Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
TTL conducted a geotechnical investigation at an old ["Municipal"] landfill site on the banks of the Black Warrior River for the development of a new 7,500-seat amphitheater. The project also included construction materials engineering and testing for soils, deep foundations, concrete placement, and Special Inspections on concrete, masonry, cold-formed framing, and welded and bolted structural steel connections.
CHALLENGE
Located alongside the Black Warrior River and the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, the amphitheater is designed to be a hub for concerts, community events, and tourism. Building on the site of a former landfill, there were unique foundation challenges due to the unpredictable nature of the landfill material and potential presence of methane gas.
SOLUTION
To minimize soil excavation and the consequent disposal of spoils, TTL recommended a deep foundation system to mitigate the challenges of building on what once was a ["Municipal"] landfill. This recommendation extended to supporting all structures, including sidewalks, on deep foundations to prevent differential settlement within the complex. To prevent methane gas migration into the structures, TTL advised the installation of a vapor barrier and collection system.
Leveraging the geotechnical data, TTL designed the foundations – comprised of more than 100,000 vertical feet of auger cast displacement piles – to create a sturdy and reliable base for the amphitheater. Through these measures, the amphitheater was built on a solid foundation and overcame the environmental and geotechnical challenges of the site.
TTL's expertise facilitated the successful construction of a major entertainment venue and demonstrated the company’s capability to provide innovative solutions in complex construction scenarios, all while maintaining the safety and longevity of the structures.