Article

Machine-Foundation Experts Solve Press-Pit Challenge for Automotive Stamper

Monday, February 01, 2010

Progressive-die stamper and tool and die shop Wellington Industries, Belleville, MI, recently installed a 2000-ton press that required a unique foundation solution. When preconstruction soil testing revealed a water-soaked sand base insufficient to support the 1 million-lb. press, machine-foundation and press-pit experts Delta Industrial, Chesterfield, MI, excavated the site to remove the sandy soil.

The 22-ft.-deep excavation project required support by 30-ft. steel pilings; Delta pumped water from the pit through six well points. Then, after allowing the ground to dry, Delta used an epoxy-based non-shrink grout for the press pit that the firm says is five times stronger than concrete. During press installation, Delta placed four 3-ft. by 2-in.-thick leveling base plates atop the foundation, 20 ft. apart, that were within 0.001 in. variance—no additional leveling was required.

Delta Industrial: 586/598-1390; www.deltaconcrete.com