Midwest Foundation Tech: 2025 Commercial Project of the Year Finalist
Stabilizing High Foundation Walls With Helical Tiebacks: Midwest Foundation Tech’s Project of the Year Finalist
When Ivan Weaver Construction began expanding an event center in Mount Hope, Ohio, they quickly encountered a challenge that many contractors face when working near existing structures: limited excavation space and the risk of undermining an adjacent foundation.
To ensure the project could move forward safely and efficiently, they brought in Midwest Foundation Tech, an experienced installer of Earth Contact Products (ECP) helical solutions. Their work on this complex site is what earned the project a finalist spot in ECP’s Project of the Year awards.
The Challenge: Building High Foundation Walls With Tight Clearance
The new event center addition required high, 18-foot foundation walls. However, the team soon realized there was not enough space between the planned addition and the existing structure to excavate safely. The existing building’s finished flooring sat only 18 inches above the excavation zone, increasing the risk of soil movement and structural damage.
Traditional excavation methods would have compromised the existing footing, making it essential to find a solution that could resist:
- Sliding forces
- Overturning forces
- Soil pressure during excavation
- Potential structural movement
Midwest Foundation Tech proposed a solution that would provide immediate stability while accommodating the unique constraints of the site.
The Solution: Helical Screw Tiebacks for Footing and Wall Support
The engineering team determined that the most reliable and cost-effective approach was to use helical screw tiebacks to reinforce both the footing and the tall foundation wall. The final design called for:
- 19 tiebacks in the footing
- 20 tiebacks in the 18-foot concrete wall
This approach provided consistent resistance against lateral forces and ensured the existing structure would remain stable throughout excavation and wall construction.
Why ECP’s 1-3/4″ Square Shaft Was the Ideal Choice
To meet the load and torque requirements, the design team selected ECP’s 1-3/4″ square shaft with a 10-12 helical configuration. This product was chosen because:
- It exceeds typical design requirements
- It performs exceptionally well under high torque
- It provides reliable anchoring in tough soils
- It offers superior strength for deep foundation and earth retention applications
Site Conditions: Installing Into Bedrock Shale
Soil borings revealed that the tiebacks would be installed into bedrock shale, a condition that allowed the team to reach capacity quickly. However, installation continued beyond initial capacity criteria so that adequate length remained for:
- Transition pieces
- Threaded rods
- Proper positioning within the wall and footing
This ensured the final system met both engineering and constructability requirements.
Installation Process: Two Phases for Maximum Efficiency
The project was strategically completed in two phases:
Phase One — Footing Tiebacks
The team first excavated the footing area and installed the initial tiebacks before placing rebar and concrete. This created a stable foundation early in the process and allowed the crew to move safely into the second phase.
Phase Two — Wall Tiebacks
Once the footing had cured, tiebacks for the 18-foot wall were installed before rebar placement and wall forming. This sequencing provided maximum structural support throughout construction.
Tools & Equipment Used
Midwest Foundation Tech relied on proven, contractor-friendly equipment to complete the job:
- Bobcat E-50 series mini excavator
- Pro-Dig 12k5 torque motor
- Differential pressure readings to measure torque
- Man lift / telehandler to access tieback installation points and make all necessary connections
Each tieback was terminated so that the bearing plate would be fully encased in concrete between layers of rebar, ensuring long-term performance and stability.
Why This Project Was a Finalist
This project highlights several key takeaways for foundation and construction professionals:
- Helical tiebacks provide safe, efficient solutions where excavation is limited
- ECP’s engineered products meet demanding torque and load requirements
- Proper sequencing (pre-concrete and post-cure) is essential on tight sites
- Working with experienced installers like Midwest Foundation Tech reduces risk and improves outcomes
For contractors seeking a reliable way to reinforce high foundation walls or protect adjacent structures, ECP helical tiebacks offer a durable, engineer-trusted solution.
Learn More or Become an ECP Installer
This project, stabilizing high foundation walls with helical tiebacks, is just one example of how partnering with ECP allows contractors across the country deliver high-performance foundation, earth retention, and waterproofing solutions. If you’re interested in becoming an installer—or want to explore the products used in this project—fill out our form, or contact our team today.