LRT Expansion W7B Duct Bank

LRT Expansion W7B Duct Bank

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Project Name |  LRT Expansion W7B Duct Bank

Owner | EPCOR

Client’s Name | EPCOR

Location | Edmonton, AB

Date / Project Timeline / Delivery | Commenced in 2020 and was completed January 2021, on-time and on-budget

Market Sector | Utilities, LRT Expansion

BACKGROUND (Pre-Project Commencement)

As a part of the construction and expansions of Edmonton’s West LRT, EPCOR needed to update the aging utility infrastructure beneath 87th Avenue (between 156 Street and 170 Street). The duct bank replaced an existing alignment, which conflicted with the proposed LRT route. This utility relocation project involved several challenges:

  • Managing Covid-19 protocols on-site
  • An assertive project schedule – the utility relocation was a critical path item on the LRT extension schedule
  • Construction in a high-traffic, public environment that required a safe, secured worksite
  • Difficult ground conditions and tight workspaces required confined space entry, and precision earthworks to expose aging water infrastructure
  • Controlling traffic to allow road and business access
  • Coordination with multiple utilities, residents, and business owners

ACTION (ICONIC’s Scope & Delivery)

ICONIC was responsible for constructing a new 15-way concrete-encased duct bank. The project required multiple ICONIC crews working concurrently to provide approximately 2.5 km of excavation and construction. There were multiple utilities in unexpected locations, deep tie-in points, and some utility holes needed to be relocated due to poor ground conditions. This resulted in several alignment changes, revised engineering drawings, extensive hydrovacing and a need to work at increased depths.

ICONIC’s Earthworks team repaired sidewalks and roadways, as well as rebuilding and upgrading the excavated alleyways.

RESULT / SOLUTION

The complexities of this project required ICONIC’s construction crews to work very closely with EPCOR’s Inspectors and Projects Managers. We employed best practice Project Management methodologies and processes to communicate and conduct the proper project change control, including COVID-19 Pandemic accommodations.

EPCOR’s utilities were safely relocated, and the lines were successfully energized. ICONIC met the project schedule and City of Edmonton’s LRT expansion requirements. Due to the complexities of this project, including extremely deep shoring, fall protection, and other unique safety requirements, ICONIC had a dedicated safety supervisor present on-site at all-times to ensure the project’s safe and successful execution.


University District High Density Duct Bank

University District High Density Duct Bank

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Project Name |  University District High Density Duct Bank

Owner | ENMAX (ICONIC's Customer & Owner of Infrastructure)

Client’s Name | University of Calgary Properties Group (Developer of Project)

Location | Calgary, AB

Date / Project Timeline / Delivery | Approx. 4 months of construction. Completed December 2019, on-time and on-budget.

Market Sector | Utilities

BACKGROUND (Pre-Project Commencement)

The University of Calgary Properties group was developing the Phase 4 area of the University District Commercial and Residential Development for ENMAX, SHAW, and Telus. Performing work on ENMAX infrastructure requires adhering to their high-density specifications, codes, and standards. This worksite also contained high alkaline soils and challenging ground conditions, requiring an appropriate disposal process and extra safety measures to prevent trench collapse.

ACTION (ICONIC’s Scope & Delivery)

As an approved construction contractor under a Master Service Agreement (MSA) with ENMAX Power, ICONIC was intimately familiar with ENMAX’s rigorous expectations for safety, environmental and quality control processes and procedures. The scope of work included:

  • Trenching approximately 600 meters of concrete-encased duct bank
  • Installation of six precast utility holes
  • Installing additional connections and stub outs on private property and in roadways
  • Documenting safety requirements
  • Conducting hazard assessments
  • Coordinating traffic control and road closures
  • Disposal/ replacement of unsuitable fill

RESULT / SOLUTION

ICONIC worked closely with the prime contractor to ensure project scope was executed in a safe and timely manner. ICONIC’s well-established relationships with our subcontractors (including crane operators and hydrovac specialists) ensured no incidents or near misses.

The shoring and cutbacks were installed in deep trenching – exceeding standards as an extra precaution. In addition, ICONIC tested all concrete to our rigorous internal standards – exceeding ENMAX’s requirements, at no additional cost.

We provided ENMAX with ongoing updates on progress, site conditions, and risks via our comprehensive electronic daily field reports. Our ability to clearly communicate with multiple stakeholders, ensure high-density specification, and provide constructability feedback was critical to the success of this project. Installation was completed well ahead of the client’s schedule, despite the number of underground features and sandy ground conditions. There was no settling, re-work, or deficiencies to address.


WCSB Power eReserve-1

WCSB Power eReserve-1

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Project Name |  WCSB Power eReserve-1

Owner | WCSB Power

Client’s Name | WCSB Power

Location | Rycroft, AB

Date / Project Timeline / Delivery | September 2020 to December 2020

Market Sector | Renewable Power, Battery Energy Storage

BACKGROUND (Pre-Project Commencement)

ICONIC has been awarded the construction of the eReserve1 Battery Storage project with WCSB Power. This is a 20-Megawatt capacity lithium-ion battery storage system, which will be used to store electricity for discharge into the local distribution system upon demand.

The eReserve1 project is based around TESLA’s Megapack Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The BESS system being leveraged improves the overall reliability of the Alberta Interconnected Electrical System. Renewable project owners such as WCSB Power require qualified construction and high voltage specialists who have the skills, expertise, and dedication to be at the forefront of renewable technology.

This site is in a remote area of northern Alberta that made it difficult to find suppliers. Excavators needed to be protected to avoid freezing overnight.

A low hanging powerline across the main access road required our team of supervisors to put their problem-solving skills to the test.

ACTION (ICONIC’s Scope & Delivery)

ICONIC was awarded this project based on our renewable sector experience and our ability to provide an end-to-end high voltage, earthworks and reclamation solution utilizing our vast in-house resources. The project scope includes:

  • Installation of TESLA Megapack battery packs
  • Installation of cables, conduits, helical piles
  • Commissioning
  • Setup and maintenance of ESC
  • Construction of pads and structural steel
  • Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil
  • Supply, placement of engineered fill and aggregates
  • Construction of drainage systems, access road and fencing
  • Supply and installation of geogrid and geo textiles

RESULT / SOLUTION

ICONIC’s integrated service offering has streamlined the procurement, site development, construction, and reclamation process. This project was completed according to plan and schedule.

To access the substation and get equipment around the low hanging powerline, ICONIC had to come up with a quick workaround. Within three days of identifying the problem, ICONIC built an 800 m access road using rig mats. This set the project back a week, however the quick thinking allowed us to make up the time and keep construction on schedule.

This project has demonstrated the value that ICONIC’s integrated service offering brings to battery energy storage projects. We are incredibly proud of our role in facilitating innovation in renewable energy.


Overhead Distribution Construction, Burdett and Yellow Lake

Overhead Distribution Construction, Burdett and Yellow Lake

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Project Name |  Overhead Distribution Construction, Burdett and Yellow Lake

Owner | BluEarth

Client’s Name | PCL (acting GC)

Location | Burdett and Yellow Lake, AB

Date / Project Timeline / Delivery | Completed March 2021, on-time and on-budget

Market Sector | Renewable Energy, Solar

BACKGROUND (Pre-Project Commencement)

The Burdett and Yellow Lake, Solar Farm project is located in a remote area in southern Alberta. Connecting the solar farms to the Fortis electrical network required extensive strategic planning across a multi-staged timeline. ICONIC was responsible for procurement and installation of distribution lines, and for ensuring safe connection to the electrical network. The solar farm had many different contractors working at the same time, requiring efficient site coordination.

This project required ICONIC’s line crew to work near and tie into energized high voltage lines and energize the new distribution lines. This is difficult work in the best of conditions. However, extremely cold weather and strong winds made it especially challenging. ICONIC had to direct our crews to halt work for several days to ensure the safety and well-being of all on-site personnel.

ACTION (ICONIC’s Scope & Delivery)

ICONIC’s meticulous coordination of all materials, procurement, workforce, and equipment staging resulted in an efficient, streamlined build. This project consisted of:

  • 15 overhead structures
  • 7 total switch structures
  • 6 laterals with extensive framing
  • Conductor installation
  • Interconnection to Fortis infrastructure
  • Line energizing

An ICONIC quality control team member was on-site full-time to inspect and test all installations and provide detailed testing and quality assurance of the installations.

ICONIC’s integrated team of Distribution, substations, and Earthworks specialists collaborated to efficiently deliver the multiple scopes of work. ICONIC’s project management, quality control, safety, and procurement processes were all instrumental to our success.

RESULT / SOLUTION

The Burdett and Yellow Lake Solar Farm project was completed on time and budget – built to the client’s specifications, without any incidents or near misses. A successful review of the bill of materials and drawings allowed for the procurement of a vast array of trained human resources, tools, materials, and equipment critical to complete the complex overhead installations.

As the project progressed, ICONIC quickly communicated any design or material issues to the client and their engineering consultants through documented change control and RFI process. ICONIC also provided the client with comprehensive Electronic Daily Field reports. This project is indicative of the level experience, expertise, and professionalism that ICONIC brings to all renewable energy projects.


Riverview Substation POD

Riverview Substation POD

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Project Name |  Riverview Substation POD

Owner |

Client’s Name | EPCOR

Location | Edmonton, AB

Date / Project Timeline / Delivery | January 2019 to January 2020, completed on-time and on-budget.

Market Sector | Utilities

BACKGROUND (Pre-Project Commencement)

Riverview is a greenfield 240/25kV substation in the City of Edmonton’s Riverview district. ICONIC was the Prime Contractor for substation civil work, and was responsible for substation electrical work including structural, electrical and commissioning.

The project involved a major scope change once construction was underway. When the topsoil was removed, we encountered 1.5 meter of sub soil, which needed to be removed and replaced with engineered fill.

Majority of the scope of this project was completed in the winter months, which posed additional challenges to the earthworks team.

ACTION (ICONIC’s Scope & Delivery)

ICONIC was selected for our ability to provide a turnkey solution for EPCOR. They sought a Prime Contractor who could seamlessly bring together the complex deliverables. Our substation and earthworks teams worked in unison to complete all deliverables in an efficient and highly coordinated manner. ICONIC was also able to self-perform the reclamation and drainage scope of this project.

Earthworks Scope of Work:

  • Setup and maintenance of ESC
  • Soil management
  • Supply and installation of two (2) transformer containment systems
  • Concrete ductlines and control building underground concrete foundation
  • Screw piles, chain link fencing
  • Sewer and water tank supply/installation
  • Supply and installation of geo grid, geo textiles and ground grid
  • Reclamation and drainage work

Electrical Scope of Work:

  • Installation of structural steel supports for 240kV AIS apparatus
  • Lightning masts, 240kV steel gantries, stairs, platforms and handrails
  • Electrical installation of:
    • 240kV dead tank circuit breakers
    • 240kV capacitive voltage transformers
    • Vertical break disconnect switches
    • 240kV surge arrestors and 240kV busbar system
    • Pulling and terminating all high and low voltage cable

RESULT / SOLUTION

ICONIC’s earthworks team was able to draw on our extensive experience building greenfield substations. We have encountered just about every challenge over the years, which allows us to quickly adapt when required. An example of this would be with proper soil management we were able to protect the civil materials from freezing before they were compacted. To ensure maximum efficiency, we utilized GPS equipment while moving soils. By sourcing materials from our long-term suppliers, we were able to pass preferential pricing onto the client as well.

Over the entire year on site, ICONIC had zero safety incidents. This was with as many as 16 crew members working on the project at any given time.