Critical Suction Line Replacement for the LADWP—Design, Construction, and Lessons Learned

Four leaks occurred within 3 months during the summer of 2017 within 235 ft of an 80-year-old, 40-in. welded steel suction line feeding the historic Fletcher Pump Station (PS). The suction line was described as significantly deteriorated when observed during the leak repairs, propelling its replacement up the LADWP priority list. The design to replace the existing line with a 48-in. welded steel pipeline became a top priority, with construction scheduled for the following year. Finding a corridor on short notice was challenging, and traditional design, fabrication, and installation methods had to be adjusted to fit within the aggressive schedule. LADWP designed pipeline lay-sheets in-house, started the pipe procurement before completing design, and coordinated with local impacted businesses within the year. Without time to relocate the congested substructures within the street, the design team devised a creative alignment within the sidewalk and nearby properties. With the Fletcher PS unable to be shutdown longer than 2 months, removing and replacing in place the entire existing suction line were not an option.