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Weak soil an issue on new school site
Published Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Fergus Falls’ new high school addition at the middle school could be on shaky ground.
That was the word Monday from a construction manager who told the school board the addition is being built on peat soil.
Michael Beach, construction manager of the new high school addition project, presented a report to school board members detailing RA Morton’s plan to build on weak soil. Beach was invited to the meeting after some parents expressed concerns about the soil.
RA Morton’s geotech engineer determined that peat soil is present in the area where construction is set to begin.
Peat soil is not considered to be a stable base for building, especially when dealing with large structures, Beach said.
Beach described the soil as “swamp-like,” but said there are proven, scientific methods that will ensure the new building’s stability.
A pile driver will be inserted into the ground with an explosive pressure that will drive the machine past the peat soil layer and into an appropriate base layer, Beach said.
Light frame steel will be used to construct the building, which will lighten the load. Beach assured school board members that the use of a light frame will not compromise the quality of the building. He described the steel framing as an advanced, strong and steady base.
The school board has approved budget for a series of testing, to determine where appropriate soils exist.
“There is a cost to more pilings, but when we looked at the education value, it’s worth it, Superintendent Jerry Ness said. “That’s the best spot for that building addition.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by onlyme (anonymous) on April 30, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Last year when they had the public meeting I asked one of their engineers why they were putting a 3 story structure on questionable ground. He told me they may turn it and he would check into that. After the problem with the 3 story building at old high school this seems unusual.
Posted by fergusnative (anonymous) on May 9, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gee, I could swear that one of the reasons for abandoning the present high school was that it was built on unstable soil. Is anyone accountable here?
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