Homes Evacuated
Senior Project Delivery Leader:
Scott Berkheimer
The Project
In November 2018, RK&K was called upon to assist the City of Baltimore in response to the collapse of a retaining wall on 26th Street, located adjacent to a critical CSX railroad track. RK&K quickly mobilized, with senior engineers arriving on-site within an hour of the initial request to monitor and investigate the collapse, which was occurring in real-time. By the end of the day, the excessive settlement had caused the street to be closed, and a CSX contractor began stabilizing the situation. RK&K was immediately tasked with designing a replacement wall and coordinating a rapid response with the contractor.
Over a period of three months (Thanksgiving 2018 to January 2019), RK&K developed alternatives and delivered design plans for the project. The team performed a topographic survey using both conventional ground surveys and aerial photogrammetry with a drone to quickly gather necessary data. This allowed the team to complete an accurate and comprehensive survey that was used to inform the design. RK&K also reviewed subsurface exploration logs and prepared a geotechnical report with findings and construction recommendations.
Within two days of being tasked, RK&K developed three concepts for the replacement wall to present to the city. While the contractor worked to clear the collapsed wall and prepare the site, RK&K completed the design and submitted renderings and full construction documents by early January 2019. The final design chosen was a 154-foot, mid-slope, cast-in-place reinforced concrete retaining wall with an exposed face of 15 feet, incorporating soldier piles, lagging, tiebacks, and a micropile foundation.
The scope of work also required the reconstruction of 26th Street between Calvert and Guilford Streets. RK&K designed the roadway to include the latest Complete Street concepts. The Charles Village Civic Association, recognizing an opportunity for public space improvements, requested the street be closed to vehicle traffic and converted into a community park. In response, RK&K’s Healthy Communities team led a design-build process to install shade trees, custom benches, raised planters, movable seating, and street murals. The park’s design was inspired by the vibrant Charles Village neighborhood, and the project was completed and opened to the public in the summer of 2022.
RK&K also provided construction phase services to ensure the wall and street reconstruction were completed successfully, with the final construction completed by summer 2019. The team worked closely with the contractor to ensure materials, equipment, and labor were available to meet the aggressive timeline.
The project, which required quick action, coordination, and community engagement, is a prime example of RK&K’s ability to respond efficiently in emergency situations while delivering high-quality, community-driven design solutions.
In November 2018, RK&K was called upon to assist the City of Baltimore in response to the collapse of a retaining wall on 26th Street, located adjacent to a critical CSX railroad track. RK&K quickly mobilized, with senior engineers arriving on-site within an hour of the initial request to monitor and investigate the collapse, which was occurring in real-time. By the end of the day, the excessive settlement had caused the street to be closed, and a CSX contractor began stabilizing the situation. RK&K was immediately tasked with designing a replacement wall and coordinating a rapid response with the contractor.
Over a period of three months (Thanksgiving 2018 to January 2019), RK&K developed alternatives and delivered design plans for the project. The team performed a topographic survey using both conventional ground surveys and aerial photogrammetry with a drone to quickly gather necessary data. This allowed the team to complete an accurate and comprehensive survey that was used to inform the design. RK&K also reviewed subsurface exploration logs and prepared a geotechnical report with findings and construction recommendations.
Within two days of being tasked, RK&K developed three concepts for the replacement wall to present to the city. While the contractor worked to clear the collapsed wall and prepare the site, RK&K completed the design and submitted renderings and full construction documents by early January 2019. The final design chosen was a 154-foot, mid-slope, cast-in-place reinforced concrete retaining wall with an exposed face of 15 feet, incorporating soldier piles, lagging, tiebacks, and a micropile foundation.
The scope of work also required the reconstruction of 26th Street between Calvert and Guilford Streets. RK&K designed the roadway to include the latest Complete Street concepts. The Charles Village Civic Association, recognizing an opportunity for public space improvements, requested the street be closed to vehicle traffic and converted into a community park. In response, RK&K’s Healthy Communities team led a design-build process to install shade trees, custom benches, raised planters, movable seating, and street murals. The park’s design was inspired by the vibrant Charles Village neighborhood, and the project was completed and opened to the public in the summer of 2022.
RK&K also provided construction phase services to ensure the wall and street reconstruction were completed successfully, with the final construction completed by summer 2019. The team worked closely with the contractor to ensure materials, equipment, and labor were available to meet the aggressive timeline.
The project, which required quick action, coordination, and community engagement, is a prime example of RK&K’s ability to respond efficiently in emergency situations while delivering high-quality, community-driven design solutions.
