[WRE UPDATE | PROJECT]
Advanced America Construction Earns Tops Honors in the AGC Aon Build America Awards
U
pon successful completion of the expansive Oswego Lake project, Advanced America Construction received the presti- gious AGC Aon Build America Grand Award for their their contribution to extraordinary civil projects.
Te Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project, which won best new municipal and utilities project, replaced a 50-year-old corroded and hazardous sewer line. Because the project required crews to drill 270 feet into bedrock to install anchors for the system, the work was heavily regulated to ensure there was no impact on recreational activities, local business operations and environmental practices for lake residences. Te project was completed without any lost time accidents and in- cluded more than 1,200 commercial dives. Te original system was undersized and often led to overflows dur-
restraint system, and lowered sewer pipe barge crossings. Te engineering team developed a system of concrete anchor blocks to secure the wind wave anchors as well as the free-end restraint system. In total, 3.4 million pounds of concrete anchor blocks were utilized to complete the task. Te installation of the lake’s gravity system eliminated substantial operating costs that the city would have incurred if a conventional pumping system was deployed. A pumping system would have added $20 million dollars to the project and occupied private property, as well as the need for the design and construction of several above-ground structures. Te revolutionary underwater gravity-fed pipe system is a float-
ing structure anchored beneath the surface of the lake. Te pipeline is tethered directly to the bedrock of Oswego Lake. Te buoyant pipe floats anywhere from 8 feet to 17 feet below the surface of the lake. One of the major design considerations was the expansion of the pipe itself. With a water temperature variance of up to 40 degrees, the pipe is prone to bow up or down under the stresses associated with expansion and contraction caused by to temperature fluctuations. Te design engineering team combated this dilemma through the strategic placement of tethers and restraints. Te construction materials utilized in the Oswego
Photo courtesy of Advanced America Construction, Inc.
Lake project primarily consisted of a high-density poly- ethylene pipe or HDPE. Te HDPE product is proven for use in these conditions as it is impact-resistant and not subject to damage from boat anchors. Its flexibility is also a consideration and benefit when considering seis- mic activity. HDPE is also free from the effects of corro- sion and has a life expectancy greater than 100 years. Te new pipe system consists of 50ft long sections of HPDE pipe that are fusion welded to create continuous 1500ft segments. Te previous system contained gasketed joints every 32 feet. To be eligible for the AGC Award, projects must excel in the areas of innovation, design and construction
ing heavy rain. Sewage would often back up and flow out of manholes, onto the city streets and eventually flow into the lake. Te existing 9,000 feet of pipeline was designed and installed years ago when seismic design considerations were far less stringent. It was also more susceptible to earthquake damage, which was a major con- cern to residents in the area. Environmentalists were concerned that a failure of the system would result in the discharge of millions of gallons of raw sewage into Oswego Lake. Te new system is a prime example of the advancements in both technology and design engineering. Te scope of the project included a wind and wave anchor system, tether support brackets, a free-end pipe
66 MAY-JUNE 2011 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE
techniques, use of materials, and state-of-the-art technological advance- ment. Projects are evaluated based on a range of criteria including project management, client service, community relations, and project management. Each project is also judged on the safety record of the company. Advanced America Construction is headquartered in Portland, Or- egon and was founded in 1983. Te company services civil and marine construction industries in the region. Teir notable projects include the Gig Harbor Project, a 9228ft long outfall pipe system and several projects for the US Army Corp of Engineers. y
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