By: Contech Engineered Solutions, LLC
Tennessee’s Electric Vehicle Revolution: A Testament to Smart Infrastructure
A major automotive manufacturer’s transformative investment is now electrifying Tennessee, ushering in a new era of electric vehicle production. This cutting-edge facility will revolutionize the design, manufacturing, and recycling of next-generation all-electric vehicles and their batteries. With this ambitious project, the manufacturer will establish a carbon-neutral, sustainable manufacturing campus, modeling the future of electric vehicle production.
Laying the Groundwork: Infrastructure for Expansion
As the facility gears up to meet the ever-increasing demand for electric vehicle production, the necessity for a robust and reliable infrastructure to support this growth becomes paramount. Consequently, a comprehensive storm sewer system was identified as a critical requirement. This system effectively manages the anticipated increase in surface runoff. This increase is a direct result of the additional impervious surfaces associated with the development of this sprawling new campus dedicated to electric vehicle production. To address these specific needs, the project engineer, SSOE, thoughtfully selected a double-barrel spiral rib pipe 10 GA, aluminized type 2 (ALT2) storm sewer system, expertly manufactured by Contech Engineered Solutions.
Smart Solutions: Choosing Spiral Rib Pipe Over Concrete
SSOE strategically chose the spiral rib pipe solution to efficiently route an existing drainage channel beneath a rail yard located on the facility grounds. Although a traditional reinforced concrete box (RCB) culvert was initially under consideration, the spiral rib pipe system ultimately emerged as the preferred option. This decision was primarily driven by the significant cost savings and the considerably shorter project timelines associated with the spiral rib pipe. Moreover, Contech provided custom junction structures. These structures ingeniously allowed the engineers to avoid the need for large and expensive precast concrete junction boxes. This yielded even greater financial advantages for this electric vehicle production project. In total, the project incorporated 21,615 linear feet of spiral rib pipe to effectively manage drainage across the entirety of the expanded campus dedicated to electric vehicle production.
The Advantages of Spiral Rib Pipe: A Modern Marvel
Spiral rib pipe, characterized by its smooth interior and external spiral ribs, presents a compelling alternative to conventional reinforced concrete pipe (RCP). The smooth interior design notably enhances hydraulic capacity. This ensures efficient water flow. Additionally, the external box ribs provide the essential structural integrity required for long-term performance. Impressively, spiral rib pipe weighs less than 10% of the weight of comparable reinforced concrete pipe. This significantly reduces the complexities and costs associated with handling and installation. Furthermore, its availability in longer lengths streamlines logistics. This contributes to additional reductions in overall project expenses for this crucial electric vehicle production infrastructure.
Efficient Installation: Keeping the Project on Track
The thoughtfully designed storm sewer system incorporates 3,840 linear feet of 108-inch diameter spiral rib pipe. This system effectively manages the anticipated surface runoff from the expanded electric vehicle production facility. The lighter weight and longer sections of the spiral rib pipe enabled the contractor, Phillips & Jordan, and the subcontractor, Progressive Structures, to handle and install the entire system with remarkable ease. This efficient installation kept the project on budget and ensured its timely completion. Ultimately, this intelligent infrastructure solution supports the rapid development of the facility. It continues to fuel the growth of electric vehicle production in Tennessee.
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