Hydrauli-Flex Hoses: Powering ICE Equipment for the URI Pier Project
At The Hose Company, we pride ourselves on providing top-quality products that meet the most demanding standards. One of our standout offerings, Hydrauli-Flex Hoses, played a pivotal role in the success of the recent infrastructure upgrades at the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) Narragansett Bay Campus. The project, aimed at modernizing the campus and supporting the new National Science Foundation research vessel, Narragansett Dawn, saw Hydrauli-Flex hoses provide critical hydraulic power to ICE vibratory hammers during the construction of the new pier.
The Importance of the Project
In 2021, Mohawk Northeast, Inc. (Mohawk) was awarded the contract to replace URI’s nearly 60-year-old pier. With the arrival of Narragansett Dawn in Spring 2024, a new, larger, and more robust pier was necessary to support the operations of this advanced research vessel. The project included the demolition of the old pier, installation of a modern steel-and-concrete structure, and the construction of various utilities and support systems. It was a massive undertaking requiring state-of-the-art equipment and precision to ensure the safety, durability, and functionality of the new pier.
One of the critical pieces of equipment used throughout this project was the ICE® Model 416L Vibratory Driver/Extractor and the ICE® Model D-50 Single-Acting Diesel Pile Hammer. These powerful machines, essential for pile driving and the construction of the pier's deep foundation, relied on Hydrauli-Flex hoses to ensure smooth and efficient operation under challenging conditions.
The Role of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses
Hydrauli-Flex hoses are the ideal companion for the demanding work that ICE vibratory hammers perform. Known for their exceptional durability and high-pressure performance, these hoses were integral to the smooth operation of the vibratory hammers on this project. Given the nature of pile driving, which requires consistent and reliable hydraulic flow, it was essential that the hoses could withstand the intense conditions on-site.
Our Hydrauli-Flex hoses were designed to perform under pressure, ensuring that the ICE® equipment could maintain high efficiency throughout the job. These hoses are built to endure the harshest environments, minimizing the risk of failure and maintaining the reliability of the equipment. Whether dealing with high-pressure conditions, extreme temperatures, or exposure to UV rays and chemicals, Hydrauli-Flex hoses rose to the challenge and proved their worth on the construction site.
Additionally, these hoses are rigorously tested to ensure they can handle the toughest conditions. From burst testing to flexibility and endurance tests, Hydrauli-Flex hoses are subjected to extreme conditions before they even hit the market. This testing guarantees that they are capable of handling the bending, movement, and pressure required to support ICE’s vibratory hammers throughout their operation. The results were evident on-site, where the combination of ICE vibratory hammers and Hydrauli-Flex hoses ensured the project’s smooth and efficient progress.
Overcoming Challenges
The work at URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus was not without its challenges. Mohawk’s crew had to battle weather conditions, perform pile driving on water, and modify equipment on the fly to meet the project’s specific needs. Despite these obstacles, the team was able to efficiently drive piles and complete the pier ahead of schedule—well before the Narragansett Dawn was set to arrive in the spring of 2024.
The durability and reliability of the Hydrauli-Flex hoses played a key role in ensuring that the vibratory hammers operated seamlessly throughout the project. With the added challenge of hanging leads for pile driving, having equipment that could handle high pressures without risk of failure was critical. The hoses maintained optimal hydraulic flow, allowing the ICE® equipment to perform consistently, even in the most demanding conditions.
A Testament to Quality and Durability
The successful completion of the URI pier replacement project is a testament to the hard work of the Mohawk team and the high-quality products that support their equipment. By choosing Hydrauli-Flex hoses to power ICE vibratory hammers, the team ensured that the project could proceed efficiently and safely, with minimal downtime.
This infrastructure upgrade will have long-lasting impacts, both for URI and for the scientific community as a whole. The new pier, with its enhanced capabilities, will support research and educational initiatives that are critical to understanding and preserving our oceans. The improvements made will help strengthen URI’s global reputation for oceanographic research, and Hydrauli-Flex hoses were proud to play a role in this achievement.
Contact Us
At The Hose Company, we are committed to providing the highest quality products for industries that require dependable and durable hydraulic hoses. If you’re interested in learning more about Hydrauli-Flex hoses or would like to discuss how we can support your next project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team is here to help you choose the best solutions for your needs.
