Relocating a 54-Inch Diameter Force Main without Interrupting Wastewater Flow

Metcalf, Ralph L.; Walsh, Terry L.; Hodge, David S.; ,

Relocating a 54-Inch Diameter Force Main without Interrupting Wastewater Flow

by Ralph L. Metcalf, II, Dep of Sanitary Sewers, Tampa, United States,
Terry L. Walsh, Dep of Sanitary Sewers, Tampa, United States,
David S. Hodge, Dep of Sanitary Sewers, Tampa, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Pipeline Infrastructure II

Abstract:

The City of Tampa, Florida, was faced with the challenge of relocating three segments of an old 1372 mm (54-in.) diameter reinforced concrete pipe force main, totaling nearly a mile in length in the downtown area, without interrupting wastewater flow. The relocations were required to accommodate the construction of a new convention center, a bridge, a hotel and a dry dock facility. A number of special considerations had to be addressed to facilitate successful completion of the project. The paramount problem of maintaining continuous wastewater flow in the force main while relocating it was accomplished by employing the largest line-stopping operation ever performed on a reinforced concrete pressure pipe. New segments of relocated force main were constructed in advance of the line-stopping and joined to the old main through 'hot' tapped connections. Relocation of a subaqueous portion of the existing force main was accomplished by suspending the replacement main from the new bridge. Round-the-clock work, coupled with close coordination of pumping station operations, expedited the successful plugging of the existing main. Complete transfer of all wastewater flow was made to the relocated pipeline segments without service disruption.

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