Located at the east edge of the University of Notre Dame campus, the Campus View apartment complex was redeveloped by Toll Brothers to include a new $100 Million complex. The original 193-unit apartment complex built in the 1960’s was demolished to develop The 87, a new 328-unit apartment complex with luxury amenities.

SME’s geotechnical team encountered very loose sands across the site at depths ranging from about 5 to 18 feet below the ground surface. At these extensive depths, the very loose sands introduced a challenge for the high design loads of the parking garage and residence structures. The options of undercutting and replacing the loose sands or designing and constructing a deep foundation system would exponentially increase costs. With an eye toward creating a practical, cost-effective solution, SME recommended a ground improvement method, consisting of vibratory stone columns, to improve existing subsurface conditions and provide suitable support of foundations and floor slabs.

Utilizing a ground improvement method allowed for conventional spread foundations and floor slabs to be constructed at typical bearing levels and an increased design bearing pressure above what the existing soil conditions could support. SME also added value to the project by performing field infiltration testing to demonstrate that the soil met the city of South Bend’s standards for groundwater infiltration, as requested by the project civil engineer.

Additionally, due to the close proximity of the complex to existing neighboring structures/tenants, SME provided a monitoring program to record vibrations generated during the vibratory stone columns installation. We also performed a baseline condition assessment utilizing an aerial drone to record and document the existing condition of nearby structures before and after construction was completed.

Toll Brothers also retained SME’s construction materials team to provide ongoing support throughout construction by providing construction materials services related to observation and testing of the vibratory stone columns, foundations, floor slabs, concrete, engineered fill, structural steel, masonry, and fireproofing inspection.

Now known as The 87, the off-campus apartment community features 810 beds and began offering housing to students in August 2024. Units offer modern furniture, upscale appliances, garage parking, and gorgeous common spaces for studying, socializing, fitness, and entertainment. SME was happy to partner with Toll Brothers in this successful project improving the quality and quantity of student housing.