Distribution works on electricity, water and gas
In Rotterdam, there are multiple teams working across a wide range of disciplines.
Rijkswaterstaat is currently constructing a new road between the A13 and A16, which has revealed the need to replace the A16 viaduct (Structure 58) – presenting a bottleneck for the cables and pipelines in the area. It is a challenging endeavour for the teams from V&SH Distributie Giessenweg who are working on the Hoofdweg in Rotterdam, replacing and relocating electricity, drinking water and gas pipelines.
Drinking water pipeline
At this busy junction (see photo), we removed an abandoned steel drinking water supply pipeline with a diameter of 414 mm. Our skilled workers fitted shut-off valves at both ends of the existing water pipeline to ensure that it would be completely depressurised at the time of its removal. Doing this also helped to minimise disruption to the surrounding residential area caused by the temporary closure of the water supply.
The photographs clearly show that this is a busy junction with very limited space; the water pipeline that was removed lay under the cycle path, which meant that great care had to be taken to account for various environmental factors whilst the work was being carried out.
Gas pipeline
In addition to the work on the water pipeline for Evides Waterbedrijf, teams from Distributie are also working on the Hoofdweg in Rotterdam, close to the A16 viaduct (Structure 58), relocating cables and a gas pipeline for Stedin.
Due to its length of 220 metres and a lack of space on land, the DN 400 steel gas pipeline has been laid in the ditch and is being hoisted out of the ditch using four mobile excavators, before it is moved the other side of the viaduct where it will be connected to the drilling rig. During the works, the pipeline is constantly being checked for defects in the coating.
Work then began on connecting the new pipeline from the start and end points of the hole to the existing 8 bar gas pipeline so that we can test the pipeline for strength and leaks before connecting it to the existing network.
Rerouting and replacing cables
To replace the old cables under Viaduct 58, which is due to be refurbished, we also had to reroute the cable section, a new 10 kV and 23 kV network as well as the telecommunications cables. This new connection renders the old cables under the viaduct obsolete. The casing pipes for four 23 kV bundles and one 10 kV bundle were laid out in preparation for drilling. As there was insufficient space amidst the buildings, the 23 kV pipelines were laid out over a long distance floating on the water.
Prior to commissioning the new cables, they were tested before installation work was carried out. This installation involved fitting 23 kV sleeves, which are so complex that they must be assembled by certified specialists. Two days of assembly work were needed for each sleeve, which required erection of a marquee. As the sleeves were manufactured in a single large welding hole and the connection was commissioned immediately after installation, additional safety measures needed to be taken.
To lay the 10 kV cable, a hole no less than 36 metres deep was drilled, which was necessitated by the piling plan for the redevelopment of the viaduct and the construction of the new motorway. Because of the enormous depth, the casing pipe through which the cable had to be pulled was filled with water in advance to prevent the pipe from collapsing. The work was completed safely and successfully. We are proud of our pros!