Denver-based engineering consultant Kumar &Associates, Inc. (K+A) completed the construction materials testing and observation services for The Ranahan by Welk Resorts in Breckenridge at the end of 2019 for its opening in early 2020. The luxury vacation rental resort consists of an L-shaped, multi-story lobby/amenity building with two attached accommodations buildings. The site has a stand-alone meeting and maintenance building with associated drive lanes and parking. The main structure has an impressive indoor/outdoor pool and landscaped amenities that include multiple lounge areas with a bar structure, firepits, and separate hot tub enclosure.
The project proved to be a challenge with the site located in an area of mine tailings from activities in the 1900’s. The site has shallow groundwater, and K+A installed wells to monitor groundwater levels and to run tests to evaluate soil permeability for potential dewatering needs. K+A worked with and assisted the design team regarding the below-ground portion of the amenity building, which extended below groundwater table in highly permeable soils. To avoid permanent, high-volume dewatering, K+A provided recommendations for a water-proofed mat foundation and basement wall system for the building and a dewatering system for use in future maintenance of the indoor/outdoor pool when the pool is empty.
The Ranahan by Welk Resorts is located at 557 Stan Miller Dr. Breckenridge, CO.
Photo courtesy of K+A