Texas Archives

Substation 138-kV Transmission Line Improvements

Substation 138-kV Transmission Line Improvements Houston, Texas DCCM performed detailed structural engineering for the Substationb138-kV transmission line, 72-count ADSS single mode fiber cable, and the underground 72-count single-mode fiber routes and connections at both substations. The project included designing 3.7 miles of 72-count single-mode ADSS, bundled Suwannee ACSS, and 3/8-inch high-strength steel static, the design of several new concrete pole structures and extensively modified existing lattice structures. The team placed splice boxes along the transmission line. New drilled shaft foundations were designed for several of the new steel poles. We also performed construction support. At the end of both substation projects, we provided design and drawings for the Substation campus fiber routes to connect ADSS fiber to the telecommunications shelter and substation control rooms, created CAD plan and profile drawings, and CAD details for butt fusions splicing connections and fiber patch panels. At a Glance 2022 Project Completed 138kV Transmission Line 72-count ADSS Single Mode Fiber Cable Markets Power Services Utilities

Construction site with graded earthwork and a stabilized waterway along a natural area.

Houston Country Club Holes No. 8 and No. 10 Bank Stabilization

Houston Country Club Holes No. 8 and No. 10 Bank Stabilization Houston, Texas DCCM was contracted by the Houston Country Club to provide engineering services for the channel slope repair on the south bank of Buffalo Bayou (HCFCD Unit No. W100-00-00) along the golf course fairways of holes 8 and 10. The project was previously designed by another firm and partially constructed but never closed out due to channel bank failures associated with a deep geotechnical failure below the slope. DCCM and contractor, BRH-Garver, as well as a geotechnical consultant, Professional Service Industries (PSI), and developed a structural solution with closely spaced drilled shafts to stabilize the failed channel slopes and to prevent future channel bank failures. The project consisted of two separate stretches of bayou being repaired. For one alignment, we performed a slope up from the existing bench and lower the top of bank. For the other channel section, DCCM added a variable height wall to be able to match the existing top of bank. The limits of the channel repair work was 1,225 feet along the fairways of hole 8 and 850 feet along the fairways of hole 10 for a total distance of 2,750 feet. The scope of services included the following: Designing the structural elements required to establish a stable slope system Coordinating the design and details of construction with the design/build contractor and the owner’s representatives Coordinating with PSI geotechnical engineers for a design of a stable slope system Preparing plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) Preparing hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) impact analysis report Obtaining applicable signatures and permits from City of Houston and Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Issuing a Letter of Map Revision at project completion Preparing as-built construction documents to finalize City of Houston and HCFCD permit requirements As a result of teaming with a local geotechnical firm, a deeper global failure was discovered at the location of the failures. A previously unknown slickenside soil layer was encountered at a depth below previous project borings. DCCM resolved this problem by extending drill shafts below this layer of weakened soil immobilizing the failure. At a Glance $10M Construction Cost 2,750 Feet of Channel Repair Work Markets Water Services Water & Wastewater

Stormwater drainage channel with concrete slopes, standing water, and surrounding vegetation.

Little Cedar Bayou Improvements, Phases I and III

Little Cedar Bayou Improvements, Phases I and III La Porte, Texas Phase I: DCCM provided preliminary engineering, final design, and construction phase services for improvements to the Little Cedar Bayou inline detention basin. Improvements were required to reduce negative impacts to the downstream watershed after major storm events. Key design and permitting features included: Adding 220 acre-feet in storage volume Land acquisition A reinforced concrete control structure at the crossing of SH 146 Harris County Flood Control District approval USACE permit for mitigation of impacts to regulatory waters Phase II: DCCM provided preliminary design, final design, and construction phase services for 2,500 feet of channel widening improvements in La Porte. The channel widening passes through residential and commercial areas. The project allows this section of Little Cedar Bayou to handle major storm events without negative impacts to the downstream watershed. Services included the following: Land acquisition allowing for widening the channel right-of-way (ROW) from 60 feet to 140 feet Design elements incorporated backslope drains, riprap, grade and slope protections, and new storm sewer outfalls Funding for the project was administered through the Texas GLO. USACE permit Coordination with Harris County Flood Control District and USACE. Changes in USACE’s policy occurred during the project regarding the process for obtaining USACE permits. DCCM proactively met with USACE and modified the proposed channel design to incorporate the use of natural stream design techniques. USACE approved the permit for this project as a result of DCCM’s early coordination. The initial project schedule was maintained throughout the project duration. This project successfully provided flood reduction in adjacent and upstream neighborhoods. At a Glance $1.4M Project Budget 220 Acre-Feet Storage Volume 2,500 Channel Widening Markets Water Services Water & Wastewater

Aerial view of a winding creek bordered by dense trees, sandy banks, and natural vegetation.

Collins Park Erosion

Collins Park Erosion Houston, Texas DCCM was selected to study and provide remedial measures to reduce erosion of the north banks of Cypress Creek (K100-00-00) adjacent to Collins Park. Cypress Creek, within the project limits, is a natural channel migrating to the north and undermining an asphalt trail owned and maintained by Precinct 4, a corridor parallel to K100-00-00. Cypress Creek within this reach does not have backslope swales or interceptors; significant uncontrolled sheet flows in the project area are found to increase erosion and rilling along the banks of K100-00-00. DCCM quantified the impacts of the sheet flows and identified design solutions. The Precinct 4 trail is a public facility. Therefore, the project is sensitive to public interest, and we have approached it with this in mind. Within the project area, there is a 92-inch outfall with a large cast-in-place junction now located in the beds of K100-00-00. The 78-inch outfall has been undermined and disconnected from the manhole, and there is concern about additional erosion around this large manhole, which could cause future issues. DCCM successfully conducted detailed field investigations and provided prompt engineering services, addressing the erosion issues by regrading the slopes and adding stone toe protection and rip rap around the outfalls. This design economically addressed the infrastructure concerns providing a long-term solution. At a Glance $220,000 Project Budget Markets Water Services Water & Wastewater

Aerial view of an electrical substation with transmission towers, utility equipment, and surrounding farmland.

Missouri City Substation

Missouri City Substation Missouri City, Texas DCCM provided planning, surveying, civil engineering, and permitting services for the development of a new 138 kV distribution substation in Missouri City, replacing an aging facility with a modern, redundant design. The new substation enhances reliability through a double-feed configuration that allows continuous service during maintenance or equipment outages. Services included preparation of site development plans, grading and drainage design, and coordination of utility relocations. DCCM also managed the entitlement process, including preparation of a Specific Use Permit (SUP) application and supporting documentation for City approval. Surveying services included preparation of a subdivision plat and coordination of easements with local utility districts. DCCM supported construction procurement and continues to provide construction phase services, including coordination with contractors and resolution of field conditions. The upgraded facility increases system capacity, improves operational flexibility, and supports continued growth in Fort Bend County. Photo is a stock image and does not represent the project above. At a Glance 138 kV Electric Distribution Facility Markets Power Services Power

Aerial view of an electrical substation surrounded by forest.

Pythias Solar Substation

Pythias Solar Substation Brazoria County, Texas DCCM provided civil engineering design, permitting, and construction support for the Pythias Substation, a 138 kV–34.5 kV facility developed to interconnect a utility-scale solar farm into the Client’s transmission network. The substation serves as a critical grid-tie facility, enabling the delivery of renewable energy into the regional power system. Scope included site layout, grading, and stormwater management design, as well as preparation of construction plans and specifications. DCCM coordinated closely with Brazoria County and local drainage authorities to secure permitting approvals and ensure compliance with environmental and drainage requirements. The design incorporated a detention system and erosion control measures to protect surrounding infrastructure and natural resources. During construction, DCCM provided engineering support, responded to contractor inquiries, and coordinated survey and layout data. The project supports the integration of renewable energy, enhances grid capacity, and contributes to long-term sustainability and energy reliability in the region. Photo is a stock image and does not represent the project above. At a Glance 138 kV – 34.5 kV Electric Distribution Facility Markets Power Services Power

Seabrook Substation

Seabrook Substation Seabrook, Texas DCCM provided civil engineering, permitting, and construction phase services for the new Seabrook Substation, a 138 kV electric distribution facility designed to enhance reliability and capacity for the Seabrook and Kemah area. The substation steps down transmission voltage to distribution levels and incorporates a low-profile, double-bus configuration that allows for operational flexibility and redundancy without service interruption. DCCM led the site civil design, including grading, drainage, and stormwater management systems to meet Harris County flood control criteria. Services also included preparation of construction documents and technical specifications, coordination with local and county agencies for permitting approvals, and ongoing construction administration support. The design incorporated a detention system, erosion control measures, and site screening elements to address community concerns, including a landscaped perimeter wall. Through proactive coordination and regulatory navigation, DCCM supported timely project approvals and construction progress. The completed facility improves grid resiliency, reduces outage risks, and supports continued residential and commercial growth in this coastal region. Photo is a stock image and does not represent the project above. At a Glance 138 kv Electric Distribution Facility Markets Power Services Power

Power lines and utility poles near the DDP Crockett Substation.

Crockett Substation Distribution Development Plan and Internal Request

Crockett Distribution Substation Distribution Development Plan and Internal Request Houston, Texas As part of the Client’s 2022 DDP, DCCM provided engineering and design for the Crockett Substation. The design of 25,000 feet of new build circuit and upgrades to the existing overhead facilities. This included multiple terminal poles, capacitor banks, and pole top switches that were all done in highly congested areas with limited space and clearances. Several places required circuits to be built double-stacked due to limited space in the established commercial and residential areas. In addition, the plan included six railroad crossings that must meet strict clearance and enhanced building requirements. Three of these crossings required the use of load-bearing concrete poles, and two of these were double-circuit crossings. In addition to the DDP work, DCCM provided engineering and design of the Internal Request (ILRT) work going on inside the substation yard to convert the outdated Crockett substation to a low-profile design. In doing so, our design team had to relocate existing escapes out of the way so that the new low-profile substation could be built. This all had to be done while keeping the circuits energized. DCCM came up with the most efficient action plan. After many field meetings where our staff represented the Client’s Overhead department for this project, we designed and engineered four overhead and six terminal pole work orders and provided consulting for the entirety of this project. We had to relocate circuits CR01 through CR06 and coordinate our work with the substation, transmission, and MUG engineering. At a Glance 25,000 Feet of Build Circuit Markets Power Services Power

Roadway bridge with overhead utility lines, guardrails, and vehicles traveling in both directions.

Brazos River Overhead Distribution Design

Brazos River Overhead Distribution Design Fort Bend County, Texas The Client retained DCCM to provide engineering and design for the installation of a new 35 kV circuit crossing the Brazos River. This crossing represented a critical tie needed to bring a 35 kV line to feed new developments. This was required to relieve load on existing circuits. The planning department had originally called for this new 35 kV line to double-stack with an existing 12 kV crossing. However, due to distance and NESC® construction grade requirements, this new circuit had to be located on the opposite side of the street. Abstracts and topography maps were required to ensure proper pole placement. To make up for sag of over 975 feet of spacing and ground elevation changes relative to the bridge between poles, the concrete poles had to be 110 feet. This job required working closely with the Client’s Standards and Materials department to create special standards of framing specific to this work. The project required permitting from TxDOT, GLO, and USACE. At a Glance 110 Foot Concrete Poles Markets Power Services Power

Utility pole with overhead power lines and equipment behind a wooden fence.

Overloaded Pole Replacement Program

Overloaded Pole Replacement Program Houston, Texas DCCM provided electrical distribution pole analysis for the Client’s pole replacement program. We received periodic spreadsheets from the Client listing numerous poles to be analyzed. The poles were deemed to be possibly overloaded structurally due to conductor size, type of framing, angle of distribution line, equipment, or other circumstances. Overloaded poles were evaluated to ensure proper clearances over roadways, railroads, or other types of terrain. Each pole had a unique six- or seven-digit identification number, and DCCM was able to locate the pole in the Client’s GIS mapping system. A notification, work order, and DDS project were created for each pole. We were limited to one pole per order, thus creating the need for multiple projects. The poles were spotted in DDS with adjacent facilities for analysis. Structural and profile analyses were performed for the overloaded poles. The structural analysis evaluated the side bearing, vertical bearing, insulator, guy, anchor, cross-arm, and stress on the pole itself. The profile analysis measured the clearance of the conductors under maximum load conditions. The structures were replaced with a larger/taller poles to meet the Client’s standards. A subsequent sketch, material list, and work order were created and scheduled for construction. At a Glance Electrical Distribution Pole Analysis Markets Power Services Power

Texas

Turn your vision into a reality.