Historic Landmark CommissionJuly 2, 2025

08.4-09.4 - 217 & 201 Red River St - Trask and Castleman-Bull - Relocation Logistics — original pdf

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Gator Dodson Dodson House Moving May 16, 2025 | 81 Photos Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation Cover Page 1 / 39 Loading King Stone House - Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Historical Stone and Brick Buildings Historical Stone and Brick Buildings 1. Introduction Relocating historical stone and brick buildings is an intricate and sensitive process. These structures are often fragile due to age, original construction techniques, and exposure to environmental con- ditions over time. Preserving their integrity requires extensive planning, precision, and collaboration among engineers, architects, historians, and preservation specialists. This report outlines the key steps and considerations involved in moving these buildings, with a focus on pre-move assessments, engineering design, stabilization, and execution. 2. Preliminary Assessments and Planning Before any physical work begins on site, hundreds of hours are spent evaluating the building and planning the safest and most practical relocation method. Key activities in this stage include: 2.1 Historical Research • Document the building's historical significance, construction date, and architectural features. • Review archival records, blueprints, and any previous modifications or restoration work. 2.2 Site Survey and Structural Assessment • Conduct a detailed survey of the existing site and building footprint. • Evaluate the structural integrity of the stone and brickwork, including mortar condition and internal framing. • Identify areas of weakness, instability, or prior damage. 2.3 Documentation and Measurement • Create accurate drawings of the building. • Record all architectural details to ensure faithful reconstruction if needed. • Photograph and catalogue each section for reference and potential reconstruction. 3. Engineering Analysis and Relocation Planning 3.1 Structural Calculations • Perform load calculations to determine the weight and stress distribution across the structure. • Assess foundation and soil conditions at both the existing and new sites. 3.2 Method Selection • Decide between full-structure relocation, partial disassembly and reassembly, or façade preser- vation. • Choose a transportation method 3.3 Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning • Identify potential risks during lifting, transport, and reinstallation. • Develop contingency plans for areas of concern during the loading method. 4. Pre-Move Stabilization and Preparation 4.1 Structural Reinforcement • Install internal and external bracing to prevent collapse or deformation during the move. • Reinforce weak areas using reversible and non-invasive techniques. 4.2 Disconnection and Excavation • Safely disconnect utilities and services. • Excavate around the foundation to install lifting steel or prepare for undercutting. 4.3 Permitting and Regulatory Compliance • Obtain all necessary permits from local and state authorities. • Coordinate with heritage and conservation organizations for oversight. 5. Execution of the Move 5.1 Lifting and Transport • Carefully lift the structure using Unified hydraulic jacks or cribbing systems. • Construct a transportation platform for relocation utilizing hydraulic dollies. 5.2 Route Management • Ensure transportation routes are pre-approved, clear of obstacles, and reinforced if necessary. • Coordinate with local traffic authorities for logistics and public safety. • Start securing a Super Heavy Load permit from TXDOT. • Engineers study every bridge going over 5.3 Placement and Foundation Integration • Prepare the new site with a foundation that matches the original in scale and composition. • Lower and secure the building in place with precision to prevent structural shift or damage. • Work with the foundation contractor to maintain adequate working room and the removal of steel  6. Post-Move Restoration and Monitoring 6.1 Structural Reassessment • Conduct a full post-move structural inspection. 6.2 Architectural Restoration • Restore architectural features, façades,  and finishes based on the documentation. 6.3 Ongoing Monitoring • Implement a monitoring plan to assess the building’s condition while in storage. • Address settling or structural movement proactively. 7. Conclusion Moving historical stone and brick buildings requires exceptional attention to detail, collaboration, and respect for the structure's historical value. The process involves significant pre-move preparation, careful design, and meticulous execution to preserve these irreplaceable assets for future generations. This report outlines the essential steps involved and reflects the depth of commitment required to complete such projects successfully. Dodson possesses the reputation, experience, equipment, and technical expertise necessary to com- plete this project safely and within the allotted timeframe. Historical Stone and Brick Buildings 4 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Preparation before insertion of Steel Preparation before insertion of Steel 5 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Careful measuring and layout of the structure 1 2 3 The structure is evaluated, and bracing and blocking are installed where needed. Example of preparation work for the execution of  bracing. Preparation before insertion of Steel 6 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Starting bracing of exterior and interior 4 5 6 Bracing installed Completed bracing  Preparation before insertion of Steel 7 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 7 8 9 Bracing  Completed bracing  Bracing and strengthening of openings for weight distrib- ution Preparation before insertion of Steel 8 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Doors and windows braced and secured 10 11 12 Identify the foundation and depth of the stone Carefully document cracks before any work begins and determine if they can be relieved or if additional support and bracing will be required. Preparation before insertion of Steel 9 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 13 14 15 Crack documentation Crack documentation Determining the amount of excavation needed for the installation of steel Preparation before insertion of Steel 10 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Prepare the site around the structure  16 17 18 Preparing beam holes by exposing the exterior foundation of the building Area excavated and cleared of debris to start installing steel. Preparation before insertion of Steel 11 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 19 20 21 Area determined to need extra care and re-stabilization of deteriorated stone over the years. Start cutting and demolishing for beam placement. The beam pocket was cut and removed. Preparation before insertion of Steel 12 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Preparing multiple beam pockets  22 23 24 External cabling of walls as needed. Some preliminary work on the Trask House, showing steel placement  Preparation before insertion of Steel 13 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 25 26 27 3D rendering showing steel placement to help determine weight and methods necessary for transportation Actual drawing of Trask House, showing multiple layers of steel.  This is the first preliminary drawing for estimating weights to provide accurate proposals on the move. Early rendering of dollie placement at the Trask House: I have anticipated using a pull truck and six coaster dollies for the move. Preparation before insertion of Steel 14 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 28 Preparation before insertion of Steel 15 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Installation of Steel The Process of installing the steel involves many time-consuming steps.  The layout is determined in advance and executed in the field. Steel placement typically accounts for one-third of the loading process time.  Beams must be laser leveled during installation, and non-shrink grout is used to compensate for the slight elevation differences.  This provides a brief overview of some key steps. Installation of Steel 16 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Start inserting steel beams  1 2 3 Beams installed, waiting, blocking, and grouting  First layer of steel installed Installation of Steel 17 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 4 5 6 Slow process of the multiple layers of steel needed for strengthening the structure Securing the layers of steel together  Steel needed on the interior to allow metal banding to be applied Installation of Steel 18 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 7 8 9 Beams clamped together and non-shrink grout installed, ready for lift Every load-bearing wall needs to have banding applied  Metal banding is installed approximately every 6" to se- cure wall sections  Installation of Steel 19 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Showing how banding works with structure elevated. 10 11 12 Banding and holding of 20" limestone wall Reinforcing the beam at the top of the cross steel en- hances the framework's rigidity. Installation of Steel 20 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 13 Structure with steel ready to start working on the jacking points  Installation of Steel 21 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Setting lifting points Setting lifting points 22 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 1 2 3 A unified machine that can lift multiple jacks of different weights simultaneously over the same distance.  We will use approximately 40 unified 15-ton jacks to evenly raise a building.  Crib stack that holds unified jacks. Setting lifting points 23 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 4 5 6 Each jacking point must be dug down to secure footing to support the structure safely Multiple lifting points, with the home elevated approxi- mately five feet, for the installation of a transport system. Setting lifting points 24 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 7 8 9 Home elevated and cleared, awaiting the the next layer of steel  Multiple layers of steel are required to ensure a strong transport system. The transport system is securely at- tached using clamps and all-thread to create a sturdy framework. Setting lifting points 25 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Home showing lifting points 10 11 12 Setting lifting points 26 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Installing Transport System The concentrated weight of these historical stone structures requires a specialized hydraulic dollie system to handle the load properly. The dollie system we utilize is a specialized 3-zone system that allows wheels to be added to achieve the desired weight distribution setup.  This dollie system is valued at over a million dollars, just for the Castleman-Bull house.   Installing Transport System 27 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 1 2 3 Installing Power Dollie System.   The transport system will consist of 2-4 power dollies and 6-8 coaster dollies.  This dollie system is a specialized transport system designed to distribute the load across three zones for moving historical structures. Power dollie utilizes a pumper unit with a remote to supply hydrostatic hubs, enabling safe maneuvering of the build- ing Pumper unit to run dollie system Installing Transport System 28 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Coaster dollie 4 5 6 Coaster dollie, every dollie will get 2 to 10 hoses.  Running the hoses can take multiple days to install. This particular load had four power dollies and 18 coaster dollies Installing Transport System 29 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 7 8 9 Showing multiple dollies Installing Transport System 30 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 A roadway must be installed in the crawl space before dollies are placed.  This requires thousands of blocks and a significant amount of manpower to accomplish. Example of blocking needed to withstand the weight of the structure and the dollies 10 11 12 Installing Transport System 31 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Pictures of Structure during Move Pictures of Structure during Move 32 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 1 2 3 Pictures of Structure during Move 33 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 4 5 6 Pictures of Structure during Move 34 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 7 8 Pictures of Structure during Move 35 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 O'Henry House O'Henry House 36 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Finished O Henry house lifted with a slab and moved 3 blocks 1 2 3 O'Henry House 37 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 Picture of slab 4 5 6 The structure moved  with zero cracks O'Henry House 38 / 39 Loading King Stone House Castleman-Bull House and Trask Relocation May 16, 2025 7 8 O'Henry House 39 / 39 Loading King Stone House