Case Studies Memphis Pyramid: Bass Pro Shop

Situation: The Memphis Pyramid, future home of Bass Pro Shops, needed to undergo redevelopment and demolition. The footings under (supporting) the precast concrete (10 ft. wide x 44 ft. tall) panels at the base of the pyramid had settled up to 6 inches. This settlement caused panels to crack and pull away from the upper deck mezzanine level. The soils report indicated a very soft soil layer beginning approximatley 15-feet below grade. The blow count of the soil ranged between 1 and 10 until about 45-feet below grade.

Solution: Ram Jack of Tennessee was awarded the opportunity to work with Montgomery Martin on the Memphis Pyramid Redevelopment Project, Package 3A - Seismic. Starting in quadrant #4 (NE corner) 16 triple helicals were driven an average depth of 58 ft. From there, they moved to quadrant #3 (NW corner). Immediately, they discovered the sub-strata soil difference from Q4 where the first 7 triple helicals went an average depth of 94 ft. When moving to quadrant #2, RJTN had to bring in a larger excavator to help in the excavation process and clearing the debris within the top 8-10 ft. of soils.

Conclusion: Ram Jack of Tennessee finished on time and within budget. They were able to raise the footings using the Ram Jack patented helical piling system.

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