The Blue River Valley Industrial Corridor (BRVIC) on Kansas City’s east side has been an industrial workhorse dating back to the late 1800s. Generations of Kansas Citians labored to shape steel, machinery, and related products through the 20th century, leaving behind layers of buried remnants. Partnering with geotechnical engineers who have first-hand experience digging through those layers gives builders key advantages.
A Bold Brownfield Effort
Brownfield land, or land that’s been through repeated redevelopments, can be complex and full of surprises in the Corridor. We’ve found iron scraps, miscellaneous metal junk, and all kinds of industrial debris as deep as 30 feet. Not every engineer will jump at the chance to work in these types of conditions, however, our passion for the challenge keeps us focused on the possibilities. Our engineers are very familiar with the local history and characteristics of the BRVIC brownfield land and they can be invaluable assets to your project team.
Enormous industrial relics, chunky debris, and chemicals are not uncommon beneath the surface of a brownfield.
Skilled Navigators of the Unknown
Much of what’s buried in the Corridor’s brownfield layers is unknown. The area’s underground history stretches back further than detailed records in some cases. Assessing it requires a thorough hands-on investigation with findings that can be translated into feasible solutions. Getting a grip on brownfield conditions can take some work, but the process doesn’t have to derail your construction timeline or dramatically increase your costs.
We focus on searching the depths of the property for large rocks and debris, mechanical pieces, vehicles, and trees. Our crews have turned up entire rooms and even signs of old tunnels that once linked structures underground. We know each one of these discoveries has the potential to shift or collapse at any time so we always factor in the overall stability of the land when we investigate BRVIC properties.
Sampling, drilling, and testing give project leaders critical data about ground conditions and any buried secrets discovered on the site. Excavation hopefully confirms our findings or sheds new light that informs adjustments. Our goal is to assure stability and compliance and give designers the confidence they need to move forward with their plans.
Sampling, drilling and testing help AOG crews investigate the specifics of a brownfield.
Creative Problem Solvers
Digging out an entire brownfield site and importing more ideal fill soil may seem like an ideal option, however, the expense could overwhelm your budget and excavation could threaten the Corridor’s slope. Building most of your structure on the existing ground and designing a custom foundation is often the best way to keeps costs under control.
Site excavation in a brownfield can reveal game-changing conditions that often require creative thinking to plan modifications. Firms like ours that frequently work in the BVIC know there’s more to the job than delivering reports. Builders benefit most when their geotech partner is willing to stick around for the long haul to provide insight and oversight as issues come up.
Creative solutions are not to be confused with experimental. As AOG’s Garic Abendroth points out, engineers back their work with their license and seal as well as their reputation.
Building Opportunity
Don’t let talk of brownfields or floodplains discourage your long-term vision! The rewards of doing business in the BRVIC are well worth navigating the challenges.
The Corridor offers river, road, and rail access, high-capacity utility service, a long-standing industrial focus, and a flow of renewed public and private investment. We’re proud to be a part of bringing projects to life in this growing industrial corridor, and welcome the opportunity to talk through possibilities, even if you’re not ready to build.
Read about our ongoing work with Custom Truck One Source in the BRVIC>>