PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The University of Kansas was founded in 1864 and has a rich educational history. Today the university offers undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs in a wide variety of fields with enrollment exceeding 27,000 students at several campuses.

The Edwards Campus sits on 30 acres of land and consists of multiple buildings completed in 2005 and an expanded in 2012.

B&M SCOPE OF WORK

Black & McDonald (B&M) was contracted by the University of Kansas to assist in a design/build solution to a water problem that was occurring in one of their 480/277 V electrical distribution panels located two stories underground.

In this particular case the main feeder, previously installed in PVC conduit, ran outside the building extending downward into the ground, then transitioning underneath the first lower level concrete slab, turning downward again for 10 ft. before entering the second lower level electrical room. The distribution equipment was mounted tight to the exterior wall. These feeders entered the lower section of the electrical distribution equipment and the PVC pipes were cut flush with the lower level wall. Over time and during heavy rains, these conduits would accumulate not only condensation but rain water dripping into the
lower section of the distribution equipment creating a safety hazard.

BENEFITS TO CLIENT AND PROBLEMS SOLVED

Due to the nature of the feeder installation and how B&M technicians could not access it without a lot of difficulty and cost, the team suggested a solution that was fairly simple in design but practical in principal. The technicians fabricated and installed a stainless steel gutter like a unit located directly under the feeder entrance point collecting any loose water. The accumulated water would then transfer to a custom stainless steel drain pan located in the base of the gear draining out to a floor drain.

The custom gutter and drain design were approved by Smith & Boucher Engineering prior to fabrication and installation, and achieved the water mitigation problem while eliminating safety hazards.

To install the drain equipment and permit the day-to-day operations of the campus, B&M technicians were required to work off- hours. The team came in late Friday night, de-energized, safely locking off all energy potential sources, working continuously until the job was complete early Saturday morning. Once accomplished all energy sources were re-energized.

B&M completed the project on time and to the customer’s satisfaction.