Example of drilled shaft cage being prepped for deep foundation testing. Image credit Fugro
Fugro has successfully completed deep foundation testing for Multnomah County’s Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge project in Portland, Oregon. Spanning the Willamette River, the nearly 100-year-old Burnside Bridge is a key downtown crossing, and an officially designated emergency route in the Pacific Northwest’s second-largest city.
The new bridge, recently bolstered by additional federal funding, is being designed to withstand high to severe seismic ground motions. This upgrade is critical given Portland’s proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a powerful offshore fault line capable of triggering devastating earthquakes.
To support the bridge design, Fugro partnered with Malcolm Drilling Company, Inc., to perform load testing on a 3-meter-diameter, 40-meter-deep drilled shaft. The testing simulated earthquake forces using Fugro’s proprietary O-Cell® technology, which is capable of mobilizing a maximum total bi-directional load of 83,000 tons (739 meganewtons), to measure both side friction and end bearing resistance. Fugro’s SONICaliper® inspection tool was also used on the project to assess the shaft’s shape and alignment, ensuring it met design specifications, and could effectively transfer structural loads to the ground.
“High-quality Geo-data is the foundation of resilient infrastructure,” said Joyshwin Sumputh, Loadtest Manager at Fugro. “By combining advanced testing technologies with close collaboration across project teams, we’ve turned complex geotechnical challenges into actionable insights that will help ensure the Burnside Bridge stands strong when it matters most.”
Construction of the new Burnside Bridge is expected to begin in 2028, and be completed by 2031. The project adds to Fugro’s global portfolio of infrastructure developments supported by advanced site characterization, and foundation engineering.
About Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist. With our unique map, model and monitor solutions, we provide project critical insights into the built and natural environment. Fugro supports clients by delivering solutions in support of the energy transition, large-scale infrastructure development and climate resilience. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the life cycle. In line with our purpose, we are extending our know-how and solutions to the understanding and preservation of ecosystems.
Employing approximately 11,000 people in 52 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, mostly in the energy, infrastructure and water industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2024, revenue amounted to EUR 2.3 billion. Fugro is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
