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The Drake
Residential High-Rise Development
Services: Specialized Testing and Services, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspections
Completed: Phase 1 (2021), Phase II (2024)
Location: Dupont Circle, Washington, DC
GFA: 189,000
Project Overview
The Drake is a two-phase, mixed-use development featuring two 7-story apartment buildings with penthouses and two underground cellar levels, integrated with the historic First Baptist Church in Dupont Circle. MTI Engineering and Testing provided preexisting condition surveys, geotechnical investigations, and construction materials testing (CMT) and special inspections (SI) to ensure compliance with approved plans.
Challenges
MTI faced multiple geotechnical and construction challenges, including:
- Limited Site Access: Required both conventional drilling and portable equipment for subsurface investigations.
- Existing Fill & Shallow Rock: Necessitated careful correlation of data and excavation recommendations.
- Urban Earth Retention: Earth retention complexities due to the dense urban environment and excavation below existing grade.
- Historic Church Stability: Required preservation of historic structure during underpinning, excavation, and foundation work.
- Transfer Slab Construction: Needed to support the 8-story structure above street level.
MTI’s Approach
To address these challenges, MTI recommended tailored geotechnical and testing solutions:
- Geotechnical Investigation: (1) Recommended excavation methods for shallow rock removal, (2) provided high-bearing-capacity recommendations to optimize foundation design and reduce material costs, (3) designed earth retention solutions, including bracing and sheeting/shoring systems, and (4) recommended an under-slab drainage system to mitigate groundwater concerns.
- Testing & Inspections: Provided full-time CMT and SI services, including inspections of foundation subgrade, soil compaction, reinforcement steel, concrete, load-bearing masonry walls, post-installed anchors, cold-formed steel, and cast-in-place elevated concrete decks. Verified soil subgrade for underpinning at 12–15 feet below grade and monitored excavation and support systems to ensure compliance with geotechnical recommendations.
Outcome
Completed in 2024, The Drake benefited from MTI’s geotechnical and testing expertise in maintaining schedule and budget. Our geotechnical findings were validated during earthwork, ensuring a seamless transition from design to construction. Clear communication with stakeholders facilitated efficient problem-solving and strict adherence to design specifications. By delivering timely inspections and upholding quality standards, MTI earned high satisfaction from the owner, leading to continued collaboration on future projects.
