Enhancing Foundations and Ensuring Stability: How Hydrauli-Flex Hoses Powered ICE Equipment at Sandpiper Cove

At The Hose Company, we’ve always been committed to providing innovative and reliable solutions that support the integrity of complex construction projects. Our Hydrauli-Flex hoses played a vital role in powering equipment used in major construction projects, including the heavy-duty machinery at the Sandpiper Cove apartment complex in Galveston, TX. In this blog, we’ll explore how our hoses contributed to the successful remediation of the Sandpiper Cove foundation and helped improve the living conditions for its residents.

Sandpiper Cove: A Complex in Need of Attention

The Sandpiper Cove apartment complex had faced a long history of challenges, with residents enduring subpar living conditions due to a deteriorating foundation. Built in 1971 with foundations dating back to the early 1900s, the building structure was impacted by the unique soil conditions of Galveston, TX. Clay-heavy soil, which expanded when wet and contracted when dry, posed serious problems to the stability of the complex.

For years, residents had felt trapped by a building that needed extensive repairs. Cracks in the foundation and damage to plumbing were common, as shifting soil wreaked havoc on the structural integrity of the apartment complex. Thankfully, the complex’s owner committed to spending up to $17 million to bring these 192 units up to livable standards.

Addressing the Issue: A Smart Solution with ICE® Equipment

One of the primary solutions proposed for the Sandpiper Cove renovation was to remediate the existing foundation by preventing water intrusion from storm surges. Putnam Builders, the contractor selected for the job, opted to install a sheet pile wall around the perimeter of the complex. This wall would protect the building from further damage caused by flooding and groundwater infiltration.

Choosing the right equipment for this delicate job was critical. Too large of a hammer could have caused additional harm to the already compromised structure. After careful consideration, Putnam Builders chose the ICE® 216D Vibratory Hammer, powered by Hydrauli-Flex hoses. This equipment was perfectly sized for the task, allowing workers to drive 25' (ft) sheet piles 2600' (ft) around the entire apartment block, similar to constructing a storm levee.

The Role of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses in Powering ICE® Equipment

At The Hose Company, we specialize in manufacturing Hydrauli-Flex Hoses designed to meet the demands of powerful machinery like the ICE® 216D Vibratory Hammer. Our hoses are built to withstand high pressures and tough environments, providing reliable performance that ensured equipment ran smoothly during heavy-duty tasks.

The ICE® 216D Vibratory Hammer relied on our Hydrauli-Flex hoses to deliver the hydraulic power needed to drive sheet piles deep into the ground. These hoses were designed for durability, flexibility, and high performance, allowing construction crews to complete critical tasks efficiently and safely. Whether working in challenging soil conditions or in tight spaces, our hoses delivered the reliability required for the job.

By choosing ICE® equipment and relying on Hydrauli-Flex hoses, Putnam Builders ensured that the remediation process could be completed with precision, without causing further damage to the building’s structure. The sheet pile wall would help safeguard Sandpiper Cove from future water damage, while the installation of a storm-water pump station would further enhance drainage control.

Surprising Discovery: A Glimpse Into the Past

As construction crews worked to reinforce the foundation, they made an eerie and unexpected discovery—14 empty coffins buried as fill when the original foundation was established over a century ago. While unsettling, this historical find served as a reminder of how the site had evolved over time and the many layers of history that lay beneath the complex.

A Stronger Future for Sandpiper Cove Residents

The residents of Sandpiper Cove now had a brighter, more stable future. With the implementation of the sheet pile wall and a new storm-water pump station, their living conditions were vastly improved, providing better protection against flooding and soil instability.

At The Hose Company, we were proud to be a part of projects that improved the quality of life for people, like those at Sandpiper Cove. Our Hydrauli-Flex hoses continued to play a vital role in powering ICE® equipment that strengthened the foundations of buildings across the country, ensuring that structures could withstand the elements and provide secure, livable spaces for years to come.

Looking Ahead: Supporting Affordable Housing and Stability

The partnership between Putnam Builders and ICE® equipment was a prime example of how reliable machinery and quality products could make a difference in the world of construction. We were proud to see that Sandpiper Cove was now equipped with the proper drainage systems and structural reinforcements to protect its residents for generations. At The Hose Company, we remained committed to supporting similar projects that preserved affordable housing and enhanced the safety and stability of communities across the nation.

Thank you to Putnam Builders for selecting ICE® equipment and Hydrauli-Flex hoses for this essential project in Galveston. We looked forward to continuing to serve the construction industry with products that powered innovation, resilience, and positive change.

For more information on how our Hydrauli-Flex hoses can help power your next project, contact us The Hose Company today.