Powering ICE Equipment to Tackle Environmental Challenges in Jacksonville, FL
At The Hose Company, we take pride in providing durable and high-performance hydraulic hoses that power the best in construction equipment. One of the most important partnerships we have is with International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®), manufacturers of cutting-edge vibratory hammers. Their technology is used on some of the most demanding construction projects around the world. Recently, ICE® was involved in a project for J.B. Coxwell Contracting, Inc. at the site of a Four Seasons hotel across from Gator Bowl Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. This job required the removal of an old foundation, and along the way, ICE® equipment – powered by Hydrauli-Flex hoses – helped overcome a significant environmental hurdle.
The Challenge Beneath the Surface
The project, which involved drilling concrete piles for the new hotel foundation, encountered a historic and environmentally challenging problem beneath the surface: 100-year-old timber piles. These timber piles, originally installed for a shipyard in the 1920s, presented serious obstacles for the construction team. At one time, timber piles were the material of choice for foundations due to their low cost and high availability. However, to prevent the timber from decaying, the piles were treated with coal tar creosote, a chemical mixture known for containing poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phenol. While effective at preventing rot, creosote is a toxic substance, and prolonged exposure can lead to health problems such as skin irritations, stomach issues, liver and kidney damage, and even an increased risk of skin cancer.
What’s more, creosote can leach from the timber piles into the surrounding soil and groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water and affecting the local food chain. For a city like Jacksonville, which prides itself on its shrimp industry and vibrant tourism, protecting the environment from this hazardous contamination is critical.
Tackling the Timber Pile Problem
To tackle the task of removing these old timber piles, J.B. Coxwell Contracting turned to ICE® for help. The ICE® 28C Vibratory Extractor was recommended as the ideal tool for the job. This state-of-the-art equipment is specifically designed to remove deep foundation piles, and ICE®’s reputation for efficiency and precision made them the perfect choice for a project of this scale.
The challenge was no small feat, but the ICE® 28C worked with impressive speed and precision. The Coxwell team quickly realized that ICE® equipment significantly outperformed their previous vibratory hammer, providing a faster and more efficient solution. The improvement in production time was immediately noticeable, and the contractor was able to move forward with confidence.
Environmental Impact and Public Health
One of the primary goals of this project was to minimize the environmental impact caused by the timber piles and improve water quality. By using the ICE® 28C Vibratory Extractor, J.B. Coxwell successfully removed the harmful timber piles from the site. With these dangerous materials out of the equation, they were able to replace them with safer, more durable concrete piles, providing the foundation necessary for the new hotel while also protecting the health of the local community.
The efforts of J.B. Coxwell and ICE® contribute to the preservation of Jacksonville’s precious natural resources. The local groundwater and marine food chains are now much safer, and future hotel guests and the surrounding area can rest assured that harmful contaminants won’t be a concern during their stay.
Hydrauli-Flex Hoses: The Backbone of ICE® Equipment
One of the crucial components that ensure ICE® equipment operates at its best is the high-quality hydraulic hoses that connect and power the machinery. Hydrauli-Flex hoses are the perfect complement to ICE® vibratory hammers, thanks to their exceptional durability and performance under high-pressure conditions. These hoses are built to ensure consistent hydraulic flow, which is essential for the smooth and efficient operation of vibratory hammers in demanding environments.
Hydrauli-Flex hoses feature robust construction, minimizing the risk of leaks and failures that could cause costly downtime or even unsafe working conditions. Their high-quality design enhances the reliability and safety of ICE® equipment, ensuring that the vibratory hammers continue to perform flawlessly throughout the duration of the project. This durability, combined with superior performance, is exactly what ICE® needs to execute projects with precision and efficiency.
By providing reliable hydraulic power, Hydrauli-Flex hoses enable ICE® vibratory hammers to extract those old timber piles quickly and safely, contributing to the overall success of the project. With Hydrauli-Flex and ICE® working in tandem, contractors like J.B. Coxwell can be confident that their projects will not only be completed on time but also have a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the community.
Contact Us
At The Hose Company, we are committed to providing the highest quality hydraulic hoses to power the best construction equipment. If you're looking for hoses that offer superior durability, safety, and performance for your next project, look no further than Hydrauli-Flex. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help power your construction equipment and ensure your project’s success.
