Quality Control Management for ORD Watermain Installation
OWNER: City of Chicago / Department of Aviation
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: Turner Paschen Aviation Partners
CLIENT: Reyes Group
PROJECT: TP-35 E/W Watermain
LOCATION: ORD Chicago, IL
CONSTRUCTION START: April 2024
COMPLETION: September 2024
Autumn Construction Services is honored to provide quality control management services to the Reyes Group for this prestigious project.
The scope of the project includes the installation of approximately 800 linear feet of a 12-inch water main, forming a distribution network for the new water system. The project is scheduled to be completed within 90 days following the closure of Taxiway K. Current progress suggests that the project is on track and may even be completed ahead of schedule.
The water main runs in a north-south direction, with its southern end connecting to the proposed 20-inch water main, pending approval by the City of Chicago. The northern end is temporarily capped with a hydrant and will later be connected to the 12-inch water main by another crew. The project also involves trench excavation for utility boring and jacking operations to install 36-inch casing pipes beneath the taxiways, covering approximately 600 linear feet. The Red Ants team successfully completed this phase, maintaining the required level and grade throughout. The process involved pushing the casing pipe from the north side to the receiving pit and then from the south side to the receiving pit (trenchless). The water main was then installed within the casing using a push-and-pull mechanism.
Cathodic protection measures were effectively implemented to protect the water main against corrosion, ensuring its durability. The water main underwent rigorous testing for leaks at the specified working pressure. The Reyes Group team ensured that all connections and valves were properly sealed and inspected before operation. The project adhered strictly to the specified standards and safety protocols.
The crew effectively maintained the water main’s level and grade despite various challenges. The project encountered disruptions due to obstacles such as rocks, concrete banks, and the need to cross fuel lines, as well as CECO, FAA, and CED lines, all without disrupting airport operations or exceeding TOFA line restrictions. Despite these challenges, the crew remains on track to complete the project. The final phase, which involves topsoil application and seeding, is currently in progress.