The Eppley Airfield was nearly inoperable due to the water levels of the Missouri River reaching more than 7 feet (ft.) above the flood stage in Omaha. This caused unstable runways and left the majority of downtown Omaha vulnerable to substantial flooding.
EPPLeY AIRFIELD FLOOD PROTECTION INFRASTRUCTURE
Omaha, ne
THE CHALLENGE
During the heavy rains in the Summer of 2011, the levees protecting Eppley Airfield at Offutt Air Force Base were stressed, saturated and in danger of failing. The groundwater
pressure was so great that sand boils and unstable ground occurred inside the airport property and on the runways.
THE SOLUTION
Water kept rising in Missouri river. All drilling had to be done from 10 ft. earth
pads with 12-14 ft. surface tubes. Griffin installed seventy (70) relief/dewatering wells, drilled to 95 ft., to aid in flood mitigation. The wells were drilled using multiple bucket auger rigs to get pressure off the levees quickly. Each well had a 32-inch diameter borehole and 12- inch diameter PVC screen and casing. The wells were developed,
pump tested, and checked to assure sanding rates less than 5 ppm. Each well was able to pump more than 1,400 gallons per minute (GPM).
Client
Kiewit
ENGINEER
URS Corp & HDR
TIME
2011
GRIFFIN DIFFERENCE
Griffin provided immediate relief by sending 4 crews and 4 drill rigs to the site.
Griffin crews diligently worked 7 days a week for a month. The crews were able to
drill two (2) wells a day per rig to provide emergency relief to the airfield and the
residents of Omaha.
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