Miller Road Substation, Garland, TX*
*Personal Experience of Mr. Jamie Craig, VP of Substation Construction at Previous Firm
Description of Project: Installation and Construction of a new 138kV substation – (4) four 138kV circuit breakers, (17) seventeen 138kV air break switches, (9) nine voltage transformers, control building, metal clad switchgear, CCVT’s, all associated steel, bus work, conduit, ground grid, Trenwa, overhead lighting, etc.
Additional Service performed: Project also included the installation of a decorative brick privacy wall, the removal of existing privacy wall, grading and site work for complete site to include an expansion. Landscaping and irrigation was also installed once the station was complete. Role for this Project
Complexities: Working with and managing several contractors on the site caused several delays and challenges. All foundations were installed with belled auger bottoms.
Success: Station was completed on schedule.
Challenges: Installing belled auger foundations caused additional delays that needed to be made-up in other areas of the stations. Due to the over excavation needed for the installation of the brick privacy wall additional/extra grading was required at the end of the project.
Lessons Learned: Prior placement and disposal of spoils as they are taken from the excavation areas will save time at the end of the project. Ensure that you have proper action plan in place for any subcontractors performing major work inside a substation.
Subcontractors: Drilling “Only” Subcontractor – used because of belled augers, Grading Contractor – major site work and grading, Wall Subcontractor – for decorative brick privacy wall, landscaping and irrigations – grading and wall subcontractors used because of type of work being performed - considered to be specialty construction.
