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.

Ensuring efficient pile driving, Hydrauli-Flex hoses provided seamless hydraulic power transfer, allowing the ICE® 22 Vibratory Hammer to deliver consistent force while maximizing control. Their durability contributed to smooth installation, helping Ultra-Lum maintain precision and reliability in foundation work, even under demanding 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