Suggested Preparation for doing 12" waterline extension

[cenc]

Have done some basic waterline projects, mainly waterline connections.

Anticipate getting started on design of few thousand feet of 12" waterline extension in August.

Looking for feedback on what I can do to get more prepared: software needed, book to review?, information needed to analyze the system.

Trying to get ahead of the curve for once.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[CPENG78]

Hi Cenc,
The amount of information will depend on the scope of work as part of your company's involvement in the project. Certainly, it never hurts and I would strongly recommend to prepare yourself with as much information as possible. There are various issues to consider, here are a few to get started:

1. Right of way - Depending of where you are on this project, has the right of way been established for the installation of this waterline? Will there be a need to have right of way acquisitions? From the length and size it sounds like its a public main but will any easements be necessary?

2. Demand - who is been serviced by this waterline? zoning in the area? residential, commercial, insdustrial? Depending on the zoning, your water demand will be affected. Any preliminary studies completed in the area? Are there any changes in zoning that may be in processing that the city or agency may be aware off. Again, depending on the zoning, this would affect your domestic, fire and irrigation demands.

3. Existing System - What are the existing facilities where this extension will be connected to? Any pressure regulating stations, any pumps? Water tank or water reservoir elevations - for example if the system is fed by one or multiple tanks, what are the bottom elevation, overflow elevation, operating parameters (such as upper third, etc), etc for each of those tanks? Pipe Material for existing facilties? Any cross connections between water service zones that you may need to be aware of?

3. Alignment - Are there any future changes to the alignment of the roadway where you may need to take into account for the alignment of your waterline? This can also include additional lanes to be added in the future as part of this project or future projects? Check against city or agency standards for placement of waterline. Will this installation need to be phased out due to other projects or developments in the area?

4. Water Programs/Software - I have used both WaterCAD and Bosss WaterNetworks. Pretty much all programs work the same at least in concept of carrying out calculations. WaterNetworks is a bit more cumbersome in having the alignment match what your drawings show, which for purposes of modeling is not going to make a difference in the calculations - just something to be aware of. I can explain more about this in future posts.

5. Materials - I would verify with the city or agency what is the requirement for pipe material? More thank likely is PVC but they may also have specific requirements for use of DIP or other materials when crossing other utilities or obstructions. I don't know what your level of experience may be but I would also get acquainted with how contractor orders pipe material? pvc or dip lay lengths, restraint systems, harnesses, megalugs? service saddles? will the city or agency require or does it use DI fittings? flanged fittings? mechanical joints? etc. I would refer to the city or agency's standard specs for material use, valving, special coatings and cathodic protection as necessary.

6. Installation - this may sound redundant but have your plans show something that actually can be built. I have seen Design documents from other engineers where pipe bends and fittings that are not standard or that don't necessarily exist. Show correct or buildable pipe curvature if its applicable and allowed by the agency.

7. Cover and clearance - follow pipe cover and clearance requirements. Depending on the stage of the road where pipe is been constructed, you may find out that you may have to insure proper cover if existing roadway elevation is different than ultimate roadway elevation. Make sure your waterline maintains separation requirements (from other utilties-existing and proposed) from your local or state's health departments as applicable.

8. Staying ahead - Understand how the installation process works. You will be ahead of everyone when you not only know how to design it but also how is constructed. If there are conflicts, the contractor will call you with questions and you will be able to communicate with him or her at a different level. If necessary visit a current job site where a water line is been installed. Attend a physical fire flow test, water pressure test, leakage test, etc.

In general, I know my responses may be a little broad and depending on your level of experience you may already know some or most of this information. Hopefully this helps and gives you a perspective depending on your involvement with your project. I would be happy to elaborate on any of my responses if there is something more specific that you may need.