Foundations in Des Moines

In Des Moines, foundation engineering must address the region’s variable glacial till and loess soils, which can present low bearing capacity and moisture sensitivity. Our foundation solutions integrate local geotechnical data with International Building Code requirements, ensuring stability in expansive clay layers common across central Iowa. From initial site investigation to detailed pile foundation design, we evaluate deep foundation alternatives when near-surface soils prove inadequate for structural loads.

Residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects throughout Polk County benefit from deep foundation systems that bypass problematic strata and transfer loads to competent bedrock or dense till. Our expertise extends to driven pile analysis and retaining wall design for excavations adjacent to existing structures. Whether supporting a mid-rise downtown or a hillside residence, proper foundation selection mitigates settlement risk and ensures long-term performance in Iowa's freeze-thaw environment.

Typical values

Parameter	Typical value
Anchor type	Active (prestressed) and passive (non-stressed)
Applicable standard	FHWA-NHI-10-024, AASHTO LRFD Section 11
Design life	Permanent (75+ years) or temporary (< 24 months)
Corrosion protection	Class I (double protection) or Class II per PTI DC35.1
Typical bond length in till	15 to 30 ft depending on undrained shear strength
Proof test load	133% of design load (per PTI recommendations)
Creep test duration	10 to 60 minutes at lock-off load

Other technical services

Tied-back wall anchor design

Design of active prestressed anchors for soldier pile and lagging walls, secant pile walls, and diaphragm walls. Includes bond length calculations, tendon selection, and staged testing specifications for Des Moines glacial till conditions.

Passive anchor and soil nail design

Passive ground anchors and soil nail arrays for permanent slope stabilization and temporary excavation support. Grout-to-ground bond stress verified through field pull-out tests, with corrosion protection tailored to project design life.

Applicable standards

FHWA-NHI-10-024: Soil Nail Walls, FHWA-NHI-10-025: Ground Anchors and Anchored Systems, AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specs, Section 11, PTI DC35.1: Recommendations for Prestressed Rock and Soil Anchors, ASCE 7-22: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings

Questions and answers

What anchor type works best in Des Moines glacial till?

Prestressed active anchors generally perform better in stiff, overconsolidated till because they limit initial movement and allow verification of capacity through proof testing. Passive anchors can work for temporary applications but require careful evaluation of creep potential when the till is saturated. The bond zone should be positioned in the till unit below any surficial sand or fill layers.

How much does anchor design cost for a site in Des Moines?

What testing is required for anchors in central Iowa?

ASTM A416 specifies tendon requirements. On site, we require proof tests at 133% of design load and creep tests lasting 10 to 60 minutes at lock-off load. For critical permanent anchors, extended creep testing and lift-off checks after lock-off are standard practice to confirm long-term performance in Iowa's glacial soils.

Can anchors be installed near the Des Moines River?

Yes, but groundwater is the controlling factor. Alluvial sands near the river are permeable and can cause grout loss during installation. We design for fully grouted bond zones using tremie methods and specify watertight corrosion protection. Anchor free lengths are extended to place the bond zone in competent till or shale below the river valley deposits.

Foundations in Des Moines

Available services

Pile foundation design

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