Structural

KIT provide engineering services for the rehabilitation and replacement of 40 surface aerators at the 180-MGD wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The original five aeration basin reactors were designed for a pure oxygen system using surface aerators to both mix the reactor contents and introduce oxygen or air into the process. The pure oxygen system has been abandoned and air blowers are now used to create a positive air pressure in the reactor head space. The reliability and efficiency of the existing surface aerators has declined and continuous mechanical failures limit the effectiveness of the system.
KIT evaluated alternatives to rehabilitate or replace the existing surface aerators and provided final design services to replace all 40 surface aerators. In addition, KIT evaluated the existing process treatment, with staggered low and high horsepower aerators in each train and recommended an alternate design with higher horsepower aerators at the head of the treatment process tapering to lower horsepower aerators at the end.
Other KIT design work associated with the project included the design of an elevated concrete platform, with canopy cover, for the flood protection of new blowers. KIT also rehabilitated the Motor Control Center (MCC) building serving the influent headworks building and the 40 surface aerators. The improvements included raising the MCC interior floors and exterior access doors while maintaining the existing structural façade and foundation.

Client: Klotz Associates, Inc.

Location: Houston, Texas

The general scope of services for this project is to design the structural foundation using Caisson type of foundation design, coordination with geotechnical engineer, prepare construction drawings specifications, and the project manual .The project also includes preparation of construction cost estimates for every submittal, construction phase submittal reviews, review of dewatering methods adopted by the contractor, request for information reviews, and providing responses. The project involves the design of a 48 feet diameter and 54 feet deep lift station, 12 feet diameter manhole structure to accommodate a 72-inch sewer and other ancillary structures.
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Client: Toshiba International Corporation

Location: Houston, Texas

KIT personnel performed field visits to visually inspect and evaluate causes for the development and failures that may have occurred in the asphalt roof shingles due to wear and tear and aging. Investigated ponding areas on roof which impacted the insulation underneath and affected corrosion of structural members.

KIT Personnel performed visual inspection of the gutter and downspout members for corrosion and determined the structural adequacy of connection strength. KIT engineers prepared and assisted in selecting the best possible remedial measures to repair the cracks that had formed.
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Clients: Ratnala & Bahl Inc. / Alliance Engineering / Kinder Morgan Energy (Sub-Consultant)

Location: Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska

KIT designed foundations for pre-engineered steel buildings, heavy compressor/ turbine foundations, equipment foundations and pipe anchors and pipe supports for gas compressor stations at Meeker, Cheyenne, and Julesburg, Colorado; Wamsutter, Lost Creek, and Echo Springs, Wyoming; Steele City, Nebraska; and Turney-Missouri for Kinder Morgan Energy’s 1,663 mile long Rockies Express Natural Gas Pipeline. The building foundations designed included spread footings and drilled pier foundations. The heavy compressor/ turbine foundations were designed to operate safely with minimal vibrations under operating speeds of 15,000 RPM. Foundations were designed for other equipment like air-intake stacks, exhaust silencers, coolers, storage tanks, unit blow down silencers, emergency generators and miscellaneous items like cable tray supports and floodlight poles. Pipe support foundations were designed for gas pipe diameters ranging from 6 to 30-inches. Structural steel support structure and foundations were designed for 30-inch diameter pipe anchors subjected to maximum lateral load of 90Kips.
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