- Company: Anchor Construction Corporation
- Industry: Water/Wastewater
- Location: Baltimore City, Maryland
- Expected Completion Date: May 7, 2016
- Project Website
Sanitary sewer emergency repairs and replacements for City of Baltimore (SC931). Project includes open cut point repairs, CIPP lining of mainlines and laterals, pipe bursting, cleaning and CCTV of mainline pipe, and hardscape restoration.
Major Work Includes: CCTV & Cleaning of 250,000 L.F. of 6” to 24” Sewers, Grouting Sewer Joints, 35,000 L.F. 6” to 24” CIPP Sewer Lining, 14,000 L.F. of Pipe Bursting, Open Cut Point Repairs, Removal & Replacement of Sewer Pipes & Manholes, Cleanouts & Sanitary Laterals, Removing & Replacing Manhole Covers, Permanent & Temporary Repairs to Streets and Sidewalks.
What impact does this project have on America?
Projects such as the one mentioned have a positive impact in cities/municipalities around the country. With the work that it is comprised of, the project helps maintain and stabilize local sewer/storm systems. The disposal, and in some cases, the recycling of water is entirely due to these systems. The components/materials infiltrate water used by humans everyday (what goes in a drain/plumbing) can be dangerous to the human body through contact and consumption if not collected safely. Making sure these systems work properly guarantees proper handling of the contaminated water, while also guaranteeing a community better aesthetics and clean water. The idea of clean and/or usable water is always within a homeowners best interest.
What interesting obstacles or unusual circumstances did you overcome to complete the project?
Sewer and storm systems can be found underground majority of the time in any given city. Repairing/maintaining these systems requires major planning due to the fact that they are not the only systems underground (communication, consumable water, 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.Sewer and storm systems can be found underground majority of the time in any given city. Repairing/maintaining these systems requires major planning due to the fact that they are not the only systems underground (communication, consumable water, 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.
What dangers and risks did you encounter, and describe any extraordinary methods used to keep workers safe?
The completed work has consisted of numerous risks that a contractor should be prepared for when in a project like SC931. 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 SC931, waste is produced through the dirt/soil being removed from the ground and the sewer system itself. Repairs in the sewer/storm system may require proper use of equipment that will allow the system to continue its use by a community. Through the use of water pumps (small and large diameter) a contractor has the ability to carry on large repairs without interrupting the flow of sewage/storm water. Without the use of flow mitigation, this water (sometimes, heavily contaminated) can infiltrate into the soil of residential areas. On the other hand, 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, the use of pipe ramming, conventional tunneling, and micro-tunneling is best used. These trenchless processes require the use of heavy equipment designed to penetrate any type of soil.
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