Basis of Design for Proposed 42 Inch Reclaimed Water Main

The scope of this project is the design of a 42-in Reclaimed Water Transmission Line (33,500 LF) from the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department's proposed South District Water Reclamation Facility to the Zoo Miami Moat. The purpose of this pipeline is for groundwater recharge of the Biscayne Aquifer, using reclaimed water. The engineering analysis presented in this feasibility study explains the reasoning behind selected pipe materials, dimensions, and alignment route in accordance with social, environmental, and constructability considerations, as well as existing and proposed utilities surrounding the pipe alignment, and ways to maintain proper flow of heavily trafficked areas, minimize construction on newly paved roads, avoid existing utilities, and keep away from the right-of-way of residential communities, schools, parks, churches, shopping centers, bus routes, and bike trails. APCTE performed an in-depth analysis of the available alternative routes for the pipeline, and after narrowing down the options, three (3) routes remained, all seemingly feasible. However, APCTE identified several common points of interest where two (2) or three (3) of the routes intersect, and developed twenty-three (23) additional combinations as proposed alternatives with the ultimate goal of reaching the optimum alignment. A matrix was created to include the three (3) main alternatives plus the twenty-three (23) possible combinations of alternatives, for a total of twenty-six (26) different combinations, and each combination was ranked against each other to determine which would be best. A weighted scoring system was developed in order to evaluate several parameters, each with its own importance factor (6-10). A key feature to this study is the development of a pipe material evaluation matrix. The matrix evaluated the use of Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP), Steel Pipe, Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Pipe, and High-Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE). APCTE performed thorough research and reached out to pipe manufacturers nationwide in an effort to obtain the latest and most authentic information with respect to the properties of each material. The price and availability of each also factored into the decision. Other considerations included M-D WASD experience and familiarity with the pipe material, pipe laying length, weight, and joint flexibility, useful life span, leakage propensity, conservation of energy along length, and potential to be damaged.