Innovation May-June 2023

PROJECT HIGHL IGHTS 2022•2023

TIDAL CAUSEWAY CULVERT REPLACEMENT SweetTech Engineering Consultants conducted an engineering assessment of a 40-plus year-old asphaltic coated CSP culvert in Atlantic Canada to evaluate options for its refurbishment or replacement. The existing 2.4-m diameter culvert is located on a tidal causeway that provides the only road access between a small costal community and the mainland. Substantial corrosion of the existing culvert was observed with significant voids in the backfill surrounding the culvert, requiring the culvert and backfill to be replaced. SweetTech developed a detailed staged construction sequence which allowed the causeway to remain open to local traffic throughout construction. This staged construction utilized sheet piling to isolate construction from the tidal zone. In conjunction with a modular free span bridge which allowed traffic over the trench during replacement works, a 2.9-m D.O. precast concrete pipe was selected as the replacement culvert structure. Participants: SweetTech Engineering Consultants, Eric Sweet, M.Eng., P.Eng., Andres Ocejo, P.Eng.

SCHOOL DISTRICT 78 SOLAR AND MICROGRID CONTROLLER Hedgehog Technologies completed a unique solar microgrid project for Harrison Hot Springs Elementary, a school in Hope, BC, that was experiencing blackouts due to mountain winds. The project included a PV solar, battery storage, and an innovative microgrid controller solution that addressed the issue of power outages. Today, the system allows the school to maintain power during power outages and provides the opportunity for BC Hydro to access stored energy through demand response events. With this solution, students can remain in school during blackouts and avoid being stranded. The project is also being demonstrated to students as an example of how renewable energy can be applied to inspire the next generation. Participants: Hedgehog Technologies.