Grit in Action: Grout Plant Powering Micropile Project
We got boots on the ground at a Penn State University design-build project, and it’s a heavy hitter. Turner Construction leads the charge, with Howard Concrete Pumping Company bringing the expertise. Ted Sankey, their project manager, sat down with us for a raw interview. Our grout plant, cement silo, and high pressure grout pump are powering this micropiling site. Watch the video below to get transported right into the mix!
About the Project
This project is no small task for Penn State. It involves installing 174 seven-inch diameter micropiles, all cased to top of rock with nine-foot rock sockets. Soldier piles, lagging, and tiebacks round out the scope. This site has karst topography making it tricky, and in turn demands precision.
How Our Grout Plant and Cement Silo Deliver
Our PD800 cement silo and PD1011H grout plant are the backbone of this job. The high pressure grout pump integrated into the PD1011H is a standout, as Ted notes in the video. This grout plant unit is configured with an auxiliary high pressure hydraulic circuit. This gives it the compatibility to run a multitude of different accessories. Howard Concrete Pumping Co opted for a high pressure grout pump for their applications. Post-grouting tiebacks in karst terrain required massive grout takes, but our grout pump handled it with ease. The high shear mixing ensures smooth, clump-free grout for consistent micropile performance.
The PD800 cement silo eliminates bagged portland cement, reducing silica risks and cutting down on truck traffic on-site. Its compact footprint keeps the site organized and efficient. Our cement silos and grout plants work seamlessly together to increase production on the jobsite. The PD1011H grout plant mixes and pumps simultaneously, delivering steady grout flow to micropiles and tiebacks. This setup ensures strong bonds and reliable load capacity, even in tough conditions.
Ted praises the compact design, noting its ease for transport, storage, and operation. The high pressure grout pump pushes grout deep into rock sockets, securing tiebacks and keeping the project on track.
Backing the Crew with Penndrill Support and Our Grout Plant
We don’t just supply equipment – we stand by our customers. Ted’s team relied on our technical support, with quick phone calls solving issues on the spot. No voicemails, no delays – just answers. Howard’s crew trusts our gear, and Ted says they’re eager to keep using it on future jobs. We deeply appreciate all of our dedicated customers in this unique industry and it is partners like these that help us strive to serve the industry better every day.
Tying It All Together
This Penn State project showcases what teamwork and tough equipment can do. This collaboration was needed to tackle a complex geotechnical challenge. Our grout plant, cement silo, and high pressure grout pump delivered the reliability and efficiency needed to get it done right.
We’re proud to support jobs like this, where our gear makes a real impact. Need a grout plant, cement silo, or high pressure grout pump for your next project? Let’s connect.