In January 2003, Underground Construction Co., Inc. began the two-mile trek
to connect the new sorting hub for DHL Worldwide Express [DHL] to the fuel
supply line at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. DHL
is currently located on the north side of the airport and just recently
began the move to its new central hub to the south side. At the job's inception,
we encountered many weather related problems such as frozen soil and weld
pre-heating. In fact we were unable to bury any pipe until the first week
in March!
Overall, there were 9800 ft of 14" steel pipe, two hydrant pits,
two surge suppression pits, two isolation valve pits and numerous high point
vents and low point drains to be installed. Also involved in this work were
two 36" bores beneath two separate taxiways and the construction of
a three-bay truck loading facility. Our tie-in to the existing system occurred
in a 15' x 15' vault where we installed remote actuated valves, connection
piping and a working platform. We have been working closely with airport
personnel in order to assure the work is done both safely and promptly.
This project has involved a fairly large labor force (20 - 25 employees)
managed by Superintendent Joe Kovacich and Foreman Greg McNeilly. The bulk
of our work has involved trenching through extremely rocky soil. It's been
a battle at times, but we have been able to continue forward. Using their
"mountain west" ingenuity and creativity, Joe and Greg have been
quite successful at keeping safety first, productions high and costs low.
Tim Richards drew the challenge of managing this project and has kept
the boat afloat and the owner smiling! Shawn Murphy has been assisting him
in the engineer's role since mid-March.
During our course here, we have acquired an additional project. We have
teamed with Robert & Company based in Atlanta, Georgia, to provide a
"design/build" movable glycol system for the new DHL facility.
The design portion is 100% complete and construction began on the civil
portion in early May 2003. This project is anticipated to complete late
August 2003.
All in all, the project is progressing well. We look forward to a clean
flush and an excellent final product for the owner. | 