A major infrastructure upgrade is underway in New Orleans, where a contractor has begun deep foundation work in support of one of Entergy's new AI‑enabled substation projects. This substation will become part of Entergy's broader transmission system improvements across Louisiana, designed to enhance power reliability in regions vulnerable to storm‑related disruptions. 

Situated near the Calcasieu River within marshy, saturated terrain, the project site presents significant geotechnical challenges. Soft soils, high moisture content, and limited access require specialized equipment and experienced crews capable of maintaining precision and safety under demanding conditions. Mobilizing from a regional heavy‑civil facility, the contractor deployed a full fleet of equipment tailored to the site's unique requirements. 

To execute the deep foundation scope, the team utilized two advanced systems from International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®): the ICE® IP‑5 Hydraulic Impact Hammer and the ICE® I‑30v2 Diesel Impact Hammer. The IP‑5, mounted on a crane with a fixed‑lead configuration, delivered controlled, high‑frequency impact energy ideal for driving steel H‑piles and pipe piles through soft, saturated soils with minimal vibration. Its hydraulic control system allows real‑time energy adjustments, optimizing penetration rates and reducing disturbance to surrounding ground conditions. The ICE® I‑30v2 complemented this with robust driving force for heavier or deeper pile sections, performing reliably in remote or logistically constrained environments thanks to its self‑contained power system and rugged design. Together, these hammers provided a flexible, high‑performance solution that allowed crews to adapt to variable soil layers while maintaining production efficiency and structural integrity. 

Supporting the hydraulic performance of the ICE® IP‑5 was Hydrauli‑Flex™ advanced hose technology, engineered to maintain consistent pressure flow during continuous operation. Its durability and responsiveness are essential for safe, efficient pile driving in environmentally sensitive and hard‑to‑access locations. 

The contractor also implemented an innovative foundation approach on this project by welding steel grillages, grid‑like structural frameworks made of steel beams, directly to the driven piles instead of using traditional concrete caps. These grillages distribute loads from superstructures such as transmission towers or substation equipment to the underlying piles. This method accelerated installation, reduced excavation needs, and eliminated curing time, making it well‑suited to the site's challenging soil conditions. 

International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) acknowledges the contractor for selecting the ICE® IP‑5 and ICE® I‑30v2 impact hammers for this critical infrastructure initiative. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to technical excellence, operational safety, and long‑term resilience in energy infrastructure. As the AI‑enabled substation moves toward completion, both Entergy and the surrounding community stand to benefit from the strength and reliability of the deep foundation work made possible through this partnership. 

Learn more about the ICE® IP-5 and ICE® I-30v2 

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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