Congratulations Tony Graham! 20 years with ICE®

Tony Graham
ICE® 20-years of Service 

~Tony Graham~

Tony Graham joined the ICE® team over 20 years ago, transitioning from a sister company after determining that working as a wick installation contractor was not what he really wanted to do. Graham grew up in the pile driving industry. At 17-years old, he had a part-time job working with pile driving equipment. Early in Graham's ICE® professional career, he was recognized as a natural talent when servicing a variety of innovative deep foundation equipment from drills and impacts to excavators and cranes. Through the years, Tony continued to grow and train fellow team members as he naturally developed into the role of Production & Regional Service Manager. 

Graham understands the importance of getting to know each of his fellow co-workers so he can help develop each person into a fully integral team member. His ability to encourage his team's growth and success makes Tony a strong leader. Graham understands the value of listening to the needs of others and establishing trust. "Tony Graham's absolutely best trait is his uncanny ability to take constructive criticism in a super positive light and, by the next day, have rolled out a new process showing constant improvement while keeping everyone involved up to speed," Christian Cunningham, ICE® CEO, explained. "We have some really key players in our company and Tony Graham is 100% one of those team players. Thank you for your time, Tony, and your 20 years of service with our family." 

"The one thing I am striving for right now, is to have a strong cross-trained team and making sure we have no weak links. It is overly important to offer training, giving all our team room for personal growth while encouraging each other it is important for all of us." - Tony Graham 

In his spare time, Tony enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors BBQing with his family.  

"Tony Graham has made outstanding contributions to the success of our production and service operations over the course of his tenure," Rob Hensley, Manager of Product Development Services, said. "He is truly indispensable, and an extremely valuable member of the ICE® team." 

Congratulations on 20 years! 

 
Media Contact-    

Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA    

Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations    

ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc    

Office - 704-821-8200    

Posted in ICE Team. Tagged as #20Years, #ServiceRecognition, ICE USA, Production & Service, Service Dept.

Howard Frankland Bridge Project


Editor: Debbie Reaney 

One of the busiest bridges in the Tampa Bay area is getting a complete overhaul. The Howard Frankland Bridge that connects St. Petersburg and I-275 to Tampa sees 180,000 motorists daily. The original portion of the bridge constructed in the late 1950's will be demolished once the rebuilt northbound bridge is completed. This will be no small feat, as the almost 3-mile-long bridge will grow from its current 4 -lane structure to an 8-lane bridge with two express toll lanes per direction.

The $865 million dollar project is a joint venture between Archer Western Construction, LLC and Traylor Bros. Inc. Traylor Brothers built the original southbound bridge which saw construction begin in 1987. Their familiarity with the geological foundation, as well as the unique environmental concerns helped them successfully bid the job with the Florida Department of Transportation. 

This project will see over 3,000 piles driven to sustain the new bridge foundation. Currently 1,200 have been driven by many different pieces of equipment. Due to the unique nature of the soil conditions, both Archer Western and Traylor Bros. knew they would require a multitude of different foundation equipment. Taking advantage of the vast ICE® fleet, the contractors were able to find all the equipment needed to perform the job. The use of both ICE® 115-50 & 150-50 Drills allowed drilling through tough rock formations that occurred sporadically throughout the Old Tampa Bay waterway.  

Many different ICE® vibratory pile drivers/extractors were also used to drive the steel piles that ranged from 60 to 220 ft in length. The ICE® 110D, 66C, 44D, and 28D all made appearances on the project to ensure the proper driving force was used as the soil conditions would change from pier placement to pier placement. The Tier Four 580T Power Units were employed as environmental concerns played a huge role on this job site. Two full time manatee observers were brought in to watch and protect the species, and all startup was performed in "soft start" mode, to warn the sea life in the area to flee to safer spaces.

When the Howard Frankland Bridge is completed in 2026, it will feature bike and pedestrian lanes, as well as eight evacuation routes that can be utilized during Hurricane season. The project also has room for growth, as the innovative designs have allowed space for expansion to add a lane for a Light Rail service in the future.

ICE® is proud to be able to supply the environmentally sensitive equipment needed for such a massive undertaking. Archer Western-Traylor Bros. JV are half-way through the installation of this vital structure that bridges the gap between speed and safety.   Going forward both visitors and residents alike can safely and quickly make their way into the Tampa Bay Area.

Learn More about the ICE® 110D, 66C & Tier Four 580T Power Units



Media Contact-  
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA  
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations  
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc  
Office - 704-821-8200  
Email - marketing@iceusa.com  

Posted in Vibratory Pile Hammers. Tagged as #110D, #115-50, #150_50, #28D, #44D, #66C, #PowerUnits, #TierFour, 66 Vibratory Hammer, Archer Western, ICE 110D, ICE 115-50 Rotary Head Drill, ICE 150-50, ICE 28D, ICE 44D, ICE 66C, Tier 4 Power Units, TraylorBros.

Congratulations Kris Young! 20 years with ICE®


20 Years with ICE® 

-Kris Young-  

Kris Young is celebrating 20 years as a Service Technician with International Construction Equipment®.  Born in Rising Sun, Indiana, he attended school to become a race car mechanic, starting his career with the Ford Motor Company at a dealership. Kris found himself branching out into the construction industry when he started as a Service Technician with the ICE® drilling family in November of 2001.  Jumping headfirst into his role, Kris was a sponge, learning about foundation drilling and the equipment used.  He still says he strives to learn something new about the foundation or drilling industry every day.   

Along with overseeing the correct disbursement of parts, Kris is also an asset in making sure that the Comacchio drill rigs are up to industry and customer standards.  Young, a hardworking individual, strives for integrity in everything he does: including utilizing methodical and thorough approaches to helping customers overcome obstacles while on job-sites.  He enjoys working with both the sales and service teams to ensure success for not only ICE® and Comacchio but for all customers, so that they may return time after time to rent or purchase equipment and services.

Kris Young, along with Scott Crews, has grown the drilling department at ICE® starting with Casa Grande drills, and now working with the Italian built Comacchio Drills.  Each different rig has allowed Kris to expand his knowledge of how industry and drilling change as technologies advance. His favorite part of working at ICE® is the extensive family he has built and the connections he has made in the foundation industry.

"Since starting with ICE I haven't changed who I am but have gained a lot of knowledge. 20 years is a long time, I feel very wise in my years."

In his spare time Kris enjoys spending time with his loving wife and daughter, Christina and Kailey, and his pets.  Spending his time outdoors, fishing, kayaking, or riding four-wheelers; Young holding true to his surname, is full of energy and curiosity for experiencing the Ohio wilderness.

Kris Young has been a great asset to the drilling department here at ICE®, congratulations on your 20-year anniversary! 


Media Contact-   
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA   
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations   
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc   
Office - 704-821-8200   
Email - marketing@iceusa.com  

Posted in Comacchio Drill Rigs. Tagged as #20Years, #Award, #ServiceRecognition, Comacchio, ICE USA, ICEUSA, Service Dept.

Powerful ICE® Model 2 helps to protect Private Residences



Editor: Debbie Reaney

Hurricane Irma destroyed numerous residential properties when it made landfall over the state of Florida in 2017.  Over 70% of the state was without power after the storm ravaged electric lines, with coastal areas seeing the worst damage.  In was estimated at $50 million in damages to Florida alone.

More than 5 years after the massive hurricane, residents are still working on repairing the damage.  Many people are forward thinking, making sure to not only repair past damage, but to prepare for any future destruction.  The owner of Ashian Services is one of those individuals.  The backyard of his property in Jacksonville, FL has over 120 ft of disfigured waterfront property.  To guarantee protection from any future swells, he has decided to install a sheet metal seawall.

Ashian Services looked to the authorities at ICE® to recommend and provide the proper equipment to install this residential sheet wall.  Utilizing an ICE® Model 2 Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractor, the team was directed on use and appropriate installation techniques by the ICE® salesman, who offered hands on instruction.  

The team at Ashian was so impressed by the ease of installation of the sheet piles, they will be renting equipment in the future to install more sheet walls for others in the same subdivision.  ICE® is a leader in foundation equipment, manufacturing equipment that is a breeze to use for any commercial or residential needs. 

Learn more about the ICE® Model 2

Media Contact-  
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA  
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations  
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc  
Office - 704-821-8200  
Email - marketing@iceusa.com  

Posted in Vibratory Pile Hammers. Tagged as #Florida, #HurricaneIrma, #ICEModel2, #Jacksonville, #SheetPiles, #VibratoryPileHammer, ICE Model 2, Seawalls, Vibratory Pile Hammer.

Repairing I-95 Viaduct


Rhodeworks Initiative 

Editor: Ashley Steele 

In a study, Rhode Island ranked last in existing bridge conditions. Around 2016, the governor at the time started the "Rhodeworks" initiative to replace and secure deficient bridges throughout the state before they crumbled. The I-95 Viaduct is one of those bridges which will become safer and sturdier when the redesign and structural reinforcements work is completed. 

The I-95 viaduct in Providence, Rhode Island is being rebuilt to handle close to a quarter million travelers and transports. In 1960, I-95 was built as a critical highway for traffic and supplies to migrate through the heart of Providence, RI and into the Northeast. But at that time, it was built to handle up to 57,000 motorized vehicles daily. This so-called viaduct now manages closer to a quarter million transports in a single day placing too much strain on its initial build. This I-95 viaduct is a 1,295-foot-long section of bridge which crosses not only local roads and highway ramps but also allows travelers to avoid Amtrak's Northeast Corridor lines plus clears any obstacles like the Woonasquatucket River.  

Maine Drilling & Blasting was contracted to perform some of the foundation work for this huge I-95 viaduct project. This team was chosen due to their 55-years of experience in the deep foundation industry. This team requested 2 ICE® rental units, from the ICE® Ohio Branch, to accomplish their portion of this reconstruction on schedule. Working simultaneously and keeping safety as their number one priority, the team from Maine Drilling and Blasting effortlessly did an amazing job finishing the job on schedule safely. 

Two Comacchio drill rigs, owned by ICE® and available for rental were used on this major overhaul of a project, including a MC15P and a MC8D. The Comacchio MC8D was utilized under the viaduct structure to place micro piles due to the extremely low headroom in many areas. Maine Drilling & Blasting also used a specialized CPH3.3 casing manipulator enabling hands free handling of the 15-foot caissons. With an added specialty winch attachment, safety stayed in the forefront as a priority allowing for space saving measures to be executed effectively. By simply removing most of the manual handling of the pile alleviated many pinch points and blind spots for the operator and produced a safer working environment.

ICE® is proud to have their equipment and rental fleet working on projects that ensure the Rhodeworks Initiative of the past can become safer bridges for the future.  A huge shout-out to Maine Drilling and Blasting on magnificent work to build bridge foundations for a better tomorrow! 

Media Contact-   
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA   
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations   
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc   
Office - 704-821-8200   
Email - marketing@iceusa.com  

Posted in Comacchio Drill Rigs. Tagged as Comacchio, Drilling, Drilling Foundations, MC15P Drill Rig, MC8D Drill Rig, Rhodeworks.

Historic Williams Brice Stadium


ICE® Comacchio Drill Rig creates mobilization improvements in historic stadium 
Editor: Ashley Steele 

Back in 1934, the Williams Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC was built to accommodate 17,400 spectators. The home of the University of South Carolina, Gamecocks, has been expanding ever since its conception and now accommodates more than 80,000 football fans on game day. Thanks to the most recent additions, this stadium will not only have more seating and food areas, but the new elevators and pedestrian walkway will accommodate fans with mobility challenges. 

Contract Construction took on the first major ADA redesign improvements in 2019, after successfully completing the University's Football Operations Facility. Contract Construction understood the vital importance of getting every fan to their seats comfortably and safely. So, when it came time to install the foundation work for the new elevator shaft and pedestrian walkway, they turned to their partners, who are the leading experts in these highly specialized foundations, at TerraTec, Inc to ensure this was completed to perfection. 

TerraTec, Inc worked with their ICE® representative to size the proper drilling equipment for this major undertaking. Both ICE® rental units, Comacchio MC8D Drill Rig and Techniwell 822D grout plant, were selected to effectively install 25 hollow bar micropiles 50 ft into the ground. The hollow bars were enforced during the drilling process with the grout from the ICE® rental Techniwell grout plant. This robust foundation for the elevator shaft will make the elevator installation worry free for the contractor. All construction teams want fans to focus on the Gamecocks winning, not on how they will manage the stairs. With this compassion in mind, they are working round the clock during the off season to ensure timelines are met. Overall, it is comforting to know the Comacchio MC8D drill rig was reliable and enabled this project portion to be finished on time.

Three Cheers to another successfully installed foundation to enhance all gamecock fans experience.  Splendid work to the foundation experts at TerraTec, Inc. Thank you for choosing our team at ICE®.

Media Contact-   
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA   
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations   
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc   
Office - 704-821-8200   
Email - marketing@iceusa.com  

Posted in Comacchio Drill Rigs. Tagged as 822D Grout Plant, Comacchio, Comacchio MC8D, Drilling, Gamecocks, micropiles.

ICE® Bridges the Missouri River Gap


MODOT I-70 Rocheport Bridge Replacement 
Editor: Ashley Steele 

"The Rocheport Bridge is a Continuous two-span subdivided Warren through truss bridge over Missouri River and the Katy trail on Interstate70 (I-70), west of Columbia and south of Rocheport in Boone and Cooper County, Missouri. The I-70 Rocheport Bridge is a 3,018-foot bridge constructed in 1960 and underwent extensive rehabilitation in 1993". According to the MODOT.org website.

When you read about the great state of Missouri, you learn very quickly that their roads and bridges maintained by the state of MO are truly center stage to the US (United States) freight movements.  This state serves as a connector holding the logistics of our nation together. "Interstate 70 is at the heart of Missouri's freight transportation system and typifies this national and regional connector role. The Rocheport Bridge provides access and alleviates the barrier created on I-70 by the Missouri River, allowing freight to move efficiently within and through the state..." to read more on this please visit https://www.modot.org/rocheport/history

From reviewing the MoDOT (Department of Transportation) website, we learn that this bridge carries a combined total of 42,000 plus vehicles daily and the estimated value of freight is about $100 billion (about $310 per person in the United States). Missouri, past, present and, as forecast, the future, will be a Freight Connector State.

So, when we say I-70 Rocheport Bridge is getting a replacement, it is no surprise. This billion-dollar economic producing bridge is getting a $240 million replacement. The new bridges will safely accommodate more than 12 million vehicles annually on two separate structures. The current bridge is in poor age-related structural condition which may result in weight limitations in coming years. Due to the crucial impact this bridge has on the economics of the USA, the replacement will come in the form of two separate bridges, each with 3 lanes of traffic. This plan will enable minimal disruption to current travelers, keeping us trucking.

Lunda was awarded the contract to replace the new I-70 Rocheport Bridge Replacement over the Missouri River by the Missouri Department of Transportation to drive the piles needed for such a massive new structure. The Lunda team reached out to us at ICE® to provide unique solutions and equipment for this monumental job. Large diameter caisson piles are being placed for the foundations of the bridge. The ICE® 110 Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractor with a specialized quad beam was installed to allow for four caisson clamps to grab the larger, heavier pipe piles. The additional clamping force assisted with prompt and easier mobility of the pipe piles.

The expert team at Lunda knows you need different hammers for different soils. The ICE® Team is flattered to be able to provide such versatile equipment for different applications during the project. While installing major caissons with the 110 was applicable in one area.  The smaller diameter caissons and sheets needed the versatile ICE® 50B Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractors. It is always refreshing to work with a team that really understands what they are driving and what they are driving into. Thank you to Lunda for giving us this opportunity to work with your outstanding team of experts. 
It is projected that the new Missouri River Bridges will be set to last for at least 100 years. A special thank you to Lunda for being a part of the new Rocheport Bridge so that interstate motorists will be able to travel safely over the Missouri River. Thank you! 

Media Contact-   
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA   
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations   
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc   
Office - 704-821-8200   
Email - marketing@iceusa.com   
Read More Here

Posted in Vibratory Pile Hammers. Tagged as 110C Vibratory Driver/Extractor, 50B Vibratory Pile Driver, Building Bridges, Pile Driving, Quad Beam for Pipe Pile.

Better than Robotics: Dam Drilling


What do the Blue Stone Dam and remote-control drilling have in common? 
Editor: Ashley Steele

For over 20 years, the 1949 Blue Stone Dam has been an extensive repair project due to a 1998 Dam Safety Assurance (DSA) Report showing that this dam was hydrologically deficient. The construction project to repair this deficiency broke ground in 2001 and is currently in phase 5 of this renovation.

Located in West Virginia approximately one and a half miles upstream from the city of Hinton, The Blue Stone Dam is a conventional concrete gravity dam measuring half mile long and stands 165 feet in elevation. This 70-year-old dam has reduced flooding that causes casualties and property damage in the Ohio River Valley. It has been surveyed and shown this Dam preserves more than $5.9 billion (that is about $18 per registered citizen in the United States) in lives, livelihood, and property.
This larger-than-life project must be completed in 4 stages to ensure all safety measures are protecting not just those members on-site but for those who live and work below the dam. In 2019, phase 5 was underway. The team at Brayman Construction has been instrumental in this project and already completed work during Phase 3. The $22M phase 5 will include a new cofferdam, with connecting arches and up- and down-stream transitions.

As Brayman Construction began the planning for this newest phase, they determined the professionals at ICE ® would have the equipment to get the job done without downtime. This team chose to work with the Comacchio MCE80 drill rig due to its expansive operational functionality. Due to confined spaces and personal crew safety on the jobsite, Brayman asked ICE® service team to adapt the rig for full remote operations. Many understand that there is more to remote functionality than on and off for drilling operations.  ICE® service team not only enabled all functions to the remote but also added specialized counterweights to help make this specific job easier on the Brayman Team.  The counterweight specialization enabled the MCE80 to pick up the carousel, fitted with different attachments and quickly move between many different tasks on the job.

ICE® is known for its highly customized equipment and tooling variations proving no job is too big or too specialized.   We are proud to have our equipment building dams with the highly sought-after team at Brayman Construction.  Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this life-saving venture.

Media Contact-   
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA   
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations   
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc   
Office - 704-821-8200   
Email - marketing@iceusa.com   

Posted in Comacchio Drill Rigs. Tagged as Blue Stone Dam, Comacchio, Drilling, Drilling Foundations, MCE80 Drill.

Congratulations Marvin Inniss! 20 years with ICE®

ICE® 20-years of Service
~Marvin Inniss~

Marvin Inniss, current ICE® Service Manager, has been an integral team member at the ICE® New Jersey Service, Sales & Rentals Branch for over 20 years. 

Just after completing high school, Inniss joined the US military where he served our country for 4 years. After he was honorably discharged, Marvin pushed himself to become a top-tier diesel mechanic by attending a local technical school. It was Inniss's drive to be the best in his field and his determination to learn more that drew the ICE® management team to him. In 2000, Inniss accepted a position on the ICE® New Jersey Branch Team.

As he developed his mechanical talents and skills, Marvin simultaneously worked to share best practices with other new ICE® mechanics. During his tenure, Inniss has developed videos and training materials that are currently used to improve the NJ Service Team's knowledge and enhance its service offerings within the ICE® NJ Branch. As ICE® Corporate continues to expand, it is critical that it has team members like Inniss to help keep the company's emphasis on client requirements. Inniss is a natural-born leader and is happy to support ICE® employees and clients in any way he can. His excellence in service and knack for ensuring clients are satisfied always has a direct influence on the success and service excellence that ICE® Corporate expects from its branches and management team.

In his spare time, Marvin loves dancing, traveling, cooking with his wife, and playing video games with his two teenage sons. He exercises his leadership abilities in his roles as both a father and a manager. ICE® is grateful for the dedication and perseverance Marvin Inniss has shown in his 20 years with our team. Congratulations Marvin! 

Media Contact-   
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA   
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations   
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc   
Office - 704-821-8200   
Email - marketing@iceusa.com    

Posted in ICE Team. Tagged as #20Years, #ServiceRecognition, ICEUSA, Sales and Service.