Hydraulic Network Analysis - Housing Authority, Hammond, IN

The Hammond Housing Authority was experiencing an unacceptable number of main breaks in their water system at the Columbia Center in Hammond, Indiana. The site has more than 400 apartments, and the main breaks were proving to be a major inconvenience.

The Housing Authority called in NIES Engineering, Inc. to analyze the problem, and provide a cost-effective solution. We analyzed specimens of pipe and soil, taken from a previous breakage, in conjunction with the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Institute (DIPRA). The results of our analysis indicated that the pipe had corroded due to a combination of aggressive soil, and duration of service.

NIES Engineering then conducted a Hydraulic Network Analysis to establish the most suitable water main replacement strategy. Based on our recommendations, the existing 19,000 feet of cast iron 3", 4" and 6" water main was then replaced with less than 10,000 feet of new 8" ductile iron water main.

NIES Engineering was responsible for the design and construction services for this federally funded improvement project. The improvements afforded greater fire flow capacity, and system pressures. The underground meter vault was replaced with an above ground meter building, which avoided confined space issues.

The Columbia Center now enjoys break free winters, as well as the year round assurance of superior fire flow capacity.

Key Points

• Diagnose Problems
• Computer Modeling
• Efficient Improvements

Hydraulic Network Analysis Various Clients

NIES Engineering, inc. has comprehensive hydraulic network analysis (HNA) experience, extending from small 200 resident developments through full multiple city models. NIES Engineering maintains the HNA model of the City of Hammond Water System for the Hammond Water Department. The model contains nearly 2,000 pipes, and more than 1,500 junction nodes, three elevated tanks and five high service pumps. Proposed improvements can be investigated, and actual changes made are added as an on-going process. The model has been particularly effective in assessing the system's ability to accommodate additional customers. Following a set of successful scenarios modeling Griffith as an additional Hammond customer, the adjoining community is in the process of being supplied by the Hammond Water Department. Also in Hammond, Indiana, the Hammond Housing Authority has benefited from an HNA study conducted by NIES Engineering. The site has over 400 apartments, and multiple main breaks caused by ageing corroded water main were proving to be a major inconvenience. The Housing Authority called in NIES Engineering, Inc. to analyze the problem, and provide a cost-effective solution. We then conducted a Hydraulic Network Analysis to establish the most suitable water main replacement strategy. Based on our recommendations, the existing 19,000 feet of cast iron 3", 4" and 6" water main was then replaced with less than 10,000 feet of new 8" ductile iron water main. The improvements afforded greater fire flow capacity, and system pressures. New Buffalo, Michigan benefited from an HNA study by NIES Engineering that recommended system improvements and helped to size and locate a new elevated tank. In addition, the model was used to examine the effects of a proposed casino on the water system, and ensure that the short and long term effects were fully understood before the project commenced. As a result, funding was requested from the casino to pay for plant and system improvements prior to the commencement of construction and water service. HNA modeling for the LaPorte Water Department in LaPorte, Indiana helped us to correctly size and locate a new elevated tank. Following the successful completion of this project, the model was again used to size new high service pumps at both treatment plants, as part of a major Water Improvement Project. Accurate modeling ensured that the new pumps are well matched against typical demands, and the new motors are more efficient providing significant power savings. Whether you need to resolve distribution system problems, plan for future demands, or introduce new components to your system, NIES Engineering, Inc. has the Hydraulic Network Analysis experience to guide your project to a successful conclusion.

Scenario Modeling, Disaster Planning, New Customers

Isolation Valve Modifications - Hammond, IN

The Hammond Water Filtration Plant produces potable water for the residents of Hammond as well as a number of wholesale customer communities. Emergency conditions, such as the formation of frazil ice at their intakes, demand that Hammond limit flow to the wholesale customer communities. The arduous task of shutting nine remote valves proved too time consuming during an emergency.

NIES Engineering designed improvements which now allow remote operation of these valves from the Filtration Plant, saving valuable time and resources during an emergency. An existing SCADA system was modified to monitor and control these operations.

In designing these modifications, the City of Hammond and NIES Engineering kept the best interest of the customer communities in mind as well. When limiting flow to other communities, Hammond needed to ensure the process would not place those communities in dangerous situations either. To ensure this, NIES Engineering designed the SCADA modifications to monitor water storage levels of the wholesale customer communities.

Now, Hammond can make informed decisions and respond quickly to their emergencies and the needs of their customers. Shortly after its completion, the Isolation Valve Modifications were put to the test; Hammond experienced a formation of frazil ice in their Lake Michigan water intakes. Water Department personnel were able to react quickly. Closing the isolation valves, a task that previously required several hours, took only minutes. The valuable time saved allowed Water Department personnel to focus their efforts on bringing the filtration plant back on line without allowing their elevated tanks to drop to dangerously low levels.

Monon Bike Trail - City of Hammond, IN

The Monon Bike Trail is located on the west side of the City of Hammond, east of Hohman Avenue stretching from the Little Calumet River on the south to Douglas Street on the north, a distance of just under 3 miles.

There were many issues to get resolved with this project including but not limited to available Right of Way, drainage, clear zones, existing railroad crossings, and coordination with Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) also known as the Southshore Railway Line, which could be sharing the narrow right of way with a future rail line.

NIES Engineering coordinated the design of the bike trail with, Hammond Engineering, Hammond Parks Department, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), South Shore Trails, The Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society, and the CSX Railroad. NIES Engineering was awarded the design of the Bike Trail on December 15, 2011. The trail was designed, bid and constructed in time to be used for a portion of the first ever WHAM! Whiting-Hammond After Midnight Ride, held on August 4, 2012, which NIES participated in.

Phase 2 of this project will connect the Hammond Trail with the Munster Trail with a bridge over the Little Calumet River which the design was awarded to NIES Engineering on November 29, 2012, this portion of the project is anticipated to be designed and constructed by the fall of 2013. NIES is delighted to have been involved in the area's ambitious and enviable bike path program.

Key Points

• Fast Track Design & Construction
• Railroad Coordination
• Drainage Improvements
• Right-of-way Research