Group
Building superior foundations with Liebherr
Utilizing multiple Liebherr piling and drilling machines, Superior Foundations, Inc. completes 1800 ACIP piles for the Energy Transfer Nederland Terminal expansion, eliminating downtime and keeping the extensive job site on task.
The 110 D-K crawler pump has been specifically designed for concrete pile foundations in combination with Liebherr drilling rigs
Superior Foundations
Serving regions along the Gulf Coast, Superior Foundations, Inc. is a full-service deep foundations contractor providing piling expertise and execution of turnkey projects throughout the Southeast. Superior operates on the principle that the deeper the foundation, the stronger the build, and they leverage their extensive knowledge, skills, and experience to address deep foundation challenges effectively.
Specializing in a variety of foundation techniques, including auger cast piles, pipe piles, H-piles, and drilled shafts, Superior is well-equipped to handle complex projects. On the Energy Transfer Nederland Terminal expansion, they utilize a range of advanced Liebherr deep foundation machines including the LRH 200 and LRB 355 piling and drilling rigs, which are known for their reliability and performance. Additionally, Superior utilizes the 110 D-K crawler concrete pump to ensure efficient and precise concrete placement, which pairs well with the deep foundation products. This combination of specialized equipment and expertise enables Superior to deliver effective and efficient foundation solutions.
Superior uses Liebherr drilling assistant, which regulates the crowd force and speed of the rope crowd system, ensuring every pile is meeting their exact specifications.
Meeting global needs
Significantly impacting both the local economy and the global energy landscape, the Energy Transfer Nederland Terminal is the largest singularly owned above-ground crude oil storage facility in the U.S. Currently, the Terminal has a total storage capacity of approximately 33 million barrels in 84 above-ground storage tanks. The Terminal is also able to export approximately 700,000 barrels per day of natural gas liquids (NGLs) which are crucial building blocks for modern society materials.
To support the expansion project, Superior was responsible for drilling and pumping approximately 1800 auger cast-in-place (ACIP) piles on site. To ensure efficiency and minimize downtime, even in challenging wet and cold weather conditions, Superior relied on Liebherr products. These machines, including the LRH 200 and LRB 355 piling and drilling rigs and the 110 D-K crawler concrete pump, were highly versatile, capable of being used both individually and in tandem, which helped maintain high productivity levels. This approach not only kept Superior on schedule, but also provided a strong and efficient foundation for future infrastructure developments.
The new LRH 200 offers a full range of applications for Superior.
An unbeatable trio
The combined piling and drilling rig LRH 200 offers flexible leader kinematics that enable very high radii and inclinations of up to 18° in all directions. Additionally, a flexible in-house hammer concept allows for the use of tamper weights with varying weights. Therefore, varying materials such as concrete, steel or timber piles can be installed.
The new LRH 200 offers a full range of applications for Superior, including configured as a drilling rig, a high-performance rotary drive provides the necessary torque for the common single pass methods such as continuous flight auger, full displacement and down-the-hole drilling processes. Additionally, Superior uses Liebherr drilling assistant, which regulates the crowd force and speed of the rope crowd system, allowing Superior to ensure every pile is meeting their exact specifications.
The LRB 355 piling and drilling rig can also be used for many applications including drilling with Kelly equipment, double rotary head, full displacement tool and continuous flight auger as well as soil mixing and piling jobs with vibrator and hydraulic hammer. The multifunctional machine is designed for a reliable continuous operation and offers a powerful and fuel-efficient V12 diesel engine. Large vibrators and drilling equipment are operated by the machine’s own hydraulic system. Due to the parallel kinematics the piling and drilling rig has a large operating area and can be transported with the leader, multi-sledge and rope attached to the machine.
Superior also utilized the Liebherr 110 D-K crawler concrete pump, which offers the latest engine generation and can be easily transported due to its compact size. This pump has been specifically designed for concrete pile foundations in combination with Liebherr drilling rigs making it the perfect partner for Superior’s piling and drilling rigs.
Correction [3/27/25]: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated this project took place at the Port Arthur Liquefaction project. The correct information is this project took place at the Energy Transfer Nederland Terminal Expansion. The article has been updated to reflect this.
