Van Eerden Cold Storage

Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group partnered with Tippmann Group to deliver fast, precise soil stabilization at the Van Eerden Cold Storage facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Working inside a fully roofed warehouse, our team treated over 17,000 square yards of saturated subgrade using Lime Kiln Dust (LKD) and cement to meet tight deadlines and complex site requirements.

Cold Storage Soil Stabilization Challenges

This project required stabilization inside an active warehouse shell, with both walls and roof already constructed. The interior subgrade consisted of wet, gritty clay with some gravel content. Our team navigated around numerous piers and carefully avoided wall areas due to conduit installations.

Materials and Application Process

Day 1: Interior Stabilization with LKD

• Material: LKD at 5% spread rate
• Depth: 12 inches
• Area Treated: 11,000 square yards
• Tonnage: 300 tons
• Conditions: Sunny, 55°F, light breeze
• Focus Areas: Freezer (North) and Refrigerator (South) sections inside the building

Day 2: Cement for Dock Area, Final LKD Interior Work

• Cement Area: 3,600 square yards | 100 tons
• Final LKD Area: 2,800 square yards | 100 tons
• Focus Areas: Interior center section (LKD) and East dock zone (cement)

Execution and Results

Despite the indoor environment and conditions, Mt. Carmel’s crew executed with precision and efficiency. The dock zone, partially exposed to outdoor elements, presented moisture challenges that were overcome using proper material choice and compaction techniques. The final result met all project specifications, and the client expressed full satisfaction with the quality and consistency of the subgrade.

Why Soil Stabilization Matters for Cold Storage Construction

Facilities like cold storage warehouses require a high-performance subgrade to prevent future settlement, cracking, or costly slab issues. By using soil modification techniques with LKD and cement, we improved the structural integrity of the foundation while keeping the project on schedule.

Looking for a partner who understands the demands of cold storage construction? Learn more about our soil stabilization services or explore our experience with industrial facilities.

About Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group

As the largest soil stabilization contractor in North America, Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group delivers unmatched expertise, capacity, and execution. We help general contractors and project owners stabilize, modify, and improve soils with speed and precision—on projects large and small.