Site Engineering and Quality Assurance Program for the installation of Micro Piles to stop settlement of a tall structure, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Las Vegas, Nevada, 1998

In 1998 during the final stages of construction, the 850 million dollar Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas experienced severe settlement problems. These problems were further compounded when it was found the core of the building was settling at a much faster rate then the outer wings thus exhibiting enormous stresses throughout the building.

ECO, together with Kleinfelder Inc. (U.S.A.), initiated and performed a Quality Assurance Program that would satisfy both the owner and Clark County during the remedial program.

ECO’s responsibilities were:

  • Train personal for Clark County approval.
  • Monitor and record the drilling and installation of 536 micro piles (7″o.d. X 200′ long)
  • Monitor and record all grouting activities.
  • Test and evaluate the grout samples from every micro pile.
  • Monitor and evaluate the test loading of 536 micro piles.
  • Install long term downhole monitoring equipment.
  • Monitor and oversee the final loading of the micro piles.
  • Perform a crack survey on five different levels of the building before and after load testing.
  • Monitor and oversee the load testing of five different levels of the building.

ECO was often called upon to offer technical support and opinions to assist the project.