Fugro’s foundation testing supports major Canada-US infrastructure project

Fugro has completed foundation testing services for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, a new border crossing between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. The 2.5 km-long structure will improve travel and commerce across the Detroit River, which is responsible for 25 % of commercial traffic between Canada and the US. The project’s foundation contractors, GFL Environmental in Canada and Malcom Drilling in the US, engaged Fugro to confirm that the massive foundations met the design requirements.

Fugro tested the Gordie Howe international bridge’s massive foundations using their Osterberg Cell (O-cell) bidirectional tests combined with SONICaliper™ inspections.

Fugro’s Osterberg Cell (O-cell) bidirectional tests were combined with SONICaliperTM inspections to provide accurate foundation load performance measurements on sacrificial test piles on each side of the river. To confirm the structural integrity of the production foundations, Fugro also performed shaft concrete quality evaluations using thermal integrity profiling and cross-hole sonic logging technology. Together, these technologies assured the foundation design requirements were being met, supporting the demanding project schedule completion date of 2024.

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is an ambitious infrastructure project, impressive in its design and significant in its long-term value to the Canadian-US border,” said Ray Wood, Director of Land Site Characterisation and Consulting for Fugro in the US. “Our work with the foundation engineering team provided the critical Geo-data needed to help ensure the safe and efficient transport of people and goods across North America’s busiest border crossing for generations to come.”

For more information

Joyshwin Sumputh j.sumpth@fugro.com

About Fugro

Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full lifecycle.

Employing approximately 9,500 talented people in 61 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy and infrastructure industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2019, revenue amounted to EUR 1.6 billion. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.