PROJECT OVERVIEW

LIKE A ROCK

(Like a Rock, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band | Songwriter: Bob Seger)

 

Woolson Block Rock Slope

PRESERVING A HISTORIC BUILDING

The Woolson Block is a historic Italianate style brick building located on Main Street in Springfield, Vermont. The building was constructed circa 1868 tight against a vertical rock face over 30 feet above the falls of the Black River. In recent years, the building had fallen into disrepair and Housing Vermont and the Springfield Housing Authority joined forces to redevelop the building with a mix of affordable housing and commercial space and help revitalize the downtown area. Renovation of the Woolson Block Building required stabilization of the rock slope which was subject to potential long-term instability.

Woolson Block Rock Slope

GEODesign was retained to evaluate the structural geologic conditions of the existing rock face, identify potential stabilization concepts and design the rock slope stabilization measures. We subcontracted Scarptec, Inc. to assist with the rock face evaluation and stabilization design. Primary project challenges included:

  1. Overhanging and back-battered rock slope with structural geologic conditions which were subject to potential long-term instability;
  2. Difficult access for investigation and construction work due to the local slope height, river conditions and adjacent bridge;
  3. Consideration of new retaining wall loads;
  4. Consideration of hydrostatic pressure and scour protection during peak river flows;
  5. Incorporation of adaptable stabilization measures to allow for construction-phase field adjustments.

The Solutions Unearthed

Client: Housing Vermont

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