firm that have been working on state transportation projects in the area and was able to prepare bid documents, work specifications, and contract requirements on behalf of McDonald's and convinced the firm to mobilize immediately. A Whitestone engineer directed the subsurface proofdrilling and grouting program (including working around numerous existing utilities and other trades attempting to complete finish work during the two-week period). The crews swept and washed the parking lot as they demobilized four hours prior to the grand opening event, which was a success.
In May 2003, Whitestone was retained to provide additional supplemental expert reports pertained to the matter to assist McDonald's efforts to recoup costs associated with the earthwork improvements from the landlord/developer.
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