They say you learn something new every day, and in the construction industry that saying couldn’t be more true. While constructing a new water and sanitary infrastructure with over 10,000 feet of piping, two new buildings and utilities, our Industrial and Site teams had to quickly adapt to keep the project on schedule with minimal disruptions.
GETTING PUT TO THE TEST
We began the project by constructing the dry and wet wells for the sewage pump station. Normally, only one well is constructed at a time due to their close proximity, but by request of the developer to minimize unforeseen delays, we installed both wells simultaneously. Our Site team excavated and installed a shoring box to allow for the dual installation, which in-turn allowed us to construct the dry well while the precast wet well was being manufactured.
Constructing both wells at the same time was only the first in our list of challenges. The county rejected the original precast concrete material, which set construction back 12 weeks. Working quickly, our Site team found a new supplier with a better product and we were able to complete the installation within two weeks.
During this time, we were also installing the force main for the sewage pump station. To complete this part of the project, we had to dam two stream crossings. The first stream was dammed and diverted during the installation process, and the crew worked around the clock to complete this work in a timely manner and restore the stream to its original state. With the second stream being much larger in size, we opted for a directional drill instead of an open cut to reduce the risk of flooding and condense the project schedule. During the directional drill, we hit a significant amount of extremely hard rock that ultimately impacted the schedule. To recover from this set back, crews extended their hours and worked hard to meet the deadline.
Delivery delays also factored into our schedule as this project progressed. Originally, both buildings were supposed to be bar joists, but with delivery dates scheduled for a year away, our Industrial shop stepped up to swiftly fabricate custom steel trusses needed for both buildings. The domestic water and high-capacity pumps for the booster station were also completely custom for this project, and though they were ordered in April 2021, these final pieces of the project were not delivered until January 2022.
ADAPT AND OVERCOME
After all of these unforeseen delays, challenges and disruptions, our team was proud of the finished product and their ability to keep pushing. The team often said of this project, “it’s par for the course; adapt and overcome” and that they did. Our Industrial and Site crews, led by Steve Clingan and Jasin Doll, did an excellent job of working together to quickly adapt and overcome every obstacle presented. Project Manager Rich Diehl said that he has never learned more about management than he did on this project. From looking further ahead at procuring materials, to site sequencing and using techniques not laid out in the original plan, this project was a learning opportunity for everyone involved.
Categories: Completed Projects, Projects in Construction
