Multifamily Foundation Preparation & Structural Fill Installation
Bloomstone Apartments Foundation Excavation in Kalispell, MT
Glacier Ridge Excavation completed foundation excavation and site preparation for two apartment buildings and a clubhouse at Bloomstone, a multifamily development in Kalispell, Montana. From removing unsuitable soils to managing freezing winter conditions, our team prepared stable, properly compacted foundations to support the project’s construction requirements.
Project Details
- Location: Kalispell, Montana
- Project Type: Commercial Multifamily Development
- Services: Foundation Excavation, Structural Fill Installation, Backfilling & Compaction
- Completed: May 2025
- Project Partners: Hafer Construction and Fraleigh Construction
- GRE Crew Lead: Steve Dodson
Preparing Strong Foundations for Bloomstone Apartments
Glacier Ridge Excavation was brought in to handle the foundation earthwork for two apartment buildings and a clubhouse at Bloomstone, a multifamily development on the northwest side of Kalispell. The project required careful excavation, structural fill placement, and compaction to ensure every foundation met the structural and geotechnical requirements.
Our work included excavation for walls and footings, removal of unsuitable materials, installation of structural fill, and preparation of compacted gravel surfaces beneath interior slabs, breezeways, and patios. We also installed R-10 rigid foam insulation at the forms and prepared structural pier locations.
The goal was to provide the concrete crews with properly graded, tested foundations while maintaining the access needed for trucks, pumps, and ongoing construction activities.
Addressing Unsuitable Fill and Moisture-Sensitive Soil
Overcoming Unstable Soils and Challenging Winter Conditions
One of the biggest challenges at Bloomstone was the condition of the existing ground. Much of the property contained previously placed fill ranging from 2 to 12 feet deep, while sections of the southern area included loose, uncompacted materials mixed with organic matter.
Beneath these layers, moisture-sensitive silt presented additional concerns, as the soil could quickly lose strength when disturbed or exposed to water.
The geotechnical report required at least 12 inches of compacted granular structural fill beneath every footing. Any unsuitable material encountered at foundation grade also needed to be removed and replaced.
Building Stable Foundations With Tested Structural Fill
Our crew began by establishing the required building grades and excavating the foundation areas. For Buildings A and D, we removed unsuitable materials and imported structural fill to create stable support beneath the foundations.
The structural fill was placed in controlled lifts and compacted to 95 percent of the specified compaction standard, with geotechnical testing performed to verify the work.
This process provided the properly prepared foundation conditions needed for the next phase of construction.
Keeping Construction Moving Through Winter
Winter brought another challenge. Frozen ground prevented structural fill and backfill from being placed under acceptable conditions, but the project schedule required construction to continue.
From December through February, our crew operated Thawzall ground-heating equipment for a total of 112 machine-days. This involved fueling the equipment, repositioning hydronic hoses as work progressed, and checking the systems after hours to maintain ground conditions suitable for continued excavation and backfilling.
An unusually wet winter and periods of warmer weather also created groundwater management challenges. To address these conditions, we implemented dewatering operations to support the concrete crews and keep work progressing.
Through careful planning and equipment management, Glacier Ridge Excavation helped maintain construction activity despite the difficult seasonal conditions.
Project by the Numbers
20,961 Tons
Materials imported, placed, compacted, and tested
32,057 Sq. Ft.
Total foundation area prepared
3,460 Linear Feet
Perimeter footings and walls requiring excavation and structural fill preparation
12 Inches
Minimum compacted structural fill beneath footings
4 Months
Winter construction work under challenging conditions
3,200 Linear Feet
Silt fencing for erosion control
Delivering Foundations Ready for Construction
Despite difficult soil conditions and winter weather, Glacier Ridge Excavation completed the foundation preparation for all three structures at Bloomstone Apartments.
Each foundation received compacted granular structural fill, with geotechnical testing conducted as required. R-10 rigid foam insulation was installed at the forms, and compacted gravel was prepared with a 2-inch leveling course beneath the slabs, breezeways, and patios.
Our crew also completed rough grading around the foundations, leaving the work areas ready for the general contractor and site contractor to continue construction.
By addressing unstable soils, maintaining workable ground temperatures, and managing excess water, GRE helped provide the concrete crews with properly prepared foundation surfaces throughout the project.
Planning a Commercial Excavation Project in Montana?
From multifamily developments to commercial site preparation, Glacier Ridge Excavation provides excavation, structural fill installation, grading, and foundation preparation services throughout the Flathead Valley. Our team understands the challenges of local soil conditions, seasonal weather, and demanding construction schedules.