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Pile driving for Brooklyn Bridge fails to find bearing; further testing and design work recommended
Summary
Engineers reported pile-driving tests for the Brooklyn Bridge did not find bearing and recommended additional design work, retesting, or alternative foundations; staff said the original project cost was about $980,000 and that change-order costs remain unknown.
County staff reported pile-driving for the Brooklyn Bridge project failed to achieve bearing in sandy soils during testing. Elizabeth explained contractors retested overnight and the piles still did not find bearing; engineers recommended performing additional design work, retesting, and then deciding next steps.
Options discussed included adding more piles, using longer piles, or switching to a spread‑footing foundation depending on soils testing. Elizabeth said staff received a recommendation to redesign then retest and that additional PDA (pile-driving analysis) testing and engineering will increase project costs. Commissioners noted the original contract was near $980,000 and that any additional piles or testing would likely be addressed through change orders.
Staff said they would pursue soils testing and engineering guidance and then return with cost and scope options for board consideration.
