Transmission

Geotechnical Investigation & Engineering Transmission Line Upgrades

gzadan — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:20:53 +0000

Geotechnical Investigation & Engineering Transmission Line Upgrades gzadan Tue, 08/17/2021 - 10:20

Challenge

GZA’s geotechnical engineering professionals supported the design of over 25 miles of electric transmission line upgrades encompassing a wide range of transmission and substation structures and a variety of subsurface conditions.

Solution

GZA completed desktop geologic research to document anticipated conditions and prepare a customized exploration plan; conducted subsurface explorations within substations and ROW consisting of over 150 test borings; completed geotechnical soil and rock lab testing; and completed geotechnical analysis and reporting. GZA compiled readily available USGS surficial and bedrock geological data, aerial photography, and USGS topography prior to mobilizing the field activity. With these preliminary findings, GZA quickly identified potentially problematic conditions such as accessibility concerns, shallow rock, karst / limestone conditions, boulders, wetlands, and active farmland/residential areas. The subsurface exploration began with refining the geotechnical scope for GZA’s team based on frequent and detailed discussions with Client. To optimize field progress, up to four drill rigs were operated simultaneously, with up to five field staff providing coordination, quality control observation and value engineering support. GZA’s engineering analysis culminated in three (3) geotechnical engineering reports providing both shallow and deep foundation design parameters and construction recommendations for the wide range of transmission and substation structures. In addition to evaluating the soils and rock encountered for geotechnical engineering characteristics, we also considered seismic and liquefaction concerns.

Benefit

GZA provided the technical and project management skills to complete this extensive geotechnical engineering project speedily and safely.

Researched surficial and subsurface conditions at proposed exploration and structure locations
Coordination and oversight of over 150 test borings near energized conductors and equipment
Increased productivity with a second subcontract driller and up to four test boring teams operating concurrently
Explorations assessed a variety of subsurface conditions, including karst / limestone bedrock
Both shallow and deeper bedrock conditions encountered
Zero lost time safety incidents

Pennsylvania

Energy

PSE&G Susquehanna-Roseland Overhead Transmission Project

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 15:27:36 +0000

PSE&G Susquehanna-Roseland Overhead Transmission Project Anonymous Mon, 10/07/2019 - 11:27

Challenge

Melick-Tully & Associates (MTA), now a division of GZA, worked closely with the lead engineering firm to complete soil borings and individual design reports for 120 new PSE&G overhead transmission towers along an approximate 45-mile corridor. GZA also provided on-site engineering observation during construction of the foundations. Coordination and scheduling for this high-profile project were complex.

Solution

Despite the difficult terrain, winter working conditions, and easement/access restrictions that presented project challenges, GZA’s scope of work proceeded on schedule and within budget. During construction, design challenges in the field, such as variations in the depth of rock or other localized conditions, were addressed by GZA, providing real-time data to the design team and working closely with them to develop necessary modifications in foundation design. Solutions included drilled shafts up to 10 feet in diameter, spread foundations, rock anchors, and micro-piles. GZA also provided environmental services to the team, developing remedial solutions for areas in which unanticipated soil disturbance occurred due to changes in construction activities as the project progressed.

Benefit

GZA integrated seamlessly into the engineering design team to complete the planned, as well as unexpected, work on this massive transmission corridor project within the original budget and schedule.

Insights

45-Mile 500 kV Electric Transmission Line Project
Soil Borings and Individual Foundation Design Recommendations for 120 New Towers
On-site Engineering Observation of Drilled Shafts and Rock Anchors
Project Challenges included Difficult Terrain, Complex Access/Easement Issues, Winter Working Conditions

Energy

Geotechnical Engineering Services

National Grid New England East-��Ϸ��st Solutions (NEEWS) Power Reliability Project

Anonymous — ��Ϸ��d, 25 Sep 2019 17:16:23 +0000

National Grid New England East-��Ϸ��st Solutions (NEEWS) Power Reliability Project Anonymous ��Ϸ��d, 09/25/2019 - 13:16

Challenge

GZA was retained by Power Engineers, Inc., Owner’s Engineer to National Grid, to provide quality control observation and value engineering support for the Rhode Island Reliability Project (RIRP) portion of the $700 million NEEWS project, consisting of over 100 circuit miles of new 115kV and 345 kV above-ground transmission on over 60 miles of right-of-way (ROW); six substation expansions and/or upgrades; and one new green field substation with interconnections. GZA had previously provided geotechnical engineering services during the design phase.

Solution

Utilizing the geotechnical report findings, desktop research, and GIS data and observations made by GZA during design, GZA’s recommendations improved quality, schedule, and cost of the foundation and other civil components of construction. At peak construction, five GZA geotechnical engineers worked concurrently, observing multiple foundation contractors operating as many as 20 caisson rigs operating seven days per week -- culminating in over 1,500 installed foundations. The caisson drilling program addressed myriad complexities including size and depth of caissons, and existing soil conditions. During construction, GZA also addressed concerns of homeowners adjacent to the construction activity, in several cases installing and monitoring seismic gauges within the ROW and at the subject properties to measure ground vibration levels. GZA also evaluated and addressed foundations that were non-compliant with project specifications. Due to successful planning, communication, and execution of safe working procedures, GZA provided over 12,000 man-hours in the field with zero lost-time safety incidences.

Benefit

GZA brought valuable insight to the construction phase of this massive linear construction project, based on GZA’s role during the project’s design phase. GZA’s ability to flexibly staff and safely conduct the quality control and value engineering work further contributed to the project’s success.

Insights

Improved Quality, Schedule and Cost by Utilizing Findings and Reports from GZA Geotechnical Exploration Program
Over 1,500 New Foundations, up to 11 Feet in Diameter and 60 Feet Deep were Constructed
Five Geotechnical Engineers Provided Quality Control Observation of 20 Civil and Foundation Contractors Concurrently
Provided Value Engineering Support
Recorded More than 12,000 Man-hours in the Field with Zero Lost Time Safety Incidents.

Rhode Island

Energy

Geotechnical Engineering Services

Construction Management

GZA Services for Electric Transmission, Distribution, and Substation Facilities

Anonymous — ��Ϸ��d, 25 Sep 2019 17:06:18 +0000

GZA Services for Electric Transmission, Distribution, and Substation Facilities Anonymous ��Ϸ��d, 09/25/2019 - 13:06

Challenge

To meet increasing electric service demands, energy providers plan extensive transmission, distribution and substation projects requiring myriad engineering and environmental services.

Solution

GZA provides natural resources, environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, geotechnical engineering, and construction monitoring, including:

��Ϸ��tland Delineation and Documentation & Functional Assessments
Endangered Species Review and Field Surveys
GPS/GIS Mapping of Natural Resources and Access Routes
Hazard Tree Identification and Mapping/GIS Tracking Support for Resiliency
Permitting Analysis for Siting & Planning; Development of Permitting Plans
Historical Review and Coordination of Archeological Survey
Environmental Permitting
Compensatory Mitigation Development and Execution
Decommissioning Plans
Geotechnical Investigations
Federal Stormwater Permitting including SWPPP Development
Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Documentation
Construction Monitoring; Compliance Tracking and Documentation
Community Outreach Planning and Support
Vegetation Management Coordination, Management, and Oversight

Benefit

GZA’s multidisciplinary expertise, proactive approach to regulatory agency engagement, and extensive experience in the power sector provide energy and utility clients support from planning through project close-out, helping them improve regional reliability, safety, and efficiency throughout New England, while addressing resiliency and compliance requirements.

Insights

Successful Track Record of Large Projects Completed on Time and within Budget
GZA Provides Multidisciplinary Support from Planning through Project Close-out
Resiliency Incorporated into Process
Proactive Approach to Environmental Permitting and Regulatory Compliance at Local, State, and Federal Levels
Engineering Support including Geotechnical Investigations and Field Data
Construction Compliance Monitoring

Energy

Natural Resources and Ecological Services

Data Management, Analytics and Visualization Solutions

Land Use and Environmental Planning

Geotechnical Engineering Services

Construction Management

EHS Regulatory Compliance