Bechtel Equipment Operations won the award for safe performance of critical lifts during the installation of four 46-foot tall water-feed circulation pumps weighing 84,700 pounds apiece. The lifts were achieved despite unfavorable site conditions including low allowable ground pressure, underground chambers, and a manhole that required continuous access for the existing plant operation. At the same time, Wisconsin was facing its second worst winter in history, with more than 100 inches of snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures, and cold winds blowing in from Lake Michigan.
The Bechtel team looked at two conventional approaches to lifting, both of which had an impact on the cost and schedule of the project. The team then developed a third option by using innovative solutions to a number of complex engineering, construction and cost challenges. All four pumps were installed safely between December 2007 and March 2008.
“This is a great success for the Bechtel team,” said Jim Betts, site manager. “At Bechtel, we pride ourselves in having an unwavering approach to safety, which helps ensure that every single one of us goes home safely. I am honored that SC&RA recognized our efforts and technical capability.”
Bechtel has a turnkey contract with Elm Road Services LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy Corp, to build a two-unit, 1,230-megawatt supercritical coal-fired power plant in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on the western shore of Lake Michigan. Bechtel is performing engineering, procurement, construction and startup of new boilers, steam turbines, air quality control systems, new coal-handling facilities, a coal storage building, water treatment facilities, a deep-rock water intake tunnel under Lake Michigan, and a new cooling system to supply both the existing power facility and the new power units. The project includes 12 miles of railroad, 9,200 feet of deep-rock tunnel, and 6 million cubic yards of earthworks, as well as state-of-the-art air and water pollution systems.
SC&RA is an international trade association of nearly 1,300 member companies from 43 nations. Members are involved in specialized transportation, machinery moving and erecting, industrial maintenance, millwrighting, crane and rigging operations, manufacturing and rental.
Every year, SC&RA formally recognizes outstanding achievements by member companies and individuals. Awards Program showcases members' commitment to safety, ingenuity, perseverance and altruism. SC&RA Rigging Job of the Year Competition is designed to honor and give special recognition to members that perform outstanding achievements in solving problems encountered in rigging. Read more about the Rigging Jobs of the Year awards.