Trench-cutting machine keeps project on course after remains of 18th-century ships discovered on site

With levels in Lake Mead declining, the regional water authority had to build a low-level pumping station to guarantee water access

It took a modern Trench cutting methods and Remixing Deep (TRD) machine to help excavate three 18th-century sailing ships at the Robinson Landing site on the Alexandria, Va. waterfront.

Late in July, crews completed the up-to-85-ft-deep excavation for the 850-ft-tall Rainier Square Tower after workers installed a secant pile foundation wall, supported laterally under the neighboring 514-ft-tall high-rise by eight rows of 262 drilled tieback anchors.

Amid rigorous scheduling demands, construction is wrapping up on an $18 million project to build a 20-mile, high-capacity pipeline in Pecos to deliver water for use in hydraulic fracturing projects.