Project: Construction of an Observation Tower at the Lac-Saint-François National Wildlife Area, Qc (Digues-aux-Aigrettes Sector)

Techno Pieux du Suroit was given the contract to support the new observation tower foundation, at the Lac-Saint-François National Wildlife Area, QC - Digues-aux-Aigrettes Sector. As this wetland is home to such a rich biodiversity, Environment and Climate Change Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) required that the foundation of the new observation tower be constructed with this protected area in mind.

An examination and soil study revealed a firm to tough clay layer with strength varying between 26 and 95 kPa, which was expected at around 6 meters of depth. Techno Metal Post's in-house engineering department therefore decided on the installation of model P5 piles at a depth of 6 metres, using their installation equipment- EM1 812-160 at maximum capacity.

The circular tower, which is 18 feet in circumference, not only produced 103 kN in compressive loads but also significant lateral loads of around 21 kN due to its height of 30 feet. Thanks to the products selected and the specific design of the support plates, the piles will adequately support these loads.

Since 2023, the observation tower has been open to the public, allowing nature enthusiasts to keep an eye open for the Reserve's species.