NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Eustis Engineering recently performed foundation testing at two historic sites in the French Quarter.

Daniel Benedetto and Lars Erickson performed Thermal Integrity Profiler (TIP) testing on an augercast pile in September at the Seignouret-Brulatour House and Courtyard built in 1816.  The Historic New Orleans Collection purchased the property in 2006 and plans to redevelop the Royal Street space into a museum.

Just a few days later and just a few blocks away on Conti Street, Jeff Bourgeois and Jeremy Hulsey performed static pile load testing on a helical pile at the Wax Museum.  The Wax Museum is being renovated to be converted into condominiums.

Augercast piles and helical piles have been used in historic urban areas such as the French Quarter because deep foundations produce minimal vibrations when they are installed compared to driven piles. This reduces the risk of damage to historic structures.

Because the Seignouret-Brulatour House and Courtyard may have “corbelled” footings extending beyond property footings, we recommended a radar study, test pits or similar methods to prevent damage to nearby structures.