The South Hillsborough Pipeline is one of the most significant water infrastructure efforts ever undertaken in the Tampa Bay region. Designed to deliver up to 65 million gallons of potable water per day, the 26-mile pipeline will support rapid population growth throughout southern Hillsborough County, Florida. The project stretches across wetlands, roadways, and waterways, including the Alafia River, where careful engineering is essential to protect both the environment and the long-term reliability of the system. With a projected completion in early 2029, this multi-year investment represents hundreds of millions of dollars dedicated to securing the region's future water supply. 

Schnabel was selected to construct the deep secant pile shafts required for the river crossings, a choice driven by their long-standing reputation for technical excellence in geo-structural engineering. Their team brings decades of experience in designing and building complex excavation support systems, particularly in areas with challenging groundwater conditions and sensitive environmental constraints. Schnabel's ability to deliver watertight, structurally precise shafts made them the ideal partner for a project where even minor deviations could compromise tunneling accuracy or long-term performance. Their history of successful work on major tunneling and water infrastructure projects across the country further reinforced their suitability for this critical role. 

To prepare the shaft locations, Schnabel relied on an ICE® 612 vibratory hammer powered by an ICE® 325 unit and paired with an ICE® clamping system. This setup was used to install the sheet pile cofferdams that isolate each shaft from the fluctuating groundwater and river influence. The hydraulic system supporting the hammer included Hydrauli‑Flex™ hoses, chosen for their durability and ability to maintain consistent flow under continuous vibration and high pressure. Once the cofferdam was secured, Schnabel's drilling crews advanced with the construction of the secant pile shafts, cutting overlapping concrete piles through mixed soils to create a watertight circular structure capable of resisting lateral earth and hydrostatic pressures. The ICE® equipment later returned to extract the sheet piles once the shafts were complete, demonstrating the versatility and reliability that made it a natural fit for this demanding environment. 

As the South Hillsborough Pipeline progresses toward completion, the community benefits from the unseen but essential work performed by teams like Schnabel. Their precision ensures that the pipeline can pass safely beneath the Alafia River without disturbing the landscape above, and their craftsmanship will support the region's water needs for generations. International Construction Equipment expresses sincere appreciation for Schnabel's trust in ICE® tools and for the professionalism they bring to every project. The residents of Hillsborough County likewise benefit from their dedication, as each completed shaft brings the region one step closer to a stronger and more resilient water future. 

Learn more about the ICE® 612 or reach out to your local ICE® Sales & Service Team 

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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