Infrastructure Design

{id=112550840187, createdAt=1682343687230, updatedAt=1687271683768, path='west-influent-pump-replacement', name='West Influent Pump Replacement', 1='{type=string, value=West Influent Pump Replacement}', 33='{type=number, value=1}', 34='{type=list, value=[{id=9, name='Precise Visual Technologies', order=3, label='Precise Visual Technologies'}, {id=14, name='Process Engineering', order=8, label='Process Engineering'}, {id=15, name='Mechanical Electrical and Automation Engineering', order=9, label='Mechanical Electrical and Automation Engineering'}]}', 35='{type=string, value=City of Bethlehem}', 4='{type=string, value=Read about the full service engineering that helped the City of Bethlehem upgrade its activated sludge wastewater treatment plant}', 36='{type=string, value=Bethlehem, Pennsylvania}', 5='{type=list, value=[{id=18, name='Water', order=3, label='Water'}, {id=19, name='Government', order=4, label='Government'}, {id=21, name='Technology', order=6, label='Technology'}]}', 6='{type=list, value=[{id=36, name='Facility', order=35, label='Facility'}]}', 8='{type=string, value=

The City of Bethlehem currently operates a 20-million gallon per day (gpd) activated sludge wastewater treatment plant, which has the ability to handle peak wet weather flows of 50 million gpd. 

This project included upgrades to the West Influent Pump Room, which contained three (3) constant speed Yoemens 100 hp dry pit submersible pumps, each with a capacity of 12 MGD.   The scope included the replacement of existing pumps along with all piping, valves, and appurtenances located within the West Influent Pump Room. The new pumps were designed to operate on variable frequency drives (VFDs) and controlled on wet well level as monitored by instrumentation. This upgrade also included replacement of  the MCCs, and upgrade of  the existing control and alarm panels that were integrated into the plant’s existing SCADA system.  The  scope also included design of a new ventilation system and replacement of existing stairs and platforms.

Our experts leveraged 3D scanning and 3D modeling technology to efficiently design the project. Because space was limited, and all new equipment had to fit within the existing structure, our team scanned the existing facility to develop an accurate as-built the facility, and utilized the scan to develop an accurate 3D model to design the required improvements. The City was able to maintain operation of the treatment plant throughout the duration of the project.

Our team was responsible for all survey, mechanical, electrical, structural and automation design disciplines, preparation of bidding documents, and assisting the City with construction administration services}', 40='{type=list, value=[{id=3, name='Facilities', order=1, label='Facilities'}]}', 13='{type=image, value=Image{width=745,height=536,url='https://www.verdantas.com/hubfs/Projects/Bethlehem-West-Influent/Bethlehem%201.jpg',altText=''}}', 14='{type=string, value=Leveraging 3D scanning helped develop an accurate 3D model to design the required improvements.}', 15='{type=image, value=Image{width=357,height=243,url='https://www.verdantas.com/hubfs/Projects/Bethlehem-West-Influent/Bethlehem%202.png',altText=''}}', 16='{type=string, value=our team scanned the existing facility to develop an accurate as-built the facility}', 25='{type=number, value=0}', 26='{type=string, value=Facilities}', 27='{type=number, value=0}', 29='{type=number, value=16}'}

{id=112550840217, createdAt=1682344418663, updatedAt=1687271669007, path='walnut-creek-stormwater-outfall-pump-station', name='Walnut Creek Stormwater Outfall Pump Station', 1='{type=string, value=Walnut Creek Stormwater Outfall and Pump Station}', 33='{type=number, value=1}', 34='{type=list, value=[{id=9, name='Precise Visual Technologies', order=3, label='Precise Visual Technologies'}, {id=10, name='Civil Infrastructure', order=4, label='Civil Infrastructure'}, {id=14, name='Process Engineering', order=8, label='Process Engineering'}, {id=15, name='Mechanical Electrical and Automation Engineering', order=9, label='Mechanical Electrical and Automation Engineering'}, {id=16, name='Hydrology Hydraulics and Fluids', order=10, label='Hydrology Hydraulics and Fluids'}]}', 35='{type=string, value=Foth Companies}', 4='{type=string, value=A sizeable electrical distrubution system was needed to support the large pumps selected for this significant pump station}', 36='{type=string, value=West Des Moines, Iowa}', 5='{type=list, value=[{id=18, name='Water', order=3, label='Water'}, {id=21, name='Technology', order=6, label='Technology'}]}', 6='{type=list, value=[{id=36, name='Facility', order=35, label='Facility'}]}', 38='{type=string, value=USACE}', 8='{type=string, value=

With the design and construction of a significant pump station such as Walnut Creek, also comes a sizeable electrical distribution system that is needed to support the large pumps selected for the project. The station design included a 3000Amp, 480/277VAC, switchgear lineup that included primary and alternate source main breaker scheme for transferring between power sources. The lineup included (5) soft-starters, multiple feeder breakers and step down transformers and distribution panels.

Rapid growth in the city of West Des Moines, Iowa resulted in substantial increases in stormwater runoff in most of the community’s watersheds. Such growth made it necessary to mitigate flooding on several major roadways to ensure emergency services were not impacted by closed roadways, as well as to take steps to minimize flooding commercial districts and residential neighborhoods.

Our team worked to provide a comprehensive solution for the City via mitigation solutions including construction of a new 12’ by 5’ reinforced concrete box culvert to intercept and convey interior stormwater flows, and a new 200,000 gallons per minute (gpm) stormwater pump station to discharge runoff to Walnut Creek during elevated flood stages. The stormwater pump station is proposed to be situated along Walnut Creek in an existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control project – the Des Moines, Iowa levee system. As a result, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 408 Permit was required for the modifications to the levee.

Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling was completed using XPSWMM 2014 SP1 to evaluate the required total capacity and optimal configuration for the proposed stormwater pump station, to handle both low and high flow precipitation events, using Grand Avenue as the key control elevation to manage flooding in the drainage area. The complex urban drainage area, with multiple collection and conveyance systems, as well as the evaluation taking into account storage in the proposed concrete box culvert, required the sophisticated software package to accurately model the system. The analysis resulted in approximately 200,000 gallons per minute (gpm) of pumping capacity was required to keep interior water elevations to acceptable levels.

The stormwater pump station structure required a complex structural design. A three dimensional analytical model of the pump station was created using finite element analysis. Each component of the structure (walls, slabs, foundations, etc.) was represented by a mesh of 1 ft. x 1 ft. elements that are interconnected to transfer shear, moment, and axial forces. Wall and floor slab thicknesses were computed, floatation stability of the station was determined, and foundation requirements were provided. In addition to the structural design, mechanical design was required for sluice gate intakes to the station, sluice gate outfalls to the Walnut Creek, influent trash racks, and for the pump configuration set points and discharge configuration.

The stormwater pump station was modeled with Revit® software, allowing for 3-dimensional views of the pump station proper and various components. The use of Revit also allowed for continuous updating of quantities of materials as the design progressed, yielding very accurate construction items and quantities for cost estimating. Additionally, considerable attention was given to the visual appearance of the pump station. The use of the Revit modeling software allowed for various architectural treatments to be applied to the views in a rendering fashion, assisting the client in making decisions with respect to the pump station aesthetics.

}', 40='{type=list, value=[{id=3, name='Facilities', order=1, label='Facilities'}]}', 13='{type=image, value=Image{width=233,height=233,url='https://www.verdantas.com/hubfs/Projects/Walnut-Creek-Stormwater/Walnut%202.jpg',altText=''}}', 15='{type=image, value=Image{width=312,height=312,url='https://www.verdantas.com/hubfs/Projects/Walnut-Creek-Stormwater/Walnut%201.jpg',altText=''}}', 17='{type=image, value=Image{width=1200,height=623,url='https://www.verdantas.com/hubfs/Projects/Walnut-Creek-Stormwater/2015-1580-001-WALNUT%20CREEK%20OUTFALL-CENTRAL-V2015_Page_1-1.jpg',altText=''}}', 25='{type=number, value=0}', 26='{type=string, value=Facilities}', 27='{type=number, value=0}', 29='{type=number, value=9}'}

{id=119873200254, createdAt=1686598021184, updatedAt=1687271445652, path='facade-deviation-analysis', name='Facade Deviation Analysis', 1='{type=string, value=Facade Deviation Analysis}', 33='{type=number, value=1}', 34='{type=list, value=[{id=9, name='Precise Visual Technologies', order=3, label='Precise Visual Technologies'}]}', 4='{type=string, value=Utilizing 3D scanning and analysis technologies a holistic analysis of the exterior state of a building is performed. }', 5='{type=list, value=[{id=21, name='Technology', order=6, label='Technology'}]}', 37='{type=list, value=[{id=79, name='Data Visualization', order=30, label='Data Visualization'}]}', 8='{type=string, value=

Utilizing 3D scanning and analysis technologies a holistic analysis of the exterior state of a building is performed. After the high accuracy laser scan is performed and registered the analysis is conducted. This process colors the distance a facade is pulling away from a building, by a client specific increment. The deliverables for this are a plan sheet detailing all sides. Also a new 3D point cloud colored to match the plan sheets details that allows you to view the entire buildings results at once. 

Benefits:

• Find every deviation that might not be seen with the naked eye or level.
• Analyze if one building face is impacting another
• Data collection is done from the ground without lifts of ladders.
• Gives a better perception of the severity of the deviation throughout the building as a whole.
• Free 3D viewer is easy-to-use to view end result.
• Picture is worth 1000 words. It can be used for presentations, collaborative sessions, and reviews.

 

}', 40='{type=list, value=[{id=3, name='Facilities', order=1, label='Facilities'}]}', 25='{type=number, value=0}', 27='{type=number, value=0}', 13='{type=image, value=Image{width=1414,height=806,url='https://www.verdantas.com/hubfs/Projects/Facade-Deviation-Analysis.jpg',altText=''}}', 29='{type=number, value=11}'}

{id=61570585121, createdAt=1639074811182, updatedAt=1686597272095, path='st-vrain-diversion-replacement', name='St. Vrain Diversion Replacement', 1='{type=string, value=St. Vrain Diversion Structure Replacement}', 4='{type=string, value=When historic floods damaged the St. Vrain Diversion Structure, a design-build team was contracted to replace the hydraulic structures as quickly as possible. Read how Alden meet the aggressive schedule.}', 5='{type=list, value=[{id=19, name='Government', order=4, label='Government'}]}', 6='{type=list, value=[{id=1, name='Hydraulic Structures', order=0, label='Hydraulic Structures'}, {id=9, name='Water Conveyance', order=8, label='Water Conveyance'}, {id=15, name='Structural Design', order=14, label='Structural Design'}, {id=16, name='Structural Engineering', order=15, label='Structural Engineering'}]}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=9, name='Engineering', order=8, label='Engineering'}, {id=10, name='Construction Services', order=9, label='Construction Services'}]}', 8='{type=string, value=

The Highland Ditch Company services more than 40,000 acres of farmland. Its primary diversion infrastructure is located near Lyons, Colorado, along the St. Vrain River in Boulder County.

In September 2013, a five-day rainfall exceeded the annual average in Boulder County. The resulting flood destroyed Highland's diversion dam and headgate structure, which were built in 1870.

A design-build team was contracted to replace the hydraulic structures as quickly as possible so the system would be operational before spring runoff. The accelerated schedule was implemented so that water would be available for the 2014 irrigation season.

Alden's role included:

• Hydrologic analysis
• Hydraulic design
• Structural engineering
• Field inspections and engineering services during construction

The project design accommodated short lead times and readily available materials. Our team also developed rebar and steel shop drawings, which saved several weeks in the schedule.

The project features include:

• 350 cfs diversion structure with 5 headgates
• Sluice structure with 2 sluice gates
• 70’ long diversion dam, including a grout curtain below
• 60’ long trash rack
• More than 100’ of concrete retaining walls and wing walls
• Scour protection
• 800’ long trapezoidal channel

This project started only weeks after the historic flood event in September 2013.  Alden worked closely with the contractor to meet the aggressive schedule; construction was completed on February 5, 2014.

}', 13='{type=image, value=Image{width=976,height=781,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/St-Vrain/After-2013-Flooding.jpg',altText=''}}', 14='{type=string, value=After 2013 flooding}', 15='{type=image, value=Image{width=1430,height=1072,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/St-Vrain/After-2013-Flooding-debris.jpg',altText=''}}', 16='{type=string, value=After 2013 flooding}', 17='{type=image, value=Image{width=1430,height=1073,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/St-Vrain/Construction-of-replacement-structure-2.jpg',altText=''}}', 18='{type=string, value=Construction of replacement structure}', 19='{type=image, value=Image{width=948,height=799,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/St-Vrain/Construction-of-Replacement-Structure.jpg',altText=''}}', 20='{type=string, value=Construction of replacement structure}', 21='{type=image, value=Image{width=1182,height=500,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/St-Vrain/hydraulic-structures.jpg',altText=''}}', 22='{type=string, value=After new construction}', 25='{type=number, value=0}', 27='{type=number, value=1}', 28='{type=number, value=1626695165000}', 29='{type=number, value=120}', 30='{type=string, value=

What does an accelerated timeline look like?

• September 12 - 15, 2013: Peak of flooding; St. Vrain diversion structures fail
• September 17, 2013: Engineering team, contractor, and owner meet at the site; design begins
• October 5, 2013: Contractor begins reconstruction of the canal
• October 30, 2013: First concrete placement for the new diversion structure
• December 15, 2013: St. Vrain Creek is first diverted to Highland Ditch
• February 5, 2014: Construction completed

}', 33='{type=number, value=0}', 34='{type=list, value=[{id=10, name='Civil Infrastructure', order=4, label='Civil Infrastructure'}]}', 39='{type=string, value=st-vrain-diversion-replacement}', 40='{type=list, value=[{id=2, name='Infrastructure', order=0, label='Infrastructure'}]}'}

{id=61570585132, createdAt=1639074811206, updatedAt=1686597293314, path='mathis-dam-spillway', name='Mathis Dam Spillway', 1='{type=string, value=Mathis Dam Spillway}', 33='{type=number, value=1}', 34='{type=list, value=[{id=10, name='Civil Infrastructure', order=4, label='Civil Infrastructure'}]}', 4='{type=string, value=The Mathis Dam spillway project highlights Alden's integrated hydraulic and structural engineering services.}', 5='{type=list, value=[{id=15, name='Energy', order=0, label='Energy'}, {id=18, name='Water', order=3, label='Water'}]}', 37='{type=list, value=[{id=85, name='Structural Design', order=36, label='Structural Design'}, {id=102, name='Hydropower Field Services', order=53, label='Hydropower Field Services'}]}', 6='{type=list, value=[{id=2, name='Spillways', order=1, label='Spillways'}, {id=8, name='Hydro', order=7, label='Hydro'}, {id=15, name='Structural Design', order=14, label='Structural Design'}, {id=16, name='Structural Engineering', order=15, label='Structural Engineering'}, {id=30, name='Hydropower', order=29, label='Hydropower'}]}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=1, name='Physical Modeling', order=0, label='Physical Modeling'}, {id=2, name='Numerical Modeling', order=1, label='Numerical Modeling'}]}', 39='{type=string, value=mathis-dam-spillway}', 8='{type=string, value=

The Mathis Dam Spillway project highlights Alden’s integrated hydraulic and structural engineering services in which there was close collaboration between hydraulic modeling, hydraulic design, and structural design experts.

Alden used numerical modeling and physical modeling to evaluate the discharge capacity and pressure distribution on the surface of the Mathis Dam spillway, and as a result, Alden developed a spillway shape modification that eliminated the negative pressures on the spillway. These spillway modifications were designed and detailed and approved by FERC in May 2018.

Project Summary

• Mathis Dam is an Ambursen-style dam built in 1915, using a slab-and-buttress type construction. It's Existing spillway does not follow an Ogee profile. As a result, there were concerns with negative pressures on the spillway face and the peak reservoir stage during the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF).
• Alden used numerical modeling to assess potential changes in the spillway capacity and reservoir levels resulting from spillway gate replacement. Numerical modeling showed that surface pressures were low enough to lift the spillway slabs and adversely affect spillway performance.
• Based on the results of the numerical modeling, a 1:15 physical model was constructed. The physical model was used to confirm negative pressure results and to develop modifications (ventilation step) to eliminate the negative pressures.
• Alden provided structural design, plans, and documentation for the spillway modifications. The design was submitted to FERC and approved with no comments.
• Construction for the spillway modifications is scheduled for fall 2019

}', 40='{type=list, value=[{id=2, name='Infrastructure', order=0, label='Infrastructure'}]}', 13='{type=image, value=Image{width=982,height=652,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Mathis-Dam-Spillway/mathis-dam-construction-style.jpg',altText=''}}', 14='{type=string, value=Negative pressures during the probable maximum flood (PMF) were concerns of this Ambursen-style dam constructed in 1915.}', 15='{type=image, value=Image{width=1050,height=578,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Mathis-Dam-Spillway/mathis-dam-spillway-cfd-modeling.jpg',altText=''}}', 16='{type=string, value=Numerical modeling showed negative pressures were adversely affecting spillway performance.}', 17='{type=image, value=Image{width=1772,height=987,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Mathis-Dam-Spillway/mathis-dam-physical-hydraulic-model.jpg',altText=''}}', 18='{type=string, value=A 1:15 scale physical model was constructed to confirm and develop modifications to eliminate negative pressures.}', 19='{type=image, value=Image{width=1071,height=799,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Mathis-Dam-Spillway/mathis-dam-spillway-modification-details.jpg',altText=''}}', 20='{type=string, value=Alden provided structural design, plans, and documentation for the spillway modifications.}', 25='{type=number, value=0}', 27='{type=number, value=1}', 28='{type=number, value=0}', 29='{type=number, value=250}'}

{id=61570585149, createdAt=1639074811244, updatedAt=1686597298913, path='poudre-river-drop-structure', name='Poudre River Drop Structure Replacement', 1='{type=string, value=Poudre River Drop Structure Replacement }', 4='{type=string, value=Alden provided structural and hydraulic engineering and CFD modeling to replace the Poudre River drop structure with a stepped spillway and stilling basin.}', 5='{type=list, value=[{id=18, name='Water', order=3, label='Water'}]}', 6='{type=list, value=[{id=1, name='Hydraulic Structures', order=0, label='Hydraulic Structures'}, {id=9, name='Water Conveyance', order=8, label='Water Conveyance'}, {id=16, name='Structural Engineering', order=15, label='Structural Engineering'}, {id=25, name='Hydraulic Modeling', order=24, label='Hydraulic Modeling'}, {id=32, name='Irrigation', order=31, label='Irrigation'}]}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=2, name='Numerical Modeling', order=1, label='Numerical Modeling'}, {id=4, name='Design', order=3, label='Design'}, {id=10, name='Construction Services', order=9, label='Construction Services'}, {id=13, name='Hydraulic Engineering and Design', order=12, label='Hydraulic Engineering and Design'}, {id=14, name='Structural Engineering and Design', order=13, label='Structural Engineering and Design'}]}', 8='{type=string, value=

Alden was retained by the Northern Water Conservancy District (Northern Water) for the Hansen Supply Canal Poudre River Drop Structure Replacement Project. Alden was the prime consultant for the Project and provided complete structural and hydraulic engineering services, including hydraulic modeling for the design of the replacement drop structure and overall site improvements. The new structure included a stepped spillway, stilling basin, and retaining walls.

Alden performed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of the existing structure and the proposed structure. The new structure is designed for a peak discharge of 1,500 cfs. Alden also performed 3D finite element modeling for the structural design. Alden collaborated with Northern Water staff to identify maintenance needs and preferences for the new structure. The stilling basin includes an access bridge, jib cranes, and stoplogs to isolate the structure for future maintenance and inspections. The existing site featured extremely steep slopes at 1V:1H with poor surface drainage. The final grading established stable slopes and improved surface drainage to keep water away from the new structure.

Details of the project included:

• Concrete structure demolition, removal, and repair
• New concrete stepped spillway, concrete stilling basin, and concrete retaining walls
• Foot bridge with access stairs
• Subsurface drain system and surface drainage improvements
• Temporary construction cofferdam and dewatering
• Site grading and access road
• Trapezoidal channel restoration and riprap sizing

The project also required coordination regarding the environmental impacts to the Preble's mouse habitat and an adjacent eagle's nest. Design was completed in July 2019. Construction was completed in March 2020 with the first water flowing through the structure on April 1, 2020. 

}', 13='{type=image, value=Image{width=1200,height=675,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Poudre-River-Drop-Structure/Poudre-New-Construction-Structure-After-2.jpeg',altText=''}}', 14='{type=string, value=The newly constructed Poudre River Drop Structure along the Hansen Supply Canal}', 15='{type=image, value=Image{width=1200,height=675,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Poudre-River-Drop-Structure/site-improvements-for-new-drop-structure-poudre-river-structure-project.jpg',altText=''}}', 16='{type=string, value=Site improvements for the new Poudre River Drop Structure Project}', 17='{type=image, value=Image{width=3420,height=1869,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Poudre-River-Drop-Structure/Poudre-Existing-Structure-Before.jpg',altText=''}}', 18='{type=string, value=The original Poudre River Drop Structure}', 19='{type=image, value=Image{width=720,height=487,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Poudre-River-Drop-Structure/Poudre-Original-Structure-and-Site-Prior-New-Construction.jpg',altText=''}}', 20='{type=string, value=The existing site featured extremely steep slopes with poor surface drainage}', 21='{type=image, value=Image{width=1200,height=675,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Poudre-River-Drop-Structure/Poudre-River-Drop-Structure-CFD-Modeling.jpg',altText=''}}', 22='{type=string, value=Alden performed CFD modeling of the existing and proposed structures}', 23='{type=image, value=Image{width=840,height=473,url='https://20952198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20952198/PROJECTS/ALDEN/Poudre-River-Drop-Structure/Concrete-Placement-During-Periodic-Inspection-Visits-Poudre-River-Drop-Structure.jpg',altText=''}}', 24='{type=string, value=In addition to preparing design drawings and technical specifications, Alden also provided engineering services during construction}', 25='{type=number, value=0}', 27='{type=number, value=1}', 28='{type=number, value=0}', 29='{type=number, value=9}', 30='{type=string, value=

2020 H2O Project Award

• Design Team – Alden and geotechnical subconsultant, Lithos Engineering
• Client – Northern Water 
• Contractor - Zak Dirt

 

}', 33='{type=number, value=1}', 34='{type=list, value=[{id=10, name='Civil Infrastructure', order=4, label='Civil Infrastructure'}]}', 37='{type=list, value=[{id=85, name='Structural Design', order=36, label='Structural Design'}, {id=96, name='Hydraulic Structure Engineering Design', order=47, label='Hydraulic Structure Engineering Design'}]}', 39='{type=string, value=poudre-river-drop-structure}', 40='{type=list, value=[{id=2, name='Infrastructure', order=0, label='Infrastructure'}]}'}