Golden Ear Pipe Installation

ORCC performed steel pipe installation as a subcontractor to the prime on this project. Specialized crews were required to assist with the 900 mm diameter steel pipe installed through an 1,800 mm casing pipe beneath Harris Road. The excavation was required of up to 7.5 m in depth crossing and active roadway in Vancouver with a dual 900 mm and 4500 mm trunk sewer. Work required the crossing of several high value utilities and required complicated shoring systems comprised of slide rail cages, beam and timbers and sheet piling. The work was performed with geotechnical reports and excavations was treated as confined spaces. Landing and welding the 900 mm steel pipes were also required within a sheet pile cell. Filter fabric and clear crush material were used to establish the necessary support beneath the pipe. To complete the project, crews backfilled the pipe, incorporating proper sand bedding and compacting the sides to prevent ovality. Crews worked closely with geotechnical personnel to properly install the compacted base.
Work was performed in and around active water courses and there were no incidents. This was achieved by maintaining worker awareness, daily checks, orientations and planning activities to avoid access routes that may affect water courses. Additional excavation below the pipe subgrade was required due to a work site that was in a floodplain and below sea level. Ground conditions were poor and continuous dewatering during excavation was necessary and achieved through localized sump pumping within the sheet pile cell. Attention was paid to ensure surface water was directed away from the site and prevent spilling back into the excavation, potentially compromising the subgrade. Crews used cable pulling systems to pull two-900 mm diameter steel pipes through a casing previously installed. Our team used specialized personnel to get the work completed and was able to effectively respond to issues along the way.