PCG

Water Main Replacement Project - City of Benicia, CA

As part of its capital improvement program, the City of Benicia (City) identified approximately 3,610 linear feet of water main in need of replacement due to inadequate capacity, deterioration, and inaccessible locations. Most of the existing 4-inch and 6-inch water mains experienced multiple leaks and failures.

The City contracted Pakpour Consulting Group to develop design plans and provide construction support for the replacement of these water mains. The final design involved upsizing the water mains to 8, 10, and 12-inch PVC C-900 pipe, greatly improving reliability, fire protection, and circulation.

The City of Benicia is one of the oldest cities in the Bay Area and served as the State Capital between 1853 and 1854. Due to the historic nature of the City, Pakpour Consulting Group conducted extensive research on the existing utilities in the arsenal and historic downtown area as most are over 100 years old. Pakpour Consulting Group also completed a thorough geotechnical investigation to identify any potential hazardous materials within the project sites, especially the arsenal area, known to have been a military base years ago.

The City also prides itself in ensuring its residents are adequately informed of public works projects and minimizing disruptions to their daily lives. This project was literally at the front door steps of City Hall, resident homes, businesses and schools. Pakpour Consulting Group assisted the City in a public outreach program including public hearings during the design phase to determine the impact on the surrounding community. The design team incorporated community concerns into the project specifications.

The project also included abandoning a 10-inch water main passing underneath the City’s Police Department by injecting a slurry mixture into the pipe to ensure all voids were filled to prevent collapse and potential damage to the building above.