10 hours ago
Scope of Work and Site Constraints
The 2009 infrastructure upgrade at Bridgewater State College involved a complex mix of underground utility installation and structural excavation. The project included over 1,000 feet of water pipe, electrical duct banks, sewer drainage systems, and the excavation of footings for a building addition. The site’s spatial limitations and proximity to existing structures restricted the use of large equipment, requiring a fleet of mid-sized and compact machines to execute the work efficiently.
The largest excavator deployed was a Caterpillar M316 wheeled unit, chosen for its mobility and reach in tight quarters. Supporting equipment included a CAT 938G wheel loader, a 307C mini excavator, and a 287 multi-terrain skid steer. This combination allowed for flexible task allocation across trenching, backfilling, material handling, and grading.
Terminology Notes
Heavy rainfall during the summer posed challenges for erosion control and site stability. To mitigate washouts, plastic sheeting was laid along embankments and trench edges. This redirected runoff and preserved the integrity of freshly graded surfaces. The use of precast thrust blocks in the water system allowed for faster installation and reduced curing time compared to traditional poured-in-place methods.
In one section, the engineering team had to redesign stair placement due to a miscalculated road grade. This required peeling back asphalt, regrading the subbase, and hand-laying new mix. The crew, experienced in manual paving, completed the task without mechanical spreaders, achieving consistent compaction and finish.
Anecdote from the Field
During the sewer installation near the dormitories, a misaligned valve cluster required a redesign of the thrust blocking. The crew opted for precast units, which saved time and allowed future access without deep excavation. One operator joked that whoever had to dig it up later would at least avoid crawling into a can-go pit—a nod to the tight valve boxes often encountered in urban utility work.
Equipment Utilization and Logistics
Recommendations for Similar Projects
The Bridgewater State College utility and excavation project showcased the value of mid-sized equipment, adaptive planning, and skilled labor in constrained environments. From managing rain runoff to redesigning structural grades, the team navigated challenges with practical solutions and collaborative execution. In campus infrastructure work, precision matters—and every trench, valve, and footing tells a story of coordination beneath the surface.
The 2009 infrastructure upgrade at Bridgewater State College involved a complex mix of underground utility installation and structural excavation. The project included over 1,000 feet of water pipe, electrical duct banks, sewer drainage systems, and the excavation of footings for a building addition. The site’s spatial limitations and proximity to existing structures restricted the use of large equipment, requiring a fleet of mid-sized and compact machines to execute the work efficiently.
The largest excavator deployed was a Caterpillar M316 wheeled unit, chosen for its mobility and reach in tight quarters. Supporting equipment included a CAT 938G wheel loader, a 307C mini excavator, and a 287 multi-terrain skid steer. This combination allowed for flexible task allocation across trenching, backfilling, material handling, and grading.
Terminology Notes
- Duct Bank: A group of conduits encased in concrete used to protect and organize electrical or communication cables.
- Thrust Block: A concrete structure placed behind pipe fittings to absorb pressure and prevent movement.
- Multi-Terrain Loader: A compact machine with rubber tracks designed for low ground pressure and maneuverability.
- Footing Excavation: The process of digging trenches or pits to support the foundation of a structure.
Heavy rainfall during the summer posed challenges for erosion control and site stability. To mitigate washouts, plastic sheeting was laid along embankments and trench edges. This redirected runoff and preserved the integrity of freshly graded surfaces. The use of precast thrust blocks in the water system allowed for faster installation and reduced curing time compared to traditional poured-in-place methods.
In one section, the engineering team had to redesign stair placement due to a miscalculated road grade. This required peeling back asphalt, regrading the subbase, and hand-laying new mix. The crew, experienced in manual paving, completed the task without mechanical spreaders, achieving consistent compaction and finish.
Anecdote from the Field
During the sewer installation near the dormitories, a misaligned valve cluster required a redesign of the thrust blocking. The crew opted for precast units, which saved time and allowed future access without deep excavation. One operator joked that whoever had to dig it up later would at least avoid crawling into a can-go pit—a nod to the tight valve boxes often encountered in urban utility work.
Equipment Utilization and Logistics
- CAT M316: Used for trenching and pipe placement
- CAT 938G: Material handling and backfill
- CAT 307C: Footing excavation and tight-area digging
- CAT 287: Grading, cleanup, and asphalt prep
- Rogers 60-ton trailer: Transporting the CAT 365 excavator for staging
Recommendations for Similar Projects
- Use wheeled excavators for urban utility work where mobility matters
- Deploy multi-terrain loaders for finish grading and erosion control
- Opt for precast thrust blocks when schedule compression is critical
- Hand-lay asphalt in small areas with skilled labor to avoid mobilizing pavers
- Maintain a flexible equipment roster to adapt to changing site conditions
- Lay plastic sheeting before forecasted rain to prevent trench collapse
- Inspect duct bank alignment before pouring concrete
- Use laser grading for footing trenches to ensure elevation accuracy
- Rotate operators across machines to balance wear and skill development
- Keep spare hydraulic fittings and valve seals on hand for utility work
The Bridgewater State College utility and excavation project showcased the value of mid-sized equipment, adaptive planning, and skilled labor in constrained environments. From managing rain runoff to redesigning structural grades, the team navigated challenges with practical solutions and collaborative execution. In campus infrastructure work, precision matters—and every trench, valve, and footing tells a story of coordination beneath the surface.
