UMCP Steam Distribution Improvements
The University of Maryland at College Park consists of 1,378 acres that include over 350 buildings. There are 33,000 undergraduate and graduates students attending the University. Gipe Associates, Inc. performed mechanical and electrical engineering on a design/build contract to install 13,000 feet of underground steam and condensate piping with diameters from 14 inch to 6 inch. The main intent of the project was to replace the existing deteriorated distribution system piping and to provide larger lines to improve reliability and meet future needs. Although the steam and condensate piping was the main focus of the project, manholes, chilled/hot water, electrical and telecommunications duct banks were also included. The steam system is partial replacement and upgrade of the original steam distribution system. The condensate included replacement and extension of the system that serves over 100 buildings. One of the primary difficulties of the steam distribution piping replacement involved disruption to campus roadways, buildings and activities.
