- Company: Anchor Construction Corporation
- Industry: Water/Wastewater
- Location: Towson, MD (York Road), Maryland
- Expected Completion Date: April 30, 2015
- Project Website
Replacement/repair of approx. 2,800 L.F. of 24″ city water main line during night hours. Project includes: (1) excavation of trench to install new 24″ main while maintaining existing 10″ water main active, (2) approx. half a mile of SHA certified/supervised traffic control on a daily basis (3) installation of corresponding fittings/valves/meters/hydrants, (4) installation of cathodic protection throughout the entire 24″ water main system
What impact does this project have on America?
Projects such as the one mentioned have a positive impact on counties/municipalities around the country. With the work that it is comprised of, the project helps maintain and stabilize local water systems. The water used by people every day for consumption/recreational use is directly from the county water system found underground. Over time, and due to many factors such as the material of the pipe, these water systems need maintenance/replacement. Part of maintaining a water system is making sure that the water supply and quantity is sufficient enough for the business and residential structures around. In this case, the existing water main was 10″ in diameter; upgrading to a 24″ diameter pipe guaranteed a more efficient water supply for the community, which benefits from this project the most.
What interesting obstacles or unusual circumstances did you overcome to complete the project?
Repairing/replacing these systems requires major planning due to the fact that they are not the only systems underground (communication, sewer, storm, electricity, gas…etc.). Moreover, these systems have been around for centuries (at the minimum), unlike the structures you may find above ground. Working around and under these existing structures makes some repairs/jobs interesting to overcome, keeping in mind the safety and best interest of the community. Furthermore, ACC realized that the range of work fit within a very commercial area with a handful of car dealerships and a college (Towson University) community. Keeping everyone in the community involved and up to date with our progress was a challenge. At times, some of these businesses had to alter their operating schedules during the water main switch-overs and shut downs.
What dangers and risks did you encounter, and describe any extraordinary methods used to keep workers safe?
The completed work consisted of numerous risks that a contractor should be prepared for when in a project like BC-12171. As mentioned, work in these type of systems must be done within current conditions above and below ground. The biggest below ground risk is the damage that can be done to other systems within the job range. Hitting an existing gas line or pressurized water line can result in major property damage, bodily injury and even death. Excavating below an above ground structure without first considering bearing loads and shoring accordingly can also lead to injury or death. It is important that a contractor removes the risks of trench caving/collapsing by shoring each trench per the OSHA guidelines.
How did you leverage new technologies to work faster and reduce waste?
In contracts such as BC-12171, waste is produced through the dirt/soil being removed from the ground and the sewer system itself. At times, it may also be necessary to use equipment that will allow for pipe installation without having to dispose of soil in areas with high traffic patterns. For a job like this, conventional tunneling, and microtunneling is best used. These trenchless processes require the use of heavy equipment designed to penetrate any type of soil.