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.