HEAVY HIGHWAY & SITE/CIVIL

In Bartholomew County, Indiana, Force Construction successfully undertook the large-scale project of adding travel lanes to a four-mile stretch of I-65, extending from State Road 58 to State Road 46. This extensive project involved the complete removal and reconstruction of the existing pavement, incorporating cement stabilization, new asphalt binder, and an 11-inch concrete pavement. The median was filled with added travel lanes and a median barrier, enhancing safety and traffic flow. A critical aspect of the project was the comprehensive bridge work, which included the replacement of the Deaver Road bridge superstructure and significant rehabilitation efforts on additional bridges. Notably, Force Construction played a pivotal role in addressing a severe issue discovered during the inspection of the State Route 46 Bridge. It was found that the bridge's cables were badly deteriorated due to improper grouting, posing a significant risk. In collaboration with Janssen & Spaans Engineering and INDOT, Force Construction developed an emergency shoring plan. This plan involved installing temporary supports to prevent potential collapse, allowing time for a more permanent solution. The successful implementation of this emergency response prevented the shutdown of the entire interstate, demonstrating Force Construction's quick response and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, the project included a cost reduction incentive (CRI) proposal, where Force Construction suggested extending bore lengths for cross pipes, which reduced the need for open excavation and barrier wall installation. This innovative solution not only resulted in significant cost savings but also minimized disruption to traffic. The I-65 travel lanes addition project highlights Force Construction's expertise in managing complex infrastructure projects, showcasing our ability to deliver efficient and effective solutions while ensuring safety and minimizing inconvenience to the public.

In Johnson and Morgan counties, Indiana, Force Construction played a critical role as a subcontractor for the I-69 cut wall project. Originally part of a change order to the Reith-Riley contract for the I-69 bridge over Stott's Creek, the project addressed a significant slope issue threatening the stability of a nearby subdivision. The cut wall, designed as a slide protection measure, spanned 304 feet and consisted of 51 individual soldier piles made from W16x100 steel columns. These steel piles were drilled into the existing ground and bedrock, providing a robust foundation. As excavation proceeded, hard lagging was installed, followed by a cast-in-place concrete wall with a clean finish, ensuring the safety and stability of the hillside. This project showcased Force Construction's expertise in specialized earth retention solutions, efficiently executed to prevent potential landslides and protect the integrity of the surrounding infrastructure and residential areas.

In Henry County, Indiana, Force Construction successfully completed the replacement of the US40 Bridge, a complex project characterized by significant substructure challenges. Initially awarded based on standard contract plans, Force Construction, in collaboration with Janssen & Spaans Engineering, proposed a Cost Reduction Incentive (CRI) to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). This proposal suggested replacing the original cofferdam and steel piling design with drilled shafts, leveraging the presence of competent rock at shallower depths. This innovative approach resulted in substantial cost savings, with the CRI providing a total savings of $392,170 to INDOT. The final design featured a three-span bridge with 42 by 49 bulb-tee girders. The transition from the beam down was the primary alteration, ensuring the structural integrity of the bridge while optimizing costs. The US40 Bridge project exemplifies Force Construction's commitment to value engineering and innovation, showcasing our ability to deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. The successful execution of this project not only saved taxpayers money but also highlighted our expertise in managing complex civil infrastructure projects.

In Switzerland County, Indiana, Force Construction undertook the critical design-build project to stabilize a road that was sliding into the Ohio River. Collaborating with Janssen & Spaans Engineering and Schnabel, the team addressed the challenging conditions along the riverbank. The project involved installing multiple diameter shafts, including 36-inch diameter piers extending 60 to 62 feet deep into bedrock. The stabilization efforts included using soldier piles and plug piles filled with concrete, providing cost and time savings. The innovative design replaced traditional precast lagging, reducing excavation and material costs. Force Construction self-performed the drilling work, demonstrating our expertise in managing complex geotechnical challenges. The project was vital in preventing further road degradation and ensuring the safety and accessibility of the area. This design-build initiative highlighted Force Construction's capability to deliver effective and innovative solutions in challenging environments, solidifying our reputation for excellence in civil engineering and infrastructure projects.