Building Stability in Asheville
July 1, 2025
Nestled in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, historic charm, and stunning natural beauty. As the city grows, new developments must navigate the delicate balance between modern infrastructure and rugged terrain--making construction especially complex.
One such project is a new mixed-use, multi-residential development, where Subsurface Construction is taking on the challenge of building a stable foundation on a steep hillside. Their solution? A permanent anchored soldier pile wall with precast concrete panels--engineered for strength and longevity.
Given the site's elevation and terrain, traditional drilling methods weren't an option. Subsurface turned to International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) to rent the Comacchio MC-E 60 Drill Rig with a 45 Mast Attachment--a powerful, flexible system designed for precision in tight, uneven spaces.
This advanced rig, operated via radio remote control, allows for anchor drilling from the top of the wall, ensuring accurate placement despite elevation changes. The remote capability enhances safety and efficiency, enabling operators to manage setup and drilling without being directly at the rig. The 45 Mast's extended reach also allows drilling beneath the tracks--placing anchors 5 to 7 feet deep, a critical factor for structural integrity. Its ability to use casing when needed further boosts performance in variable soil conditions.
The project's challenges--steep slopes, structural interferences, and mixed soil--demanded both expertise and specialized equipment. With the Comacchio MC-E 60 and 45 Mast, Subsurface efficiently drilled through soil and partially weathered rock, laying a solid foundation while keeping the crew safe.
According to the Subsurface Project Manager, "ICE® played a key role in the success of this project--not only by providing the right equipment but also by working closely with the team to ensure they were fully familiar with the drill rig's capabilities." This collaboration streamlined operations, saving time and costs while delivering high-quality results.
ICE® is proud to support Subsurface Construction in strengthening Asheville's infrastructure. Their dedication and precision are helping shape a resilient future for this growing mountain city.
Learn more about the Comacchio MC-E 60 and line of Comacchio Drill Masts
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Vice President
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
The Hose Company
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com


