IWP: 2025 Commercial Project of the Year Finalist
IWP Foundation Repair Stabilizes Derby Hills Elementary with 88 Helical Piles
When Derby Hills Elementary—located just southeast of Wichita in Derby, Kansas—began noticing early signs of foundation settlement, the school’s leadership took proactive action. Interior gaps between the walls and floors had grown large enough to fit a hand through, and minor exterior cracking signaled that the issue would only worsen without intervention. To protect the building, the district turned to IWP Foundation Repair, a trusted partner in the ECP network known for its expertise in complex structural repair work.
What followed was a multi-phase, multi-year repair plan that showcased exceptional engineering collaboration, precise field execution, and the adaptability required when working under challenging soil and weather conditions.
Addressing Early-Stage Foundation Settlement
To prevent advancing settlement, the engineering team recommended a phased stabilization approach spanning two years. Across the first phase, IWP installed 88 ECP helical piles to reinforce the affected areas of the school’s foundation and halt further movement. Once soil conditions stabilize, the crew will return to perform a controlled lift to restore structural alignment.
The project required detailed planning and careful implementation. The moderately expansive clay soils common in the Wichita region demanded vigilant torque monitoring and strategic pile placement to ensure reliable long-term performance.
Severe Weather Challenges: A Record-Breaking Kansas Storm
Just days into the project, IWP faced one of the most significant hurdles: a historic weather event. On June 3, central Kansas was hit by a powerful storm that caused flash flooding and tornado activity. Rainfall rates reached 1–3 inches per hour, and Wichita Eisenhower Airport recorded 2.4 inches by mid-afternoon, breaking a daily precipitation record held since 1932.
These conditions created:
- Jobsite delays
- Access difficulties
- Excessive groundwater infiltration
- Unsafe or paused operating windows
Despite these challenges, IWP worked closely with the engineer and project stakeholders to adjust schedules, reinforce safety protocols, and keep installation progress on track.
Engineering Coordination & On-Site Adaptability
In addition to the weather setbacks, the crew navigated several technical challenges throughout the installation:
Driving piles deeper than anticipated
Load-bearing strata were found beyond the initial depth clauses, requiring additional pile extensions and torque verification.
Footing inconsistencies
The existing footings were not cut flush, forcing IWP to take additional precision steps before bracket installation.
Tight pile spacing
Due to footing conditions, many of the 88 helical piles had to be installed in tighter, more crowded spacing than originally planned. This increased the level of coordination required among crew members, machinery, and engineering oversight.
Grouting for improved performance
Given the record rainfall and soil moisture challenges, IWP expanded their scope to ensure the school’s foundation remained protected in the future.
Waterproofing & Drainage Improvements for Long-Term Protection
Given the record rainfall and soil moisture challenges, IWP expanded their scope to ensure the school’s foundation remained protected in the future.
Upgrades included:
- Installing 8-inch PVC downspout extensions across the trench system
- Adding rain meters to direct roof runoff through improved piping
- Deploying sump pumps on-site to manage active groundwater during installation
- Returning with their commercial waterproofing team to tuckpoint and grout brick joints
- Addressing rusting steel lintels to preserve exterior building integrity
These additional measures help mitigate water intrusion, prevent future erosion, and provide a long-term, holistic solution for the school district.
A Skilled Team Behind the Success
This project was carried out by an experienced IWP installation crew including:
Shane Isham, Jairo Gonzalez, Deven Kirkendoll, Francisco Mandujano,
Tranquilino Carlos, Angel Maldonado, and Colhyn Turner.
Their ability to adapt to adverse conditions, maintain industry-leading quality standards, and collaborate effectively with engineers played a direct role in the project’s success—and in IWP being recognized as an ECP Project of the Year Finalist.
A Strong Example of ECP Partner Network Expertise
Derby Hills Elementary serves as a real-world demonstration of what sets ECP partners apart—professionalism, adaptability, engineering collaboration, and a commitment to long-term structural stability.
IWP is a Commercial Project of the Year Finalist because IWP’s precision in installing ECP helical piles, combined with their ability to overcome weather disruptions and soil complexities, is a testament to the high standards upheld across the ECP partner network.