our work
MetroWest Quads
The MetroWest Quads project required the design and installation of a complex support of excavation (SOE) system to prepare the site for new apartment buildings and a below-grade parking garage within an active residential environment.
The Project
The MetroWest Quads project required the design and installation of a complex support of excavation (SOE) system to prepare the site for new apartment buildings and a below-grade parking garage within an active residential environment. Steele Foundation engineered an SOE system extending more than 1,450 linear feet, with cut heights ranging from 10 to 35 feet, to safely retain approximately 33,000 square feet of earth across varying subsurface conditions.
The system incorporated driven and drilled soldier beams, lagging, tiebacks, and internal steel bracing, with up to three tiers of tiebacks installed along the perimeter to enhance stability. Through careful planning and disciplined execution, Steele delivered a robust excavation support system that enabled efficient site development while maintaining safety and performance throughout construction.
Year
2024-2025
Location
9475B Sprague Ave, Fairfax, VA
Scope
Sheeting
Category
Multi-Family
Contractor/Owner
Pulte Homes
Challenges and Results
Executing deep excavation within a dense, occupied residential setting presented significant logistical and technical challenges. Work progressed near existing utilities, adjacent structures, and active community spaces, requiring precise sequencing and minimal-impact construction methods. Varying soil conditions and excavation depths demanded a flexible SOE design capable of adapting to changing site constraints.
Steele Foundation implemented a phased excavation approach, allowing for controlled progress and 3-D monitoring of system performance. Tiebacks and internal bracing were installed in carefully coordinated stages to maintain stability as excavation advanced. Field teams worked closely with engineers to make real-time adjustments, ensuring alignment with evolving conditions while preserving safety and schedule.
Developing an efficient excavation plan was critical to achieving required depths quickly and enabling the timely start of concrete operations. Through technical expertise, adaptability, and disciplined craftsmanship, Steele delivered a high-performing SOE system that provided a stable, reliable foundation for subsequent construction and long-term project success.
Why Steele Foundation?
Steele Foundation was selected for the MetroWest Quads project based on its proven expertise in complex support of excavation systems and its ability to execute challenging work in constrained urban environments. The client relied on Steele’s deep technical knowledge, experienced field crews, and disciplined approach to excavation planning and sequencing.
From preconstruction through execution, Steele collaborated closely with project stakeholders to develop efficient, adaptable solutions tailored to site conditions. The team’s ability to integrate engineering precision with field-driven problem solving ensured safe, timely delivery of a high-quality SOE system that met both performance and schedule demands.