At the end off 2016, we were on the Grounds at The University of Virginia, assisting in an historical renovation with helical piles. The University of Virginia is renovating Brooks Hall, an academic building which houses the Department of Anthropology.
Built between 1876 and 1877, Brooks Hall is somewhat of a mystery. The 19th Century Victorian Gothic neighbors the Rotunda and Thomas Jefferson’s academic village, with its iconic classical architecture. While its architectural style is quite unusual, a closer look at Brooks Hall will find carved animal heads on its walls and the names of natural historians displayed on its façade. Surrounded by the University’s history, Brooks Hall has an interesting story of its own. You can read more about Brooks Hall on the UVA website. Our chapter of the Brooks Hall story begins in recent history, when we were contracted to install helical piles in the building in December.
Working with structural engineers and University advisors, we contributed to the renovation by installing four helical piles on the lower floor of the building. (Although Brooks Hall is unusual in many ways, this helical job was similar to many foundation repairs we have done in the past.) We also poured concrete in a channel (a grade beam) between the piles, connecting them for added support.
Now that the helical piles and the grade beam are in place, another company will come in to install steel support beams on top of our work. Their steel support column will sit on top of the concrete grade beam. We worked diligently to get our portion of the work done on time so that students can return to class without our team being in the way.
This historical renovation with helical piles was a fun way to close out the year. Every house has a story, and we’d love to be a part of yours. We look forward to helping you with any of your small contracting jobs in 2017. Contact us today 434-293-6724 for a consultation and get the year off to a great start.