Location: Stratford, Connecticut
Scope: Demolition of an old gas station and construction of a new one on a cliff near a wetland area.

Challenges:

  • Limited land availability on a cliff, requiring careful planning for stability.
  • High-profile, crowded location necessitating coordination with city officials and adherence to environmental regulations.
  • Proximity to a wetland, requiring specific environmental considerations and compliance.
  • Building a retaining wall to stabilize the cliffside and ensure a solid foundation.
  • Ensuring proper soil compression and conducting extensive soil testing.
  • Managing water storage and filtration systems to handle runoff and prevent contamination.
  • Presence of hazardous materials, including asbestos and potential soil contamination.
  • Maintaining safety standards due to the presence of old infrastructure like mechanic car lifts and an existing well.

Collaboration with Stratford City Officials:

  • Objective: Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and maintain project transparency.
  • Actions: Conducted regular meetings with city officials and environmental agencies. Developed a detailed environmental impact assessment and mitigation plan to protect the wetland ecosystem. Ensured all project activities adhered to local, state, and federal environmental guidelines.

Demolition of the Old Building:

  • Objective: Safely remove the existing structure without compromising the cliffside stability or causing environmental harm.
  • Actions:
    • Site Preparation: Secured the cliffside by installing temporary barriers and supports. Conducted a safety briefing for all workers, emphasizing the unique risks of the site.
    • Controlled Demolition: Used precision demolition techniques to systematically dismantle the old gas station while minimizing dust and debris.
    • Debris Removal: Implemented a debris management plan to safely remove waste, focusing on recycling materials where possible and disposing of hazardous waste in compliance with regulations.

Environmental Concerns and Hazardous Material Removal:

  • Objective: Address potential environmental hazards to ensure the site is safe for new construction.
  • Actions:
    • Asbestos Testing and Removal: Conducted a thorough site survey to identify asbestos. Engaged licensed contractors to remove and dispose of asbestos safely.
    • Well Abandonment: Properly sealed the existing well to prevent groundwater contamination, following state guidelines for well abandonment.
    • Soil Contamination Remediation: Performed soil testing to identify any contamination from previous fuel leaks. Excavated contaminated soil and replaced it with clean fill, ensuring the site met safety standards for new construction.

Building a Retaining Wall and Soil Preparation:

  • Objective: Ensure site stability and safety for the new construction.
  • Actions:
    • Retaining Wall Construction: Designed and constructed a retaining wall using reinforced concrete to support the cliffside. The wall was anchored deeply into the stable bedrock to prevent erosion and withstand soil pressure.
    • Soil Compression and Testing: Utilized heavy machinery to compress the soil adequately. Conducted geotechnical tests, including soil density and compaction tests, to confirm soil stability and suitability for the foundation work.

Surveys and Design Work:

  • Objective: Develop a comprehensive design that addresses the unique challenges of the site while ensuring functionality and compliance.
  • Actions:
    • Topographic and Geotechnical Surveys: Performed detailed surveys to map the site’s contours and understand soil conditions. Used survey data to plan the foundation and retaining wall, taking into account the cliffside slope and wetland proximity.
    • Architectural and Engineering Design: Collaborated with architects to design a gas station that maximizes the limited space while blending with the surrounding environment. Engineers developed plans for a robust foundation and water management system suitable for the challenging site conditions.

Zoning and Building Approvals:

  • Objective: Secure all necessary permits and approvals to commence construction.
  • Actions:
    • Zoning Approval: Worked closely with city planners to ensure the design complied with local zoning laws, including height restrictions, setbacks, and environmental impact considerations.
    • Building Approval: Submitted detailed construction plans, including structural, environmental, and safety considerations, to obtain building permits.

Foundation Work and Concrete Testing:

  • Objective: Establish a strong foundation capable of supporting the new structure on a cliffside.
  • Actions:
    • Foundation Excavation: Carefully excavated the site to the required depth, ensuring minimal disturbance to the surrounding area and maintaining the stability of the cliff.
    • Concrete Pouring: Used high-strength concrete and reinforced steel to pour the foundation, ensuring it could withstand the site’s unique stress factors.
    • Concrete Testing: Conducted slump tests, compressive strength tests, and core sampling to verify the concrete met the required specifications and durability standards.

Utility Installation: Gas, Water, and Water Management Systems:

  • Objective: Install essential utilities while ensuring environmental protection and site stability.
  • Actions:
    • Gas Line Installation: Carefully laid down gas lines, adhering to safety standards to prevent leaks and ensuring reliable service.
    • Water Utility Installation: Installed water lines and developed a comprehensive water management system, including storage tanks and filtration systems, to handle runoff and prevent contamination.
    • Water Filtration Systems: Integrated advanced filtration systems to ensure any water runoff was properly filtered before entering the wetland, maintaining water quality and preventing ecological disruption.

Building Framework Construction:

  • Objective: Construct a durable and stable framework for the new gas station.
  • Actions:
    • Erecting the Steel Structure: Assembled the main structural components using high-quality steel to provide stability and durability, especially considering the site’s exposure to wind and potential erosion from the cliffside.
    • Roof Installation: Installed a robust roof system designed to withstand local weather conditions, including heavy rains and high winds, ensuring the building remained weatherproof.

Interior Systems Installation:

  • Objective: Install and configure the necessary internal systems to ensure full operational functionality.
  • Actions:
    • Electrical Wiring and Plumbing: Installed wiring and plumbing throughout the building, following strict safety codes to prevent any hazards, particularly important given the proximity to gas lines and the high-pressure gas environment.
    • HVAC Installation: Set up a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system to maintain a comfortable environment inside the building, tailored to the building’s specific layout and usage requirements.

Final Construction Phases:

  • Objective: Complete all remaining work to make the gas station fully operational and compliant with safety standards.
  • Actions:
    • Drywall and Painting: Installed drywall and painted the interior and exterior to provide a clean, finished look, with materials chosen for durability and resistance to local weather conditions.
    • Fire Safety and Landscaping: Installed a fire alarm system and fire-rated sprays on structural elements to ensure fire safety. Completed landscaping around the station, adding trees, shrubs, and a lawn to blend the site with the surrounding wetland and improve aesthetic appeal.

Key Considerations:

  • Retaining Wall and Foundation Stability: Focused on ensuring the retaining wall and foundation provided adequate support and stability for the cliffside location, critical for long-term safety and durability.
  • Soil Compression and Testing: Conducted comprehensive soil tests to guarantee the site’s suitability for construction, crucial for preventing settlement and ensuring a stable foundation.
  • Water Storage and Filtration: Implemented robust systems to manage water runoff and prevent contamination, essential for protecting the nearby wetland environment.