Streamlining Success: Best Practices in Water Infrastructure Design

Dallas, TX, February 20, 2024 —

Brent Lewis, with over two decades of experience in Civil Engineering, brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Senior Associate at RLG, particularly in water and wastewater infrastructure. His specialization in public infrastructure enhancements encompasses various areas, including water distribution, transmission, wastewater collection, and stormwater conveyance. In this interview, we delve into his approach to designing water and wastewater rehabilitation projects, focusing on key factors such as constructability, maintenance access, and aesthetic considerations. Drawing from his extensive background, Brent highlights the challenges inherent in these projects and underscores the significance of comprehending existing conditions and implementing innovative solutions to mitigate risks. Through illuminating examples of past successful endeavors, Brent demonstrates the practical application of his design principles and problem-solving abilities.

What considerations do you prioritize when designing water/wastewater rehabilitation projects?

When designing water and wastewater rehabilitation projects, the primary considerations include constructability, maintenance access, and aesthetics. Constructability is crucial, involving factors like construction limitations, By Other Than Open Cut techniques, and aspects such as bore pit size, deflection limitations of host pipes, and adjacent structures. Maintenance access is vital, especially in high-traffic areas, requiring strategic placement of gate valves, sanitary sewer manholes, and other appurtenances to minimize future disruptions and enhance safety. Aesthetic considerations focus on creating utility infrastructure that blends seamlessly into the environment, avoiding irritations such as poorly placed manholes or rough railroad crossings. The goal is to ensure a project that not only functions effectively but also minimizes disturbance and enhances the overall public experience.

Could you explain the key challenges faced in rehabilitating or relocating water/wastewater systems?

The key challenges in rehabilitating or relocating water/wastewater systems revolve around the knowledge of the existing system, which may not always be readily available. In the absence of such information, making conservative assumptions becomes necessary, emphasizing the importance of obtaining basic (Level B) or more detailed (Level A) SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) data. Additionally, ensuring the seamless reconnection of all existing services to the new mains is crucial. For instance, when horizontally relocating a sanitary sewer main by 10 feet, it becomes essential to guarantee that the new main is at least 2% x 10 feet = 0.2 feet lower than the existing main. This seemingly small adjustment can pose a considerable challenge, particularly in the absence of accurate or comprehensive record drawings, especially when dealing with potential vertical deflections in the line. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the existing system and meticulous planning are vital in overcoming these challenges during water/wastewater system rehabilitation or relocation projects.

Could you provide examples of successful water/wastewater system rehabilitation or relocation projects you've been involved in?

While I have been fortunate to contribute to numerous successful water/wastewater system rehabilitation or relocation projects throughout my 25+ year career, two particular examples highlight innovative problem-solving and cost-saving measures.

In a project roughly 20 years ago, I was tasked with relocating a 48-inch raw water line to accommodate roadway and drainage improvements. Faced with limited space and realizing that an easement would be needed for the relocation, I identified that modifying the storm drain plans could circumvent the need to relocate the raw water line entirely. Through discussions and negotiations with the involved parties, a minor design revision to the storm drain plans was agreed upon, resulting in substantial cost savings estimated at $1 million.

Another noteworthy project occurred approximately three years ago, where I successfully avoided the replacement of around 1,000 linear feet of 8-inch sanitary sewer by implementing trenchless technologies. By leveraging innovative methods, we achieved significant cost savings estimated at $200,000. These examples underscore the importance of finding efficient solutions to challenges, such innovative approaches align with RLG's commitment to excellence and cost-effective project management.

How do you address potential financial or budgetary constraints in your design proposals?

When addressing potential financial or budgetary constraints in our design proposals, particularly in the public sector where public funds are utilized, our selection is based on qualifications rather than financial considerations. Once selected for a project, reaching an agreement with our client regarding scope and fees becomes paramount. Thankfully, our public sector clients are well-versed in industry costs, facilitating constructive discussions. Throughout my career, I've consistently reached agreements on fees with clients, a testament to our collaborative approach. Drawing from experience, I begin each project by meticulously outlining the scope, identifying the level of expertise needed, and estimating the time required for each task. By assigning appropriate hourly rates based on experience levels, I perform a comprehensive assessment to determine project costs. Reflecting on my early experiences nearly 23 years ago, I recall a trend of inflating fee proposals with the expectation the client will negotiate them down. This approach never resonated with me. Instead, I've always prioritized accurate estimation and transparent communication. This approach has fostered mutual trust with clients, streamlining negotiations and emphasizing efficiency. After all, as the saying goes, time is money.

What are the common risks associated with these projects, and how do you mitigate them?

Addressing common risks associated with these projects involves three key categories:

• Understanding Existing Conditions: I’ve always considered the research and understanding of the existing conditions to be the most critical (and my favorite part). Often, we rely on field survey data and outdated record information, which can be incomplete or unclear. Ensuring accuracy at this stage is critical to prevent costly mistakes during construction. Adjustments and modifications during construction can incur significant costs, making resolving discrepancies at the beginning important. Understanding existing conditions is crucial, and our survey department plays a vital role in providing accurate data to support our civil department from project initiation, ensuring seamless coordination and minimizing discrepancies throughout the construction phase.
• Preparing Clear Construction Plans: High-quality, well-organized construction plans are essential for project success. At RLG, we take pride in producing plans that are easy to understand for all stakeholders, including clients and contractors. Clear, logically structured plans facilitate efficient reviews and construction processes, minimizing the potential for errors and misunderstandings. Investing effort in creating visually appealing and comprehensible plans not only enhances project execution but also leaves a lasting positive impression as a testament to our commitment to excellence.
• Once you start digging, all bets are off!: We can only do our best with the information at hand, so, despite thorough preparation, unforeseen challenges can arise once construction begins. To mitigate these risks, designs are often approached conservatively. For instance, when dealing with record drawings indicating consistent grades over long distances, engineers factor in potential variances by designing with a margin of safety. This cautious approach allows flexibility to address unexpected situations and deviations from initial assumptions, reducing the likelihood of costly setbacks and ensuring project resilience.

By addressing these risks proactively and incorporating strategies to mitigate uncertainties, we uphold our commitment to delivering successful outcomes for our clients while maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

 

Read part 2 here