Page 19 - College Planning & Management, June 2017

ranked, the most successful colleges then develop a program to al- locate funds to tackle infrastructure improvements in chunks over time. This approach ensures greater efficiency and is more realistic given the limited funds available.
The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, is a great example of a school that has developed an industry-leading in- frastructure maintenance program. The college, founded in 1693, has distinct areas on its campus that vary significantly in age. For example, some campus water and sewer lines were installed in the 1920s. Almost a century later, there are a number of maintenance and repair needs. Fortunately, the school continues to collect de- tailed information about its campus infrastructure. The annual maintenance plan also includes upgraded lining and capturing video of pipes when repairs take place.
TRENCHLESS TECH TACKLES INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS
Collecting the vital details about campus infrastructure and creating a plan are the most critical aspects of addressing aging campus infrastructure. When a college or university undertakes the projects outlined in its plan, there also are a number of tools to help address the infrastructure directly. Two stand out, although any specific technology’s applicability will depend on the type of utility and defect involved.
Directional Drilling. Based on an established practice from the oil and natural gas industries, directional drilling is now used as a less invasive approach for the installation and repair of underground utilities. This technology gives an operator full control of the drill by allowing it to be navigated to avoid impacts to above-ground features, reducing the need for major digging efforts and costly open trench ex- cavation. Directional drilling is an especially cost-effective approach to replace utilities, such as small water lines and IT cabling.
Pipe Liners. Another tool that has proven highly effective and is often a cheaper alternative to digging and replacing sanitary sewer lines are lining systems, such as fold and form or cured in place. These systems consist of a felt liner saturated with resin that, once in the pipe, hardens to form a rigid liner, which will reduce infiltra- tion and protect against root intrusion by eliminating joints in the pipe without having to replace the pipe by open cut excavation.
BENEFITS OF THESE TOOLS
Despite the overwhelming need for infrastructure repairs on many campuses, new technology and tools are making the process more accurate and cost effective.
These new approaches also bring with them many important benefits. These tools facilitate a safe working environment because you have accurate information in a central location. The increased accuracy reduces the risk of error in repairing existing utilities or new construction projects. These tools allow a facilities team and external firms to work faster as well. What could have taken hours
using a paper system, takes minutes when digitized.
For example, with RFID marker balls you will already have specific details on the exact location of utilities and other infra- structure. You don’t have to look through old files and hope that pen-and-paper plans are correct. Finally, the potential for cost sav- ings cannot be overlooked either. These savings range from reduced water bills to lower construction cost compared to replacing that infrastructure. The savings can be substantial and offer yet another
reason to address infrastructure and underground utility needs. Although underground infrastructure remains unseen, it should be a priority for colleges and universities. Fortunately, new technology and tools make infrastructure maintenance more fea-
sible and deliver significant long-term savings. CPM
Glenn H. Telfer, PE, LEED-AP, is the development and technical leader for Sustainable Design at Draper Aden Associates, an engi- neering and environmental services firm based in the Mid-Atlantic. He can be contacted at gtelfer@daa.com. Jeff Nelson is a senior associate and leads the firm’s Educational and Institutional prac- tices. He can be contacted at jnelson@daa.com.
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