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.