Project Description

The Plateau Creek Pipeline Replacement Project (Phase 2) consists of approximately 68,500 feet of 48-inch and 54-inch diameter steel pipe. The alignment of the replacement pipeline is nominally parallel to the 65 and 330 Highways and runs from the Jerry Creek reservoirs to the Ute Water Treatment Plant located near Palisade, CO. Two sections of pipeline were placed in tunnels constructed along the alignment. These tunnels, 10,200 and 3,400 feet in length, were excavated by a 10 ft diameter hard rock tunnel boring machine. The geology along the alignment consisted of sandstones, shales and siltstones.

Scope of Services

Working on a team headed by GEI Consultants, Inc, LACHEL & Associates, Inc. (LFA) was involved in the development of the project from the feasibility design through construction. Initially planned as a trenched excavation, a tunneling option was developed to optimize the project design and to minimize environmental impacts on the creek. In the initial stages of the project, LFA provided a feasibility level cost estimate and an initial constructibility analysis. As the project progressed, LFA provided a complete design for the tunnel portions of the projects. This work included developing the expected ground loads based on empirical and finite element analysis; designing the initial and final ground support systems for the various expected ground conditions; developing plans and specifications; and preparing the engineer's estimate related to the tunneling portion of the project.

LFA's post-design responsibilities began with assisting the owner during the tender phase and continued through project completion. LFA provided construction management services for the duration of the tunnel construction. These services included full time, on-site Resident Engineering and Tunnel Inspection services as well as home office design support on an as-needed basis.

Client

Ute Water Conservancy District