General Mechanical

The project was to replace 16,000 feet of steam distribution piping serving 20 barracks and dining facilities with kitchens while they were in full-time use. All had to be done while not removing any buildings from steam service.

From the main steam plant, the 10” 125 PSI distribution lines run below grade in utilidors or as direct-buried piping. The new direct-buried piping had secondary containment and cathodic protection for corrosion protection. All welds were x-rayed. To enable continuous steam service to the buildings during construction, 6,000 feet of temporary steam and condensate return piping was installed above ground as by-passes. There were just four partial day shutdowns but coordinated to avoid any interruption of service.

Extensive coordination was required for the project to be successful. From the steam line crossing under roads to road closures with detours to building connections to prefabrication of piping, it all had to be well planned ahead. Pipe of 40-foot lengths had to be maneuvered around trees that had grown over the last 35 years. Even the lack of as-built drawings lead to identifying steam line locations by frost and snow melt on the ground the winter before.

The general contractor and end user were very satisfied with our performance on the project and our supervision on site. We met every schedule date from road closures to building shutdowns to even completion ahead of schedule. GM has the experience and technical expertise to perform this project. Our value engineering ideas that gave us an advantage when the job was bid.