Delano Hotel Renovation

Unique Challenges

The basement’s ceiling was just nine feet high. This limited clearance posed a significant challenge for the installation process, requiring our team to adapt both the equipment and techniques used to work safely and efficiently in these conditions. We modified our drill rig to install three-foot hollow bars, ensuring we could reach depth while dealing with low headroom.

Working in a basement also means limited space available for storing excavated materials. Our team managed the removal and disposal of spoils through meticulous planning; waste was transported to designated concrete washout stations, reducing the project’s ecological footprint. To manage slurry during installation, we thoroughly cleaned the basement at the end of each workday. This step upheld safety and hygiene standards while also preventing the buildup of obstructions, which could impede our progress down the line. 

The water level — situated two feet above the basement’s slab — presented a constant challenge. To prevent flooding and maintain a dry, workable environment, ICOP deployed specialized pumps and drainage systems. Permeable chemical grouting also controlled water during excavation. In addition, we used expansion foam to create an impermeable barrier within the excavation. This advanced technique contained water ingress and protected our working environment, mitigating the risks associated with elevated water levels.