Water main replacement - replace-in-place

[Pipe_Dude]

Not sure if this should be routed to the FPE section...

Question -
Civil engineer specifies that a water main is to be "replaced-in-place" of the existing water main, while maintaining water service to existing customers.
Water main runs through an industrial area, so you would need to maintain service to irrigation services, domestic services, and fire sprinkler systems that are 8-10" in dia. Existing main is 8".
This could either be done in phases so that you shutdown water 8hrs a day to affected customers and do short sections while also chlorinating and waiting per AWWA requirements, or you could run a temporary water main. The fire department won't allow 24/7 fire watch for a period greater than 3 days. So, how have you ladies and gentlemen seen temporary fire service sized and supplied and connected to industrial buildings to facilitate install of a water main? Have you seen contractors dismantle underground fire backflows in vaults and connect to their temporary main? Have you seen them attempt to shut off the monitored backflows and run temporary piping to the FDC from the main?

Detailed responses and pictures would be much appreciated!

 

[bimr]

You have left out some details. What is the length of pipe that you need to replace? What is the existing pipe material and the replacement pipe material? Yes, it may be necessary to install a bypass line if services can't be interrupted. The use of a bypass will depend on the scope of the project.

Project example

Are you the Contractor on the project? The Contractor is responsible for the means and methods for a construction project of this type. The Contractor will develop a plan and submit the plan for approval to the Owner.

 

[KaBone]

If there's an FDC, maybe you could stage a water tank at each affected building for the sole purpose of charging the fire sprinkler system. i did similar needing to maintain an AC cooling tower with the proper water level. had a 5k gallon water truck maintaining the level. truck had to refill every 4 hours. had no idea those things use that much water.