The Expanding Capabilities of Microtunneling Demonstrated in Washington DC

摘要

DC Water is improving water quality in Washington DC by replacing aging pipelines. The Oregon Avenue NW Sewer Rehabilitation project was constructed by Bradshaw Construction to replace and improve sewers in Rock Creek Park and Bingham Drive. Of the project's 4,300 feet of new 24" sewer, 2,700 feet was installed by microtunneling through the variable rock conditions at up to 90' deep. Work areas were particularly challenging as the project was located between a quiet, residential neighborhood and Rock Creek Park. Access had to be maintained for residents, emergency services and visitors to the National Park. To minimize public impact, Bradshaw reduced the seven designed tunnels to three including a single 1,860' drive and a 430' S-curve with a 625 foot radius. Both drives represented extremes for rock microtunneling the in United States for both length and the curved alignment, respectively. The collaboration and flexibility of the Oregon Avenue team allowed the project to show how far we can push the push the capabilities of microtunneling.