University of Wyoming Prexy’s Pasture T Hot Heating Water Extension
Location: Laramie, WY
Construction Cost: $15 M
Completed: 2021-Present
Contact: Sam Farsted, UW Sr. Project Manager
In 2019, University of Wyoming embarked on replacing their existing steam distribution system that serves the central campus with a new low temp hot water distribution system with a condensing boiler plant. ST+B engineer leveraged local presence and over 20 years of district energy experience to complete the master planned effort. The project required routing of 3,060 LF of new hot water distribution mains and conversions of 10 buildings from steam to hot water.
The main issue facing the project was completing the routing of mains through Prexy Pasture in a short time frame so that the pedestrian traffic could be maintained during fall and spring sessions. Construction needed to be limited to 2 month during the summer. Since steel piping has joints every 42 ft and requires weld testing and is considered time extensive, the University of Wyoming and ST+B analyzed different piping methods and selected the use of large diameter PEX to expedite construction and maintain longevity of the piping system. Large diameter PEX comes in rolls up to 600 ft and is joined with Victaulic Joints. The piping is field insulated with a closed cell insulated foam insulation prior to backfilling of trench. The pipe has a low coefficient of friction. It was determined that this piping method reduces time of install by more than half due to the long lengths of piping and simplified joining methods.
ST+B managed a team of consultants to restore and some cases improve site features. ST+B modified tunnel systems for utility routing and worked with structural consultants to evaluate and remove 750 LF of tunnel systems, which included the relocation of utilities within the demolished tunnel.
Through extensive coordination with the UW Utilities group, and the City of Laramie, ST+B established new utility extensions and locations to accommodate the program. Placement of new infrastructure also required intensive efforts to develop licensing agreements between UW and the City of Laramie for the utilities. ST+B’s Team provided the following scope of services:
Low Temp Hot Water Heating System
• Extend 3,060LF of trenching for Low Temperature Hot Water (140 Degree F)
with site insulated PEX piping sizes 6” to 12” (6,120 LF total).
• Conversion of 10 buildings from Steam to Hot Water using Plate Heat Exchangers and building modifications.
Install 9 condensing boilers to existing condensing boiler plant to accommodate the 10 bldgs.
Domestic Water
• Replace/Upgrade 1200 LF of domestic water
Fiber - IT Infrastructure
• Relocated campus IT infrastructure that
• Relocation of CU – CSU (BISON) and UW Fiber Loop
Budget $15M
Multiple bid package working with CMCG contract arrangement
