Facts:
Type: Substation
Date: Completed 2008

Description: 
BOND excavated and removed twelve existing breaker foundations and installed twelve new 20,000 pound precast foundations inside the 550 kV Long Mountain Substation for SM Electric. All work occurred on a fast track schedule during two separate shutdowns to maximize the use of the substation during construction. The foundations support 12 state-of-the-art Siemens 550 kV dead tank circuit breakers. The breakers are the first of their kind in the United States and have a higher load capacity, require less maintenance and are faster and more dependable than traditional breakers, increasing the reliability of the electrical grid.

Challenge/Situation:
Working in a live high voltage electrical substation with low overhead clearance and very limited maneuverability within an existing substation infrastructure during difficult weather conditions posed a challenge.

Solution/Action:
Since the use of conventional methods of placing concrete was not practical in this situation the decision was made to carefully survey, layout, excavate and install precast systems.

Benefit/Result:
By using the precast foundation system, the potential for service interruption was mitigated.