Nestled in the picturesque Napa Valley, the Veterans Home of California-Yountville stands as a thriving community dedicated to and built for veterans. Established in 1884, Veterans Home of California-Yountville proudly holds the distinction of being the largest veterans' home in the United States. Offering residential accommodations complemented by a rich array of recreational, social, and therapeutic activities, the home is designed to support independent living for its residents. Currently, the home is a haven for approximately 1,000 veterans—both men and women—spanning the eras of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Our team is currently engaged in a significant project at the oldest and largest veterans' home in the country. The California Veteran Home's Skilled Nursing Facility and Memory Care initiative is designed to offer comprehensive long-term care for senior and disabled veterans, catering to the unique needs of individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and traumatic brain injuries.
The overall scope of the entire project includes a new 300,000-square-foot, five-story facility, that of which will replace and combine three existing buildings. Our crew was responsible for existing site demolition, mass excavation site grading, underground utilities, site concrete, landscaping, paving, and striping.
We were entrusted with upgrading the existing sewer line, replacing an 8" clay pipe with over 600 feet of new 10" HDPE pipe. Our crew opted for the pipe bursting method, this method not only eliminated the need for extensive restoration but also ensured the uninterrupted operation of surrounding facilities and the golf course. Pipe bursting is an innovative trenchless sewer repair technique designed to renovate buried sewer lines without the need for extensive excavation.
The process involves breaking and expanding the existing sewer pipe while simultaneously replacing it with new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. The method utilizes an expander head that is pulled through the old pipe. The compact size of the head allows it to navigate through the existing pipe, fracturing it as it progresses. The back of the head is connected to the new pipe, which is pulled and positioned behind it. To execute this, a pulling machine is employed to apply force.
A hydraulic system provides the necessary power, connected to pulling rods, which are, in turn, attached to the expander head. The pulling machine is strategically lowered into the receiving pit, initiating the journey of the expander head from the launching or insertion pit. This trenchless approach minimizes disruption and offers an efficient solution for sewer line rehabilitation.
Undertaking this operation presented a unique set of challenges and complexities, requiring the collaborative efforts of our skilled crews from both the Bay Area and Sacramento. The seamless coordination and teamwork between these two teams were instrumental in exceeding the project's expectations. The outcome stands as a testament to the collaboration and the dedication of our exceptional teams. We take pride in achieving milestones through collective expertise and unity.
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