M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore installed a storm pod system with the help of DSM Contracting and TrenchTech, enhancing stormwater management. This innovative approach ensures safe excavation and successful completion of the project ahead of schedule, showcasing the importance of collaboration and advanced shoring techniques.
TrenchTech photo
An elaborate multi-bay slide rail solution is being used to install pre-cast storm pods approximately 30 ft. from the main M&T gates.
M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, home to the Baltimore Ravens, is undergoing significant work to upgrade the stadium, including adding concierge rooms and expanding walkways to enhance the fan experience.
However, along with these additions comes the need for infrastructure that can support the stadium's new capacity and environmental goals. One of the major aspects of these upgrades is the implementation of a storm pod system, which is designed to help manage stormwater runoff in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Stormwater runoff can be a major issue in urban areas, as it overwhelms existing sewer systems and can cause flooding. The storm pod system being installed at M&T Bank Stadium is designed to capture stormwater and slow its release into the city's sewer system, preventing it from being overwhelmed during heavy rains. These storm pods, precast concrete structures, are essentially large collection basins that store stormwater and allow it to dissipate gradually, preventing the city's infrastructure from being overwhelmed. The storm pod system, which consists of approximately 60 pods, plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of stormwater and protecting the surrounding environment.
Installing this large-scale system was no small task, and it required careful planning, expertise and innovative solutions—particularly in the shoring and excavation stages of the project.
The contractor responsible for installing the storm pod system at M&T Bank Stadium is DSM Contracting, a utility contractor based in Randallstown, Md. DSM is a minority-owned company that specializes in installing unique utility systems, making them an ideal choice for this complex and non-traditional stormwater management system.
TrenchTech, a leader in shoring solutions, also is playing a pivotal role in this project, utilizing its innovative slide rail system to ensure the safety and efficiency of the construction.
The installation of the storm pod system required deep excavations in a confined area next to the stadium, with a large volume of earth needing to be moved. To ensure the safety of workers during this phase of the project, Trenchtech's slide rail system was selected as the optimal solution. The slide rail system is a positive shoring system, as opposed to traditional trench boxes or sheeting and bracing methods, offering several key advantages.
The main advantage of TrenchTech's slide rail system is its modularity. It's specifically designed to be adaptable to various excavation sizes and configurations, making it ideal for complex projects with tight spaces, such as the storm pod installation at M&T Bank Stadium. The slide rail system can be installed in stages, allowing workers to safely excavate and install the storm pods without exposing them to potential hazards.
This was crucial on the M&T Bank Stadium project, as the excavation area was not only large but also congested with other ongoing construction work and existing utilities that could not be relocated or disturbed.
Carl Lamb, the sales manager of Trenchtech, based in Baltimore, said that the slide rail system was the perfect fit for this project.
"The excavation for the storm pods was a significant undertaking, measuring 146 feet long, 47 feet wide, and 12 feet deep," he said. "Additionally, the excavation area was adjacent to a busy street with live traffic, requiring the shoring system to provide support not only to the workers but also to protect the surrounding infrastructure and ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers."
TrenchTech and DSM have worked together on several projects, and when DSM was tasked with installing the storm pods, the company reached out to Trenchtech for assistance in providing a shoring solution.
DSM recognized that traditional shoring methods would not be feasible for this project, given the tight timeline, complex logistics and the need to manage the excavation in stages. After evaluating the project's specific needs, Trenchtech's slide rail system was chosen for its flexibility, safety features and ability to handle the complexities of the job.
One of the unique aspects of the M&T Bank Stadium project was the need for the shoring system to support not just the excavation but also the surrounding infrastructure, including roads and utilities. TrenchTech's slide rail system, which is designed to distribute the load evenly across the excavation, was able to meet these challenges, ensuring that the excavation could proceed without compromising the safety of workers or the stability of the surrounding area.
The process of installing the slide rail system at M&T Bank Stadium required careful planning and close collaboration between Trenchtech and DSM Contracting. DSM brought the project to TrenchTech, seeking advice on how best to shore the excavation for the storm pod system. Trenchtech's team, with years of experience in providing shoring solutions for complex projects, worked closely with DSM to come up with a tailored solution that would meet the project's needs.
As part of TrenchTech's commitment to safety and quality, the company does not simply provide equipment; it also offers guidance and support throughout the project. For the M&T Bank Stadium storm pod installation, Trenchtech sent one of its advisors to the job site to oversee the installation and ensure that everything was proceeding according to plan. This hands-on approach helped ensure that the slide rail system was installed correctly and that the project stayed on schedule.
Despite the challenges presented by the excavation's size, the existing utilities and the tight site, the project has been progressing smoothly. DSM Contracting is currently two weeks ahead of schedule, and it expects to complete the installation of the storm pods in approximately three weeks. Once the storm pod system is fully operational, the excavation will be backfilled, and it will be as if no construction had ever taken place. However, the stormwater management system will remain in place, providing long-term benefits to the stadium and the surrounding community.
John Kerrigan, president of Trenchtech, emphasized that safety is a top priority in all construction projects, particularly in excavation work.
"Trenchtech's slide rail system is designed to provide maximum protection for workers, ensuring that they can perform their tasks in a safe environment, free from the risks of cave-ins or accidents," he said. "Excavation fatalities are among the highest in the construction industry, and Trenchtech is committed to helping reduce those risks by providing state-of-the-art shoring solutions and educating contractors about safe practices."
"There has been a significant increase in construction activity in the United States in the past 24 months and with that an increase in trench fatalities and injuries," said Kerrigan. "In fact, 2022 saw the most trench fatalities (39), since 2005.Our mission at TrenchTech is to aid in decreasing and or eliminating such occurrences. Trenchtech is committed to working with to provide cost-effective and ‘safe' shoring solutions for all excavation work."
"This commitment to safety has made Trenchtech a trusted partner in the industry, with clients like DSM Contracting relying on their expertise to keep their projects running smoothly and safely," added Kerrigan.
The success of the M&T Bank Stadium storm pod installation is just one example of Trenchtech's expertise in providing shoring solutions for complex and large-scale projects.
"This partnership between TrenchTech and DSM Contracting is a prime example of how teamwork and innovation can come together to tackle even the most challenging construction projects, all while keeping the safety of workers and the surrounding infrastructure at the forefront," said Kerrigan.
With the storm pod system at M&T Bank Stadium nearing completion, the project is set to be a model for future developments, showcasing the power of effective stormwater management and advanced shoring techniques. CEG
(All photos courtesy of TrenchTech.)
Craig Mongeau
Craig Mongeau has been Construction Equipment Guide’s editor in chief for the past 21-plus years. He directly manages CEG’s Northeast and Southeast editions (which includes New England, Georgia and Alabama state supplements); Superintendent’s Profile; Crane Guide; Northeast and Southeast-based anniversary magazines; and special event publications. He also oversees CEG’s Midwest and Western Editions as well as all CEG website content.
A Hofstra University graduate, Craig began his publishing career as a staff writer for local Southeast Pennsylvania newspapers. He then became an associate editor and book editor of Springhouse Corporation, a Pennsylvania-based medical publishing house and then worked as a managing editor of Rockhill Communications, based in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., where he created and managed content for a national Voluntary Hospital Association website.
Originally from Pittsfield, Mass., Craig has lived in North Wales, Pa., for the past 27 years. He has been married to his wife, Hillary, whom he met in college, since 1998 and together, they have two daughters, Jolie and Aubrie.
Read more from Craig Mongeau here.
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