Foundations "Fin"-ished Strong
March 23, 2025
In the historic town of Stratford, CT named after Stratford-upon-Avon in England, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Ultra-Lum and International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) recently marked their 42nd billboard project together. Ultra-Lum, renowned for their expertise in erecting new billboard structures, has been a stalwart in the outdoor billboard industry since 1998 and boasts a significant presence in New England.
As with any billboard, a deep and strong foundation is paramount. For this project, they employed the dependable ICE® 44 Vibratory Driver/Extractor from International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®). The machine's powerful vibrations drove the steel caisson deep into the ground, ensuring a robust base for the towering structure. The flexible hoses used on the ICE® 44 facilitate efficient power transmission and contribute to the machine's overall performance and durability.
What distinguished this billboard were the innovative "fins" designed by the Ultra-Lum team. Fins placed at the base of the caisson in the ground, provide additional support. These fins keep the billboard from rotating or moving in areas with high winds. These fins were meticulously crafted to enhance the billboard's structural stability. By incorporating fins, billboard installations achieve superior durability, making them a vital component in the advertising industry.
This successful installation is a testament to the seamless collaboration between Ultra-Lum and ICE®, showcasing engineering excellence and teamwork. Amazing work to the entire Ultra-Lum Team! The partnership between Ultra-Lum and International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) has once again proven its strength and synergy to create yet another stunning and functional billboard.
Here's to many more successful projects and enduring partnerships!
Learn more about the ICE® 44
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
Vice President IT and IT Comm
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200 Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Above and Beyond: ICE® Chesapeake
March 19, 2025
In the heart of Chesapeake, VA, a team of dedicated professionals stood out like beacons of reliability and excellence. Mike Gregory, Brad Hildreth, and their remarkable colleagues at ICE® (International Construction Equipment, Inc.) form the backbone of their exceptional Sales & Service team. Their unwavering commitment to going above and beyond is not just a mission statement but a way of life.
Chad Dunn, a project manager at Marine Contracting Corporation, recently witnessed their exceptional work firsthand. "I'd really like to specifically ask that Mike, as well as Brad and the rest of the team here in Chesapeake be recognized. Truly a great group of guys to work with," he said, filled with admiration. These men have a reputation for handling everything from small hardware requests to complete machine overhauls with the same level of dedication and efficiency.
Marine Contracting's latest venture is a Whiting & Turner project, fitness center and combat training pool. Located at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station in Havelock, NC. This wasn't just any project; it required precision, expertise, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges posed by deep foundation construction. Marine Contracting Corporation had chosen the formidable 11000 Manitowoc crawler crane to install 80-foot-long, 12-inch concrete test piles. It was a task that demanded the best tools, and for this, they had selected the ICE® I-19 Diesel Hammer fitted to 120 feet of 26-inch leads. This combination of hammer and leads maximizes the safe working radius, ensuring that operations are conducted within a controlled and secure environment.
The ICE® I-19 Diesel Hammer, known for its power and reliability, is designed to drive piles into the ground efficiently, making it a crucial tool for marine and construction projects. It uses diesel fuel to generate the necessary force to drive the piles, and unlike other manufacturers' hammers, it uses oil for lubrication.
Chad was particularly impressed by the ICE® diesel hammers. "I really like using the ICE® diesel hammers because they use oil for lubrication instead of having to grease other manufacturers' hammers every 15 minutes of drive time," he explained. This choice saved them a significant amount of work and production time. Moreover, the ICE® leads were a brilliant blend of strength and lightweight design, assuring the Marine Contracting team's safety and saving money by negating the need for a higher capacity crane.
Knowing that the pool would be excavated between test piles and production piles, the team opted for suspended leads on this project. This decision proved to be pivotal. Suspended leads offered unparalleled maneuverability, allowing the team to work efficiently within the excavation and reach across the sheet piles from existing grade to drive piles far out of reach of a fixed lead setup.
Throughout the project, the ICE® Sales & Service Chesapeake team were readily available. Their reliability, service, parts support, and attention to detail were unmatched. To Chad, they aren't just colleagues; they are friends. "Great guys I consider friends more so than business acquaintances at this point," he remarked.
The team at ICE ® Chesapeake has once again proven their mettle, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness; ensuring that Marine Contracting Corporation continues to thrive, even in the most challenging projects. Amazing work to the entire ICE® Sales & Service team, you are a testament to what can be achieved when dedication, expertise, and camaraderie came together.
To Marine Contracting Corporation, thank you for your unwavering support of ICE®. Your partnership has been invaluable, and we look forward to many more successful collaborations in the future.
Learn more about the ICE® I-19 or reach out to your local ICE® Sales & Service Team to see how they can help you with your next project!
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
Vice President IT and IT Comm
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200 Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Building a Bridge for a Better Tomorrow
March 15, 2025
In Nazareth, PA, the construction of a small bridge is more than just an engineering feat--it's a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. With RE Pierson at the helm, this vital bridge project showcases the importance of infrastructure in connecting communities and enhancing their quality of life. The bridge, recently completed, provides a crucial link for residents, facilitating smoother transportation and fostering economic growth in the area.
RE Pierson has a rich history of excellence in construction, known for their expertise in heavy civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Their commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a stellar reputation, making them a trusted partner in projects across the region.
Central to this project was the use of cofferdams, a temporary enclosure that allows construction to take place in areas otherwise submerged in water. RE Pierson drove sheets with their previously purchased ICE® 28 Vibratory Driver/Extractor from International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®), creating a secure and dry workspace. Cofferdams offer numerous benefits, including safety and efficiency, allowing workers to operate in a controlled environment. The process involves driving steel sheet piles into the ground to form a barrier, pumping out the water inside, and creating a dry area for construction.
For the Nazareth bridge job, RE Pierson utilized a range of specialized equipment. First, the ICE® 28 was used to drive sheets for the cofferdam, a process that required precision and power. Once this was completed, 12" (in) pipe piles, both battered and vertical, were driven with a rented ICE® I-8v2 Diesel Impact Hammer in leads on the inside of the cofferdam. This short-term rental, lasting approximately two weeks, highlights the efficiency and adaptability of RE Pierson's operations and the power of ICE® equipment. A nod to the flexibility and practicality of the hoses that connect and power these vital machines, showcasing the synergy between equipment and expertise.
This project stands as a testament to the successful partnership between RE Pierson and ICE®. Their combined efforts have ensured the seamless execution of this bridge job, underscoring the importance of collaboration in achieving engineering excellence. Congratulations to RE Pierson for their dedication and hard work, paving the way for a brighter future for the Nazareth community.
Learn more about the ICE® 28 and ICE® I-8v2
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
Vice President IT and IT Comm
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200 Email - marketing@iceusa.com
ICE® 44 Revitalizes Connectivity
March 11, 2025
The Neosho River bridge project on U.S. 59, which is located near Chanute, Kansas is important because it aims to replace an aging and potentially unsafe bridge over the Neosho River, ensuring safe and reliable transportation along a key highway route in the area, particularly for traffic traveling between Kansas and Oklahoma; the project is vital for maintaining connectivity and facilitating efficient movement of goods and people in the region. The project began in January 2024 and is expected to be completed by May 2025. Construction includes the installation of the bridge foundation, piers, and abutments and is currently focused on the sub-structure.
Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) awarded the construction contract of $11.2 million to A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa, who subcontracted Greg Bair Track Hoe Service, Inc. for parts of the pile work. Greg Bair is well-known for their expertise in demolition, drilling, and rock breaking; with a strong reputation for handling complex and challenging projects, including bridge demolitions and foundation work, making them a reliable choice for this undertaking.
The foundation work involves the placement of 6.5 beam 84" OD caissons with a 40' length and 3/8" wall thickness. These caissons are being installed using an ICE® 44 Vibratory Hammer known for its efficiency in driving large-diameter caissons into the ground, ensuring a stable and secure foundation for the bridge. Hydraulic hoses on the ICE® 44 Vibratory Hammer are crucial for its operation as they deliver the necessary hydraulic fluid to power the hammer, enabling efficient and precise driving of the caissons.
Vibratory hammers, such as the ICE® 44 are essential tools in construction, particularly for driving and extracting piles. They work by producing high-frequency vibrations combined with downward force, which helps to reduce friction between the pile and the soil. This makes it easier to drive the pile into the ground efficiently, even in dense or cohesive soils as the vibrations loosen the soil particles around the pile, allowing for deeper penetration with less resistance.
For the Neosho River bridge project, the caissons are being placed to a depth of approximately 40 feet. This depth ensures a stable foundation for the bridge, capable of supporting the structure and withstanding environmental factors such as water flow and soil conditions. The varying soil conditions along the river can pose difficulties in achieving uniform penetration depth and stability and fluctuating water levels can impact the construction schedule and the ease of caisson installation. Fortunately, the experts at Greg Bair know that maneuvering heavy equipment like the ICE® 44 in a riverine environment requires careful planning and execution to avoid accidents and ensure precision. Working closely with their engineering partners and their ICE® Pile Driving Specialists made this daunting task much more manageable.
Way to go, Greg Bair Track Hoe Service, Inc.! Your attention to detail and dedication to safety is sure to make this project a huge success. International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) is proud to partner with such amazing professionals!
Learn more about the ICE® 44
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
Vice President IT and IT Comm
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200 Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Reagan Marine Enhances Military Infrastructure
March 7, 2025
A significant transformation is underway onboard a military installation in Newport, Rhode Island. The bulkhead replacement project is not just about updating the infrastructure; it's about providing a solid foundation for future improvements.
The contractor for this project, Reagan Marine Construction (Reagan Marine), brings more than 50 years of experience in marine and waterfront construction. Specializing in pile driving, steel sheeting installation, demolition, and dredging, Reagan Marine has a proven track record of completing complex projects for various military clients.
Reagan Marine's expertise and dedication to safety, quality, and productivity have been instrumental in the success of this project. The project began with a clear vision: to replace the existing bulkhead system, providing a new and solid foundation for further improvements that will achieve the demands of current and future military activities. The first step was to remove a portion of the existing pier, a task that proved challenging due to the deteriorated condition of the old concrete filled steel piles.
Enter the ICE® 22 Vibratory Driver/Extractor. This piece of equipment quickly became the hero of the project. Initially brought in because Reagan Marine's own ICE® Model 416 and ICE® Power Pack needed maintenance. After a quick call to their local ICE® Sales and Service Team, an ICE® 22 was rented and its efficiency in the tough driving conditions of the area quickly made it indispensable. Even after their ICE® 416 was repaired, the experts at Reagan chose to keep the ICE® 22 on site, proving its worth time and again.
By pairing the ICE® 22 with an ICE® Model 55 Clamp, the Reagan team tackled the extraction of the old concrete-filled steel piles. These piles, buried deep and in poor condition, needed to be removed to make way for the new combi-wall. The ICE® 22, with its superior performance, made this daunting task much more manageable, easily breaking through the hard layers and significantly increasing efficiency and aiding in keeping the project on time. To further contribute to its success, the ICE® 22 guarantees peak performance with its robust and flexible hoses that are built to withstand high pressures and harsh environments. Once completed, the new combi-wall will consist of alternating 24" diameter pipes and PZC-19 sheet piles. This structure, tied back to a concrete and HP deadman system, promises to provide the strength and durability needed for future improvements. During this project, an ICE® I-19-V2 Diesel Impact Hammer was also used to drive the pier support piles to their design bearing capacity, ensuring the stability and integrity of the existing pier, given its condition.
Throughout the project, the Reagan Marine crews faced numerous challenges, from time constraints to difficult soil conditions. But the reliability of ICE® equipment, particularly the rented ICE® 22, helped overcome these obstacles. The ICE® Model 55 Wood Jaw Clamp effectively transmitted vibratory forces, ensuring efficient extraction of the concrete piles and saving valuable time. This project is more than just a construction endeavor; it's a crucial step in boosting the efficiency of operations on the installation. The new bulkhead and pier will serve as a solid foundation for future uses and improvements, allowing flexibility as their operational demands change.
As the area is a strategic military hub, enhancing its infrastructure ensures it remains a vital location for operations and research. This project, with its blend of modern techniques and reliable equipment, is a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved.
In the end, the success of this project is a story of innovation, perseverance, and trust in reliable equipment. According to Reagan Marine, the ICE® 22 and other ICE® tools have proven their worth, helping to turn a challenging project into a triumph of modern engineering. Reagan Marine has "trusted ICE® for pile driving equipment, parts, and service due to the reliability and variety of their equipment, as well as the excellent support we receive when we have questions for many years." International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) works hard to maintain the long-standing relationships with our clients based on the reliability of our equipment and the exceptional service they have come to expect. Fantastic work, Reagan Marine Construction! The local community and stakeholders are sure to extend their heartfelt thanks for the exceptional work and dedication to enhancing this important portion of infrastructure.
Disclaimer: The appearance of this information does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) or the Department of the Navy (DoN) for the products or services contained in this release. The DoD and DoN do not have editorial control over the information contained on this website or page.
Learn more about the ICE® 22, ICE® I-19-V2 and ICE® Clamps and Clamping Systems
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
Vice President IT and IT Comm
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200 Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Innovative Solutions in Billboard Installation
March 3, 2025
Ultra-Lum Services, LLC is a company specializing in the construction and maintenance of outdoor billboards and signage. Founded in 1998, they have been servicing the outdoor billboard industry for over 20 years. Ultra-Lum Services operates in several New England states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. They are known for their turn-key installation services and have a reputation for quality and reliability in the billboard industry.
Using an ICE® 22 Vibratory Hammer with bias weights, Ultra-Lum experts recently completed the 41st billboard foundation completed in partnership with International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®). The installation involves a digital billboard placed on a pole next to I-93. The revenue generated from leasing the land for this billboard is intended to help keep the Polish American Club financially afloat and is a significant development for the community, as the Polish American Club is an important organization in the area. The billboard is also designed to minimize light pollution and reduce the number of billboards in the neighborhood.
The foundation size for a billboard installation can vary depending on factors such as the size and height of the billboard, soil conditions, and local regulations. Over the past two decades, working with Ultra-Lum, vibrated foundation piles for a standard billboard have ranged between 30 inches and 90 inches in diameter and 20 feet to 140 feet deep. Larger billboards or those in areas with challenging soil conditions require larger or deeper foundations. For instance, this particular billboard required a foundation that was 46 feet deep due to the challenging soil conditions.
One of the main challenges of this installation was the proximity to the building being close to a building required careful planning and precision to avoid any potential damage to the structure, as its location was only 10" (in) away. Ensuring compliance with local regulations and obtaining necessary permits can also be time-consuming and require careful coordination with authorities. Bias weights are designed to optimize the hammer's performance by balancing the forces during pile driving, which can improve efficiency and reduce vibrations. This combination was chosen specifically to drive piles faster and reduce crane shake, while operating at a 50% power level.
Overcoming these obstacles required a combination of careful planning, the right equipment, and effective problem-solving strategies including conducting detailed surveys and planning to ensure accurate placement and minimize risks. The use of bias weights and wisdom to operate the ICE® 22 at reduced power helped manage vibrations and ensured the protection of the surrounding area from potential damage.
Amazing work, Ultra-Lum! International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) takes pride in helping our clients select the right equipment for the task and ensures regular maintenance and calibration of the machine, including its hoses, to optimize efficiency and effectiveness on any project.
Reach out to our experienced ICE® Sales & Service Team now to see how they can help you with your next job!
Learn more about the ICE® 22
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
Vice President IT and IT Comm
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200 Email - marketing@iceusa.com
