Third Dimension Simplifies Earth Retention at the Calumet Plant

The Hydraulic Improvements at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant project in Chicago, Illinois required excavation of over 76,000 cubic meters (100,000 cubic yards) of soil. To accommodate the excavation, an earth retention system (ERS) was designed and installed within the existing dense network of active utilities at the site. The potential for conflicts between the ERS and the utilities was very high. The use of three dimensional modeling, considerable pre-planning and design was required to ensure that a cost effective, stable and constructible earth retention system could be installed that met the project requirements yet did not disrupt the existing facility. This paper covers the development of the design, installation and performance of the earth retention system.