1 Page Write-up for Geotechnical Deliverables

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

Donovan and Associates is a qualified engineering organization that aims at providing the City of Escondido for the design and construction of a pure water pipeline. Donovan and Associates pride itself on being involved in the provision of sustainable solutions for infrastructure improvements and developments. It provides the most efficient, and cost-effective services towards the achievement of national development.

The new proposed water pipe will be located at Washington Avenue and Spruce Street. The project will provide high-quality water and also provide a safe and comfortable passage that will allow easy mobility of pedestrians and cyclists. The water pipeline will provide large volumes of water that will by far facilitate irrigation by local farmers.

Background

The Donovan and Associates are aiming at providing a water pipe that can supply high-quality water that will help in irrigation. It is also aimed at effectively providing the water with the least reparations and the least number of trips during the construction period. The project also ensures that the methods used will not have adverse effects such as earthquake worsening traffic conditions during its construction. The project looks at two options between which the pedestrian bridge option was chosen since it had more advantages and fewer effects.

Project Purpose

The construction of the water pipeline has been assigned to the Donovan and Associates to work on-site development using the pedestrian’s bridge option. The bridge will be constructed parallel with existing structures North of Washington avenue hence providing a corridor that is safe for pedestrians to utilize. The project will have no future, long-term, or short-term implications on transportation. The company will provide detailed drawings, documentation, and plans about the work breakdown schedule and milestone of the project. A project appraisal will be done on transportation to determine the impact the bridge will have on traffic. Donovan and Associates will determine the need for traffic signals. The project will put into consideration the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Drainage studies will also be put into considerations to determine and provide recommendations to runoff water, and storm-water reuse. Studies on the impact of the project on sewer drainage will be conducted and recommendations made on offsite improvements. The geotechnical study will be tasked with the responsibility of conducting studies on soil characteristics and behavior to determine soil performance and any soil mitigation needed. Studies on the drainage, strength, and pressure of soil will help in deciding the foundation design to be implemented. Site phasing, scheduling, and site logistics will also be provided. A detailed project estimation cost including labor cost and materials cost will be provided.

Findings

The thorough research done on the project showed that during the period of construction the vehicles being used will not in any way collide with peak hours. It also shows that the use of the jack and bore method would require deep excavations which will make the repair of pipes difficult. The jack and bore method have a low risk of earthquake damage. Research also shows that pedestrians in the local area would benefit so much from a bridge that has safety corridors. It was also found out that building a bridge would be safe due to the good base for a foundation provided by the granite rock.

Design Selected

The Pedestrian Bridge Option will involve the construction of a pedestrian bridge. The bridge will run parallel with existing structures and will aim at providing a safe corridor for pedestrians using the North sidewalk of the Avenue. The construction will be estimated to take a period of 30 days. The pedestrian bridge will be beneficial because of the soil underlain by granite rock is suitable for the foundation.

Project Implementation

The construction schedule of the bridge will take approximately 4-5 months. The construction of the pedestrian bridge will be significantly cheaper than Jack and Bore alternative. The main construction materials to be used will be concrete and steel. The pipe will be supported by the deck via saddles. Various load cases including seismic and wind load will be considered during construction.

Project Significance

The project will provide a link that will increase the supply of water by a large percentage. This will avail enough water which can be used for irrigation. It will also save on funds because at one point in time building a bridge would have proven necessary. The project also enforces pedestrian safety and offers a cycling lane. It also puts the public’s safety into consideration by using methods that have no adverse effects such as earthquakes.

Recommendations

Transportation

During construction, no extra trip will be made and the bridge has no short- or long-term implications. The bridge provides a safe corridor for pedestrians.

Geotechnical

The bridge should be on a granite rock layer since it provides a strong foundation that will not cause soil disturbance.

Structural

The main components of the bridge are steel and concrete. Steel pipes are very durable and may not need constant repairs.

Construction

The construction of a bridge is much cheaper and will take less amount of time. It also gives pedestrians right of way.

Conclusion

Donavan and associates choose the construction of a bridge with a pipe running along the span of the bridge based on the following recommendations:

i. Transportation – it provides a safety corridor for pedestrians.

ii. Structural – the bridge has a simple design and are prefabricated.

iii. Geotechnical – granite rock provides a strong foundation for the bridge to be built on.

iv. Construction – the construction is cheap and will take a considerable amount of time.