Utilities / Energy
Energy is one of the most important and fastest growing markets in the United States. Over the last several years, major climatic, economic, and regulatory developments have reemphasized the importance of reliable energy generation and transmission. To meet the demand, each energy producer must be able to accurately assess future growth and plan for it. Converse Consultants (Converse) has assisted energy producers in this effort for over 60 years.
Power Generation Plants, Substations and above and below-ground Transmission Lines are critical components in maintaining adequate supplies of energy for our homes and businesses. Converse has several decades of experience providing the design and construction services for utility providers nationwide.
Underground utility lines must, on occasion, be run beneath existing structures such as roadways. In such instances micro tunneling, or boring and jacking, techniques are utilized. The proper design of the micro tunnel depends on accurate geologic and soil profiles. The ability to keep the boring machine in the tunnel depends on accurate subsurface information. Converse Consultants has assisted many design teams in the design and construction of these tunnels.
A local firm with international experience, Converse has grown by teaming with our clients to find economic solutions to complex problems.
Reservoirs
Maintaining an adequate supply of potable water for a rapidly growing population is a constant challenge and the storage of our precious water resources is one of the most important components of our infrastructure. Reservoirs can meet this challenge in many ways.
An above- or below-ground tank is most commonly associated with municipal water supply and can hold several millions of gallons of water. Large surface reservoirs and reservoir dams are typically used for large service area distribution by a water district or purveyor.
Another type of "reservoir" that is becoming more common is the existing groundwater basin. Many large water districts/ purveyors are recharging the groundwater basins with highly treated reclaimed or desalinized water. This serves the purpose of water storage by distribution to spreading basins, and for seawater barriers by direct injection.
Converse has experience and expertise to provide quality and cost effective services during the siting, design and construction for all forms of water storage and conveyance.
Client: Noell, Incorporated
Project: Pasadena Broadway Steam Plant
Location: Pasadena, California
Project Description and Scope of Service:
Converse conducted the geotechnical foundation design for liquid ammonia storage tank, along with geotechnical and materials inspection and testing for the ammonia tank and steam plant upgrades.
Client: R. W. Beck & Associates
Project: Beck/Riverside Substations
Location: Riverside, California
Project Description and Scope of Service:
Converse performed a geotechnical investigation on a 1.6-acre site. The site was investigated for the suitability of the construction of four transformers, four switchgears, two transmission tower lines and a low-profile bus. Provided inspection and testing services during construction.
Client: Resource Management International
Project: Vista Freeman Transmission Line
Project Description and Scope of Service:
Converse performed a geotechnical investigation in order to provide foundation design and construction recommendations for Vista Freeman 69-KV Transmission Line. The project included providing recommendations for thirty steel poles ranging in height from 60 to 100 feet.
Client: Nevada Power Company
Project: Reid Gardner Power Plant
Project Description and Scope of Service:
Converse performed inspection and material testing services during the construction phases of the Pond 4-C clay-lining project. Converse also prepared a report verifying the clay liner was installed in compliance with the project plans and specifications.
Client: Nevada Power Company
Project: Clark Station Unit 7
Project Description and Scope of Service:
Converse conducted geotechnical exploration included drilling, sampling and laboratory testing of soils. The purpose of this exploration was to determine the subsurface profile and location of groundwater in order to mitigate problems with subsurface water at this facility.
Client: Southern California Edison
Project: Pico Substation
Project Description and Scope of Service:
Converse performed a soil investigation for facility upgrades at the SCE Pico Substation. The purpose of the exploration was to determine the nature and engineering properties of the subsurface soils and to provide recommendations for the design and construction of foundations. The scope of work included test borings, laboratory testing of soils and engineering analyses. Soils analyses consisted of moisture-density determination shear strength and consolidation characteristics.
Client: Southern California Edison
Project: Ellwood Substation
Project Description and Scope of Service:
Converse provided testing and inspection during the placement of compacted fill at facility under construction. We performed quality assurance duties to ensure that grading contractor was in compliance with drawings and job specifications. Field density tests were made during the placement of the fill to determine the degree of compaction and moisture content.
