Client: Richard Goettle, Inc.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Project Start: November 2024
Project Type: Large Strand Tieback Installation on Cleveland Riverbank
Project Overview
Williams Engineering had the opportunity to team up with Richard Goettle, Inc. on the Irishtown Bend project—one of the most ambitious strand anchor jobs we’ve ever tackled. This major infrastructure effort is focused on stabilizing the riverbank along the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland to pave the way for future public access and development.
What made this project stand out wasn’t just the scale, but also the fact that all the installation work is being done from barges—bringing a whole new layer of complexity to the table.
What We Supplied
To meet the project’s demanding specs, we provided a full suite of customized anchoring solutions, including:
- 36 12-strand anchors, each 240 feet long
- 60 17-strand anchors, each 185 feet long
- 107 26-strand anchors, each 220 feet long
- Custom galvanized trumpeted plates and end caps
- A specially designed hydraulic ram chair
- Rental of our 750-ton jack and chair assembly
- Our strand uncoiler system for streamlined installation
Every component was engineered to handle the project’s size, scope, and river-based construction setup.
Why Goettle Chose Williams
Richard Goettle, Inc. is a national geotechnical engineering and construction firm specializing in design-build solutions for deep foundations, earth retention systems, and marine construction. Established in 1956, the company is renowned for its innovative engineering, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to safety, delivering customized solutions across a wide range of infrastructure projects.
Goettle brought us in early to help shape the project from the ground up. Our team worked side by side with their engineers to rethink the original design, making it more practical and cost-effective. They appreciated our collaborative approach and our willingness to roll up our sleeves and find better ways to get things done.
Bottom line: They chose us for our customer service, technical know-how, and our commitment to problem-solving.
What Made It Unique
- Massive, high-capacity strand anchors—some of the longest we’ve ever manufactured
- All work performed from barges, which required creative installation solutions
- Heavy use of custom-fabricated components
- One of the largest strand projects Williams has taken on to date
Overcoming the Challenges
The original anchor design posed some real hurdles; it wasn’t ideal from either a cost or installation standpoint. So, we spent several months working closely with Goettle’s team to revise the approach, streamline fabrication, and improve constructability.
That collaboration paid off in a big way, with a more efficient plan that hit all the right performance and budget targets.
The Outcome
The Irishtown Bend project is a great example of what can happen when engineering meets teamwork. By staying flexible, listening closely, and leanin
g on our technical expertise, we helped bring a complex vision to life. And we’re proud to say it’s one of the biggest and most rewarding anchor jobs we’ve ever done at Williams Form Engineering.
