The "High-Stakes Wager" on Multiple Bypass Operations in the Entertainment Capital of the World--the Las Vegas Strip

INTRODUCTION: This case study offers valuable insights into innovative sewer control techniques, emphasizing the management of a high-flow 48-inch diameter public interceptor sewer. It illustrates how combining bypass operations, including flow-through plugs and multiple pumping systems, can address complex challenges effectively to avoid a 'sewage river' on the Las Vegas Strip. The study serves as a testament to the adaptability and efficiency required to ensure smooth sewage control and construction in a demanding urban environment with high visibility. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of meticulous project planning and the ability to navigate multifaceted obstacles. It demonstrates the critical role of problem-solving and showcases how the careful coordination of diverse operations can lead to the successful execution of development projects. BENEFITS: WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: 1.Innovative Sewer Control Techniques: This case study offers a comprehensive understanding of sewer control methods used in managing a high-flow public interceptor sewer system. It explores forward-thinking strategies, including the combined use of sewer bypass methods such as flow-through plugs and multiple pumping systems. 2.Project Planning and Problem Solving: This case study sheds light on how complex challenges can be addressed through meticulous project planning to overcome construction obstacles including highly congested roadways, limited space, complex geotechnical conditions, and critical timelines. It illustrates how careful coordination of various operations can lead to successful development projects. 3.Effective Public Infrastructure Management: The study highlights the adaptability and efficiency required for public infrastructure management, especially in densely populated and high visibility areas like the Las Vegas Strip. STATUS OF COMPLETION: This case study delves into the implementation of an innovative and strategic approach to ensure efficient sewage control in a high-flow public interceptor sewer located on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The Developer was presented with the formidable task of accommodating the construction timeline of a new Las Vegas Strip resort, compounded by the concurrent aggressive Formula 1 track paving schedule. The challenge to overcome was timing so a solution was devised to relocate the point of connection for the new resort to core into an existing manhole instead of a cast in place manhole that would have avoided the complex bypass pumping system that now became a reality. The solution not only saved invaluable time but also circumvented the complexities of groundwater removal and permit requirements, thereby preventing potential construction delays and ensuring the critical Formula 1 track paving deadline was met. As the case study unfolds, it becomes evident that the existing sewage flows within the interceptor sewer exceeded the capabilities of a simple flow-through plug. This realization necessitated the adoption of innovative sewer bypass methods to ensure sewage control, even in the face of extreme volumes. The pivotal solution encompassed a comprehensive sewer construction process that began with the installation of onsite sewer components, followed by offsite sewer components, and culminated with coring into the existing manhole. To complete essential corrosion-protection work on the existing manhole, a sophisticated bypass system was set up, composed of a flow-through plug operation and two additional bypass pumping operations. These operations worked simultaneously to ensure efficient sewage control during the construction process. While this solution achieved its objectives effectively, it was not without its challenges. The project grappled with space limitations due to its location on the bustling Las Vegas Strip, keeping in place access to resorts and businesses on the Strip with the abundance of temporary piping, a point of connection that was over 26 feet deep, challenging geotechnical conditions related to groundwater at the manhole's depth, a strict timeline dictated by the Formula 1 track paving, and limited space for traffic control. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the combination of these sewer bypass methods allowed the construction of the resort to proceed seamlessly, without interruption to the surrounding hotels, casinos, and businesses on the Las Vegas Strip. Furthermore, this case study emphasizes the potential for implementing combined bypass methods, such as flow-through plugs and pumping systems, to effectively manage complex sewage control in high visibility and densely populated settings. These innovative approaches offer versatile and dynamic solutions that can be widely applied in the field of public infrastructure management. This case study serves as a practical example, providing valuable tools for developers, engineers, and public agencies facing similar challenges. It also highlights the challenges that were unexpected and could have resulted in a major sanitary sewer overflow near the Las Vegas Strip. The successful completion highlights the adaptability and forward-thinking strategies necessary to address the unique challenges of high-flow sewage systems in urban environments. SUMMARY: Innovative sewer control techniques proved highly effective in the development and management of a high-capacity sewer system. This strategic combination of bypass operations, featuring flow-through plugs and multiple pumping systems, served as a solution to overcome a spectrum of project limitations and challenges. This case study showcases the successful implementation of advanced construction techniques and places strong emphasis on the roles of adaptability and project management. The valuable insights derived from this study provide possible solutions to professionals engaged in public infrastructure projects who face similar challenges within the field of sewer collection system management.