Northern Star Credit Union Case Study

Location: Northern Star Credit Union, Portsmouth, VA

Project Type: Structural Foundation & Masonry Restoration, Deep Foundation Stabilization, Slab Stabilization, Structural Masonry

Atlas Structural Solutions successfully executed a comprehensive structural stabilization and masonry reconstruction project for Northern Star Credit Union (NSCU), a nearly 100-year-old masonry facility located at a high-traffic intersection near the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The structure had experienced progressive settlement due to poor subsurface soils, chronic moisture exposure, long-term highway vibration, and prior vehicle impact damage.

Challenge

Complete erosion of original foundation footing
Active settlement of exterior load-bearing wall
Interior slab failure causing water intrusion
Stair-step masonry cracking and mortar deterioration
Structural stress from decades of heavy traffic vibration
Flood exposure and poor soil-bearing capacity
Additionally, during demolition, it was discovered that the facade sidewalk was functioning as unintended structural support. Removal resulted in measurable wall movement, confirming critical foundation instability.

Response

For this project, our primary focus was stabilization of the failing structure.
Excavation of the sidewalk on the exterior of the building revealed eroded foundation footings that had to be reinforced with steel.
19 eccentric piers were driven along the front façade of the building.
76 slab support piers were driven on the interior of the building to re-establish load continuity.
A masonry wall on one side of the building that had been struck by a vehicle was rebuilt with concrete backer board reinforcement and a reconstructed brick façade that matched the original historic design.

Outcome

This project demonstrates our team’s extensive capabilities, including large-scale slab stabilization involving 95 foundation piers and structural steel supplementation to reinforce failed footings.
It also encompassed masonry demolition followed by an engineered rebuild with all work successfully performed on time and with minimal disruption to occupied facility.

Why Government Facilities Choose Atlas

Established in 1993, Atlas Structural Solutions is a Class A licensed small business contractor specializing in foundation slab repair, masonry restoration, waterproofing, and project management. Our experienced professionals understand the unique requirements of government projects. We are a recipient of the Torch Award and our Class A-licensed contractors have an A+ BBB rating. Each project is designed by our in-house Engineering Team and carried out by trained AMC911 crews, never subcontractors. We are committed to providing the highest quality structural repair solutions while minimizing disruption to facility operations.

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