GE Rotor Slotter Foundation

PROJECT OVERVIEW: This highly specialized industrial project involved the installation of a new Waldrich Siegen Rotor Slotter Machine Tool at GE's Building 273 in the F4 bay area. The precision manufacturing equipment was installed on the east side of the bay between column lines 3 and 5, requiring extensive structural modifications and specialized foundation work.

ENGINEERING CHALLENGE: The project presented significant technical challenges throughout both design and construction phases. The new equipment introduced approximately one million pounds of additional weight, demanding an innovative foundation solution to properly distribute and support this massive load within an existing industrial structure.

STRUCTURAL DESIGN: The engineering solution involved removing existing steel flooring and a machine lathe to accommodate a sophisticated new pile cap foundation. This foundation system integrated both new and existing piles to create a stable platform capable of supporting the extreme weight of the precision equipment while minimizing vibration that could affect machining accuracy.

INSTALLATION SCOPE: Work encompassed complete removal of existing flooring and equipment, extensive foundation construction, precision placement of the new Waldrich Siegen Rotor Slotter, and comprehensive testing to ensure proper alignment and operation. The project required meticulous planning to integrate the new foundation within the constraints of the existing building structure.

TECHNICAL INTEGRATION: The completed installation included connections to the adjacent electrical mezzanine for power distribution to the machine's electrical cabinets. Additional utility infrastructure included compressed air systems and a specialized piping system enabling remote emptying of the coolant reservoir via a "honey wagon" – all designed to support continuous industrial operations.