Pacific Foundation | Geotechnical Excellence

(208) 494-4856

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PACIFIC FOUNDATION
MOUNTAIN STATES DIVISION

IDAHO | MONTANA | UTAH | WYOMING

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

About Pacific Foundation

Pacific Foundation is a geotechnical construction company with a strong base of operations throughout the Western US and Hawaii with offices and equipment facilities in Boise, ID, Vancouver, WA, and Honolulu, Hawaii. 

We specialize in a wide range drilling, shoring and ground improvement techniques and take pride in our ability to design and construct efficient solutions where others cannot.  Utilizing world-class equipment, our team of operators are the best in the business, backed by Project Managers, Engineers and support staff with centuries of combined construction experience.  

In 2024 we expanded operations into the Mountain West backed by strong client relationships and a highly capable team. Pacific Foundation is investing heavily in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah to meet the growing demand for skilled geotechnical contractors in commercial, infrastructure, government, high-tech and defense industries. 

Project Showcase

Completed Projects: US Mountain West

Click on the image tiles below to learn more about our recent featured projects.

Confidential High Tech Project

Pacific Foundation is the sole drilling contractor on a prominent US microchip manufacturing facility.

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ITD 6th Street Bridge

Pacific Foundation completed this emergecy bridge replacement for the city of Wallace, Idaho.

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IPC Hewitt Park

Hewitt Park in Oroville, Idaho received substantial upgrades for the community – learn more about our work on the project. 

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CAMS III

This historic project aimed to isolate the Oregon State Capitol from a seismic event with an accelerated timeline and extremely difficult access. 

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A large shoring wall on the press blocks construction site features a man door for tunnel access to the adjoining building

Press Blocks Shoring

The press blocks tower was an ambitious project at the former site of the Oregonian which included extensive excavation and shoring.

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DRILLING | SHORING | GROUND IMPROVEMENT

Idaho Geotechnical Construction Services

CFA (Auger Cast) Piles

CFA (Continuous Flight Auger) piles are a powerful foundation solution, offering rapid and efficient installation for various construction projects. CFA piles provide reliable load-bearing capacity and excellent performance in a wide range of soil conditions, making them an ideal choice for robust and cost-effective foundation systems.

Displacement CFA Piles

This technique involves creating piles by displacing rather than removing soil, beneficial in Hawaii’s diverse soil conditions. It has less environmental impact, reduces noise, and ideal for urban and coastal areas.

Drilled Shafts

Drilled shafts, also known as drilled piers, caissons, or bored piles, are deep foundation solutions used in various construction projects, including buildings, bridges, and towers, due to their strength and durability. Drilled are particularly effective in transferring structural loads through weak soils to stronger, more competent strata deep below the surface.

Driven Piles

Driven piles, a foundational element in geotechnical engineering, are long, slender columns driven deep into the ground to support structures. Widely used in various settings, including coastal regions like Hawaii, they provide stability in soft or loose soils and are ideal for resisting coastal erosion and wave forces. This method ensures robust, reliable support for buildings, bridges, piers, and other structures in challenging environments.

Micropiles

Micropiles are a type of deep foundation used to transfer structural loads through weak soils to stronger layers deep underground. They are small-diameter, typically less than 12 inches, drilled and grouted piles with a high-strength steel core. Micropiles are versatile and effective for foundation support and underpinning in challenging ground conditions, often used in urban environments or where space or access is limited. Their installation causes minimal vibration and noise, making them a preferred choice for sensitive sites.

Secant or Tangent Piles

Secant and tangent pile walls are advanced geotechnical engineering techniques used for earth retention and groundwater control. Secant pile walls, formed by overlapping concrete piles, provide a continuous barrier, excellent for water retention. Tangent pile walls, consisting of adjacent piles, offer moderate water control and are suitable for soil retention in construction projects. Both methods effectively support deep excavations and infrastructure development.

Soldier Piles and Lagging

Soldier pile walls, also known as soldier beams, are retention systems used in deep excavations or construction projects. They consist of vertical steel beams (piles) driven into the ground at regular intervals. Between these beams, wood, concrete, or steel panels are inserted to hold back the earth, creating a stable wall for excavation or construction. This method is widely used for its cost-effectiveness, adaptability to various soil conditions, and efficiency in managing deep excavations.

Deep Cement Mixing

CSM Deep Cement Mixing is a soil stabilization method that combines in-situ soil with cement slurry to form a robust soil-cement column. CSM utilizes a large diameter round tool to cut and mix, particularly effective for large sites and effective water cutoff. 

Jet Grouting

Jet grouting is a versatile ground improvement technique used to enhance the mechanical properties of soil. It involves the injection of high-pressure fluid to break up and mix the soil with a cementitious grout, creating columns of solidified ground for a wide range of applications. While not always feasible, this method is particularly effective when paired with large diameter tooling to create watertight seals below grade.

Rigid Inclusions

Rigid inclusions are a geotechnical engineering technique involving the installation of stiff, column-like elements into soft soil. This method is used to improve ground stability and load-bearing capacity. The inclusions transfer loads from weak upper layers to stronger, deeper strata, effectively bypassing less stable soils. This technique is particularly useful for supporting structures in areas with challenging soil conditions.

Dewatering

Dewatering, a critical process in geotechnical engineering, involves the removal of water from a construction site or soil to stabilize the area for safe construction operations. It’s essential for projects where water presence could hinder building foundations or subterranean structures. Techniques include wellpoint systems, deep wells, and sump pumping, ensuring a dry and secure work environment.

Water Cutoff Systems

Water cutoff systems, integral to geotechnical engineering, are designed to prevent water ingress in construction sites, particularly during excavations. These systems, which include methods like slurry walls and sheet piling, create barriers to water flow, ensuring a dry and stable work environment essential for the safety and progress of construction projects.

A Hutte micropiling rig installs micropiles next to the South wall of the Oregon Capitol building
A Hutte micropiling rig installs micropiles next to the South wall of the Oregon Capitol building

The Ideal Fleet for Big Idaho Projects

Pacific Foundation leads the industry in specialized drilling, shoring, and deep foundation solutions tailored to complex geotechnical challenges. From micropiles and soil nail walls to caisson drilling and CFA piles, our innovative techniques and advanced equipment ensure efficient, reliable results on projects of all scales and complexities. Our team is dedicated to delivering precise, timely, and cost-effective solutions, setting the standard in drilling and foundation construction throughout the Mountain West region.

Call 208.494.4856 to discuss your project and speak directly with one of our experienced project managers today!

Large Diameter Drill Rigs Inlcuding:
    Small Diameter Drill Rigs Including
    Cranes and Concrete Equipment Including
    • Linkebelt 238 Hylab 5 Crane
    • Linkbelt RTC 8025 Crane
    • Mantis 70-Ton Crane
    • Mantis 50-Ton Crane
    • Mantis 30-Ton Crane
    • Putzmeister 36Z Boom Pump
    • Scheltzke 510 Grout Plant
    • Scheltzke Jet Group Pump
    • Casagrande Jet Group Pump
    • See our Full Fleet