Reliable Deep Foundation Solutions for Heavy Loads
High-Capacity Foundations for Bridges, Buildings, and Critical Structures.
As one of America’s leading design-build foundation contractors, Schnabel provides high-quality drilled shaft solutions tailored to the most demanding projects. Also known as caissons, drilled piers, or Cast-In-Drilled Hole (CIDH) piles, drilled shafts are ideal for transferring heavy axial and lateral loads to deeper, more competent soil or rock layers where surface soils are inadequate.
With advanced drilling techniques, state-of-the-art equipment, and decades of expertise, Schnabel ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective installation of drilled shaft systems—even in complex ground conditions and space-restricted sites.
What Are Drilled Shafts?
- Diameters: 2 feet to over 10 feet.
- Depths: Can exceed 100 feet, depending on project requirements and soil conditions.
These foundations are commonly used to support heavy structures such as bridges, buildings, and towers—particularly where shallow foundations are not viable. Drilled shafts can also be engineered to resist uplift and lateral forces, making them suitable for seismic zones or wind-sensitive structures.
Looking for a proven foundation solution for heavy structures? Let’s discuss how Schnabel can deliver reliable drilled shaft systems for your project.
Drilled Shaft Installation Methods
Dry Method (Open Hole)
Best for stable soils without groundwater.
Temporary Cased Method
Provides stability in loose or collapsing soils.
Permanently Cased Method
Suitable for unstable soils or areas with high groundwater.
Slurry Method
Uses bentonite or polymer fluids to stabilize the excavation before concrete placement.
Key Benefits of Drilled Shafts
- High load-bearing capacity for heavy structures.
- Flexible designs tailored to project demands.
- Improved settlement control.
- Ability to penetrate obstructions like boulders.
- Minimal vibration and noise during construction.
- Adaptability to a wide range of ground conditions.
Why Schnabel?
Schnabel’s decades of experience in deep foundations ensures your project benefits from:
Partner with Schnabel to ensure your drilled shaft foundation is delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
Real-World Results in Drilled Shafts
Projects Schnabel Has Worked On
Here are some drilled shaft projects where Schnabel’s solutions played a critical role:
Loch Raven
Substation
Location:
Baltimore, MD
Client:
New River Electrical Corporation
Background
In 2023, BG&E began construction of a new 110–13kV substation to replace an aging facility nearing capacity.
Schnabel’s Solution
Installed 170+ drilled shafts and multiple soldier piles to anchor and support perimeter wall panels.
Results
Scope completed on schedule, providing critical foundation support for BG&E’s upgraded substation.
Vassar Brothers Medical Center Expansion
Location:
Poughkeepsie, NY
Client:
Walsh and Consigli
Background
$545M expansion project to build a 752,610-square-foot patient pavilion.
Schnabel’s Solution
Designed and installed more than 180 drilled shafts, ranging from 30–50 feet deep, with average rock embedment of 8 feet.
Results
Completed on schedule, enabling the expansion to increase capacity and improve healthcare services for the community.