InGeo Design was engaged by Bauer Foundations Canada to provide excavation shoring design and field support for the Donlands Subway Station upgrade, part of the TTC’s initiative to improve station accessibility and emergency egress. The $45.6 million project involved construction of a new second entrance/exit and two elevators, enhancing safety and accessibility for all transit users.

InGeo developed an excavation support system for the main entrance and elevator shafts. Our design integrated a combination of caisson wall, soldier pile and lagging, supported by one to three levels of internal bracing. Given the site’s complexity; including a high water table, adjacent building surcharges, and proximity to an active subway tunnel, our design carefully balanced stability, constructability, and TTC compliance.

Additionally, InGeo designed and tested micropiles to support the entrance structure, ensuring long-term foundation performance. Throughout excavation, our team performed field reviews to verify installation quality and alignment with design specifications.

Key Challenges

• Shoring adjacent to sensitive TTC subway tunnel infrastructure
• High groundwater levels and variable site conditions
• Structural loading from nearby buildings and narrow site footprint
• TTC-specific standards and accessibility requirements

InGeo’s Role & Scope

• Design of soldier pile and lagging system, caisson wall, and multi-level internal bracing
• Micropile design and testing for support of entrance structure
• Engineering tailored to TTC compliance and underground infrastructure protection
• Field reviews throughout excavation to ensure adherence to design
• Timely responses and coordinated support for a fast-moving, complex urban transit project