CalContractor - 2024 Underground Construction Issue

GENERAL ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR

Continues Their Work on the North City Pure Water Pipeline, Dechlorination Facility and Subaqueous Pipeline Project

GENERAL ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR

W. A. Rasic Construction Continues Their Work on the North City Pure Water Pipeline, Dechlorination Facility and Subaqueous Pipeline Project

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor /

THE PURE WATER PROGRAM

Pure Water San Diego represents the City of San Diego’s strategic initiative spanning several years, aimed at sourcing almost half of the city’s water locally by 2035. By employing established water purification techniques, the Pure Water San Diego Program transforms recycled water into potable, high-grade drinking water, ensuring safety and quality. This initiative presents a financially prudent solution for San Diego’s water requirements, fostering a dependable and environmentally sustainable water source for generations to come in San Diego.

Phase 1 of the Pure Water Program is a significant initiative

CMS,

aimed at reducing the City’s reliance on imported water by producing 30 million gallons per day of high-quality purified water through 12 different projects. These projects are essential for securing a local, drought-resilient water supply for San Diegans. The Pure Water Program involves the construction of major water infrastructure, including pipelines, pump stations, and treatment facilities, across various communities such as Morena, Bay Park, Bay Ho, Clairemont, University City, Miramar, and Scripps Ranch.

One of the 12 projects within Phase 1 of the Pure Water Program is the North City Pure

Water Pipeline, Dechlorination Facility, and Subaqueous Pipeline. This $123,456,000 contract was awarded to W.A. Rasic Construction, who received notice to proceed on June 1, 2023, with an estimated completion in early 2025. The W.A. Rasic Construction team is installing around 8-miles of 48-inch welded steel pipeline and associated components. This includes six trenchless tunnel crossings and the construction of a new dechlorination facility made of cement mortar masonry. The facility features two 4,000-gallon chemical tanks, feed pumps, analyzers, forced air ventilation systems, fill and dosing piping, valves, and related infrastructure.

Photos provided by: Brian Hoover,

LLC and W.A. Rasic Construction

W.A.

CONSTRUCTION TAKES ON NUMEROUS CHALLENGES

Ryan Plunk is the Senior

Manager for W.A. Rasic

(W.A. Rasic)

the North City Pure

Pipeline Project. “This

very

and

RASIC

Project

Construction

overseeing

Water

is a

complicated

impressive project that includes the installation of approximately 39,000 linear feet of 48-inch CMLC (cement-mortar lined and coated) welded steel pipe that runs through the north part of San Diego. The pipeline starts along Eastgate Mall, travels down Miramar Road to the east, through Kearny Villa Road, and crosses the I-15 freeway before running

Right: Moses Vallejo, Project Manager, Ryan Plunk, Senior Project Manager, W.A. Rasic Construction.

Below: Installation of cement-mortar lined and coated (CMLC) pipe through North County Transit District (NCTD) Bridge Abutment.

Above: Installation of 48-inch cement-mortar lined and coated (CMLC) mainline along Miramar Road.

up Scripps Ranch all the way to the Miramar Reservoir,” says Plunk. “In addition to the open-cut pipe sections, there are four jack and bore operations performed by subcontractor, Golden State Boring. The locations of the four jack and bores are at the BNSF railroad crossing on Miramar Road, underneath an existing storm drain on Via Pasar, beneath a large diameter water line on Eastgate Mall, and under the I-15 freeway.”

According to W.A. Rasic Project Manager, Moses Vallejo, most of the excavating work is done at night. “The local communities have established agreements with the City of San Diego to keep the excavating and other heavy civil work on night schedules. We set traffic detours, remove the traffic plates, and begin excavating planned sections every night. Once the nightly section is complete, we replace the road plates and do it all again the next night,” says Vallejo.

“Miramar Road is heavily traveled by commuters and located very close to the Top Gun Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. There are a lot of moving pieces, and it is a critical point of emphasis to minimize construction and noise related impacts with the local residents, businesses, and military base, while also attempting to be as efficient as possible to mitigate any extended impact.”

Vallejo says W.A. Rasic crews are utilizing mostly trench shields and aluminum shores to install pipeline over roughly 8-miles of open cut pipeline installation. “We are utilizing beam and plate shafts for tunnel scopes and some beam and lagging shoring systems along various points of the alignment as well. Shoring materials utilized on the project includes steel from our inventory as well as the supplemental use of shoring and steel plate rentals from National Trench Safety,” says Vallejo.

{ Continued on page 10 }

Above: Installation of 48-inch CMLC waterline and mechanical components through the access shaft, and prior to the Pure Water Program water entering the Miramar Reservoir.

Top Left: Reinforcement of existing NCTD Bridge prior to installation of pipe support bridge and pipe installation.

Top Right: Removal of micro-tunnel boring machine (MTBM) working slab in advance of permanent concrete structure scope at 40-ft. ID by 95-ft. deep access structure.

{ Continued from page 8 }

W.A. Rasic’s contract includes several unique elements on this project, some of which require third party coordination and collaboration to meet the needs of the project. “There is a grade separation where a train crossing (North County Transit District) goes under Miramar Road along the main portion of the alignment. Coordination efforts with North County Transit District is centered around multiple 48-hour track closures for work on Saturday and Sunday where W.A. Rasic, and subcontractor, Allied Steel, successfully installed 120 feet of 36-inch pipe to the underside of the overpass and hanging over the railway,” says Plunk.

Plunk continues by pointing out that the 60-inch diameter jack & bores ranged from 150 to 645 linear feet in length. In addition to the four jack and bore tunnels, there are also two 60” diameter microtunnels that were installed on the project by Ward & Burke Tunneling, Inc. One of the micro-tunnels exited in the Miramar Reservoir, which necessitated a wet retrieval process utilizing divers, barges, and cranes to recover the micro-tunnel boring machine (MTBM). The “in-water” retrieval scope was performed by Ballard Marine Construction.

“The two micro-tunneling operations share a joint launch shaft comprised of a shotcrete and girder system designed and installed by Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring. The circular shaft is roughly 95 feet in depth and 40 feet in diameter,” says Plunk. “Both tunnels were launched from this access shaft, with the micro-tunnel underneath Evans

Above: One of two Ballard Marine crane barges on Miramar Reservoir.

Pond (a small pond south of the reservoir) completed prior to the micro-tunnel going into Miramar Reservoir. Ballard Marine prepared a landing pad comprised of crushed rock at the precise exit location of the micro-tunnel machine (MTBM) entering the lake bottom which was roughly 100 feet in depth. With the landing pad in place, the MTBM entered the Reservoir bottom onto the landing pad where it was secured and lifted from the lake bottom and up onto barges.”

W.A. Rasic, in collaboration with Ballard Marine Construction, are currently installing over a mile of subaqueous HDPE pipeline on this portion of the project. Plunk explains that at the point where the pipeline runs into the lake, there is just over a mile of a subaqueous HDPE trunk line that telescopes down from 54” to 30” in diameter. With the conveyance of the water into the Reservoir, several outlets ranging from 24” to 8” in diameter are installed to allow even distribution of the water throughout the lake.

Plunk admits that there are several challenges with working in and around the Miramar Reservoir. “With the reservoir being a drinking water resource, mitigating potential contaminants and disturbances presents a unique challenge that requires continuous efforts to ensure that water quality is upheld and protected during construction,” continues Plunk.

W.A. Rasic continues ongoing efforts to complete the project by early 2025. Partnership on the project remains in place with the City of San Diego Pure Water project team. The City’s team is led by Richard Fernandez (Senior Construction Engineer), Azin Nour (Construction Manager), and Donnie Purscelley (Resident Engineer). WA Rasic’s progression on the project would not be possible without the leadership and expertise of our General Superintendent, Gilbert Estrada, Site Superintendent, Brandon

Background: Dual crane barges installing segmented installation of the HDPE subaqueous pipeline along the Miramar Reservoir lake bottom.

Above: Ballard Marine diver assisted up on deck after completing mechanical flange make up of one of the HDPE underwater connections.

Amos, Structures Superintendent, Mark Stewart, Division Manager, Jeremy Juarez, and Site Safety Manager, Genevieve Martinez, as well as all of the dedicated members of our crews onsite.

The North City Pure Water Pipeline is designed to transport 30 million gallons per day (mgd) of highly purified water to Miramar Reservoir for storage. The purified water will undergo chlorination for disinfection and to safeguard the pipelines. Part of W.A. Rasic’s contract is to construct a

dechlorination facility which will intercept water being conveyed by the Pure Water pipelines prior to being added to Miramar Reservoir. The dechlorination facility is designed to eliminate disinfectants from the water before it reaches the reservoir, ensuring the protection of plant and animal habitats within the reservoir, and the safety of recreational users who visit daily.

The Pure Water San Diego program will serve to decrease reliance on imported water and

exposure to its projected cost increases. It will also decrease ocean discharges and provide consistent water availability regardless of drought or rain.

For more information on Pure Water San Diego, please visit Pure Water San Diego Website. For more information on W.A. Rasic Construction, please visit W.A. Rasic Construction website at www.warasic.com or call the corporate office in Long Beach at (562) 928-6111. Cc

Above: W.A. Rasic crew installing concrete pipe weights and blind flanges to allow segments to be transported out to barges and then placed at the lake bottom by Ballard Marine.

Below: A scenic view of the main section of the 54-inch subaqueous mainline floating pipe. The line would later be filled with water and deployed along the lake bottom.

Revolutionizing San Diego’s Water Future: Sukut Construction Takes On Pure Water Morena Conveyance South and Middle Pipeline Project for the City of San Diego

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor / Photos provided by: Brian Hoover, CMS, LLC and Sukut Construction

San Diego’s Pure Water Project is a crucial response to the city’s heavy reliance on imported water, with 85% sourced from the Colorado River and Northern California Bay Delta. The escalating cost of this imported water, which has tripled in the last 15 years, underscores the urgency of local water solutions. Currently, only eight percent of wastewater is recycled, while the rest is treated and discharged into the ocean.

Pure Water San Diego represents a phased, multi-year initiative to transform this paradigm. By 2035, it aims to provide nearly half of San Diego’s water supply locally, significantly reducing dependence on costly imports. This program is designed to revolutionize the city’s water

system, creating a complete water cycle that maximizes the utilization of this precious resource.

PHASE 1 PURE WATER SAN DIEGO

Phase 1 of the Pure Water Program encompasses 12 distinct projects aimed at treating recycled water, resulting in the production of 30 million gallons per day of high-quality purified water. The Morena Conveyance South and Middle, segment of the project was awarded to Sukut Construction (Sukut). Matthew Fleming is the project manager overseeing this $130 million contract for Sukut.

“The Pure Water Program represents the largest ever infrastructure project delivered by the City of San Diego for its community. We started potholing in October 2022 and put the first

stick of pipe in the ground in June of 2023. We should have everything wrapped up by the end of 2025,” explains Fleming. “There are two uniquely situated sections of the job. The City of San Diego refers to them as the South and Middle sections because they were initially separate projects that were merged. From the Morena Pump Station Facility, which is the southernmost section of the project, the water will be forced up a 48-inch pipe to a treatment center at the northern end of the project. The solids are separated and treated here for reintroduction into the Miramar reservoir. At this point, it becomes raw water and is run through a secondary set of treatment before it is deemed potable and dispersed to the City of San Diego residents.”

SAN DIEGO PURE WATER PROGRAM

MORENA CONVEYANCE SOUTH

MORENA CONVEYANCE SOUTHERN AND MIDDLE PIPELINES

The Morena Pipelines Southern and Middle Alignment and Conveyance Bike Lanes project will connect the Morena Pump Station to the Morena Northern Alignment and Tunnels. The project also includes the installation of Class II bike lanes with buffer zones, bicycle loops, and signage. “We are installing two large-diameter

48 and 30-inch cement mortarlined and coated steel pipelines in parallel for wastewater reuse. One is considered a force main sewer, and the other is a brine-line return line,” says Fleming. “The entire project is located along a seven-mile alignment with 72,000 linear feet of pipe being supplied by Northwest Pipe Company. To date, our crews have installed more than 14,000 linear feet of pipeline on Clairemont Drive.”

According to Fleming, the southern section (Morena Conveyance South) consists of constructing approximately 17,400 linear feet of new 48-inch wastewater force main, 17,800 linear feet of 30-inch brine centrate conveyance pipeline, and associated appurtenances. Construction on the southern section begins at the Morena Pump Station, located at the corner of Sherman and Custer Streets, continues east along Sherman Street, north along Morena Boulevard, east on Milton Street, north on Chicago Street, east on Jellett Street, north on

Above L-R: Sukut’s Cheyne Walsh, Lohgan Spencer, Matt Fleming and Chris Hartwell.

Denver Street, and east on Clairemont Drive up to Iroquois Avenue. “The south section is located within a water-impacted area, so there’s dewatering involved, which necessitates a whole different set of installation methods,” continues Fleming.

“An important part of our job is to engage with community groups to discuss traffic, schedules, and other issues that may impact residents. We are working in the middle of the street, moving up through Clairemont northward towards UTC (University Town Center), installing pipeline at depths of 17 to 20 feet within active roadway conditions. Ensuring open communication and transparency with the community, schools, churches, businesses, and residents is of paramount importance to us and the City of San Diego. We are constantly

working to stay in front of the various groups and do all that we can to keep everything as normal as humanly possible.”

MORENA CONVEYANCE MIDDLE

The Morena Conveyance Middle project includes the installation of 18,400 linear feet of 48-inch wastewater force main pipeline and approximately 18,330 linear feet of 30-inch welded steel pipe brine centrate/ conveyance pipeline. The project extends from the connection with Morena Conveyance South near Iroquois Avenue, north along Clairemont Drive, east on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, and north on Genesee Avenue up to Appleton Road. Installation of associated appurtenances along the route is also part of the contract.

GOING UNDERGROUND WITH THE HELP OF TRENCH SHORING COMPANY

Fleming explains that digging at depths of up to 20 feet and a width of 14 feet requires a variety of shoring solutions. “Trench Shoring Company has been there for us from the beginning with very unique design solutions for supporting existing utilities and assisting us with ways to keep them active. We have encountered some challenging utility crossings, whether water, sewer, storm, fiber, or electric,” says Fleming. “We like working with Trench Shoring Company because they remain on call when we have on-the-spot issues. Their knowledgeable and dynamic support is always welcome and appreciated. We work with Troy Junkin from

Left & Above: Sukut crews installing beam and plate shoring at Sherman Morena Boulevard intersection on Pure Water Morena Conveyance South and Middle Pipeline project.

{ Continued from page 16 }

Trench Shoring Company, and he and Kevin Malloy (President, Trench Shoring Company) work hard to keep a strong working relationship with our company. We are always looking for a solution-driven response and Trench Shoring Company is always there to advise us and not just to take an order.”

Sukut is using trench boxes and shields as their primary support source, but in the wet areas in the south, they are going with steel beams and plates. “We are utilizing beam and plate shoring in the wet sections because it can ultimately be done without excavating in

advance of the shoring install. So, we drill the beams in and push the plates to slowly make our way down to the subgrade. In other areas, we are using trench boxes where we just drop the box in and begin installing pipe. The area we are working in, whether it is wet, dry, or rocky, dictates the shoring application. This is pretty clear to see on this particular project with the elevation change from start to finish being around 275 vertical feet,” Fleming says. “The beams are 40 feet long and supplemented by whalers that join with the beams for support. Without the whalers, the beams would have to be 60 feet long.”

UNIQUE, CHALLENGING, AND REWARDING PROJECT

Fleming points out other challenges, including his crews and working area being sandwiched between two other contractors. One is working on the pump station that will tie into the southernmost section, and another is installing a conveyance pipe in the northern segment. “We have weekly coordination meetings that help us all correspond about the details of one another’s schedules,” Fleming says. “We are also continually working in close coordination with the City of San Diego to implement appropriate traffic control that allows us to work during the day, as well as to

Below: Sukut installing 48-inch mainline pipe through Clairemont communities.

limit our overall exposure and keep change orders to a minimum.”

Sukut is self-performing most of the work on the Morena Conveyance project except for a few trades, such as locating utilities and the final asphalt paving. “We got out in front of the pipeline install with AirX Utility Surveyors, who used vacuum trucks and hydro excavation to locate utilities and establish the design alignment. And for the asphalt paving, we are utilizing a top-notch contractor, Hardy & Harper,” says Fleming. “Our crews work in a window with around 2,000 linear feet in front of them, so they must finish and close up the back 1,000 feet in order to

open up another 1,000 feet in front of them. Everyone is working hard to finish and repave what they have opened each week. We have a great team of operators and laborers working on this project led by our superintendent, Trenton Christian, a phenomenal guy who has been working here at Sukut for more than 20 years. We also have Chris Hartwell and Nate Barnett, our mainline pipe foremen, who are leading the large-diameter pipe installations and both have been longtime employees with Sukut.”

Sukut has anywhere from 75 to 100 employees working on the project at any given time, with more than 52,000 man-hours logged at the time of publication.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while we continue to do our part to help San Diegans secure a continuous water source for years to come,” says Fleming. “Everyone here at Sukut is proud and honored to be a part of this exciting and important high-profile project. Once complete, residents, business owners, and visitors alike are sure to appreciate having a brand new full-width, curb-to-curb roadway available to them.”

For more information on the Pure Water Morena Conveyance South and Middle Pipeline project, please visit Pure Water San Diego. For more information on Sukut Construction, please visit www.sukut.com. Cc

Right: Trench Shoring Company keeping workers safe during mainline pipe installation on Clairemont Drive.

Below Left & Right: Sukut crews installing 48-inch cement mortar-lined and coated steel pipelines.

TTS Engineering, Inc.

Invests in the Future by Adding Trimble Earthworks Machine Control Technology to Their LiuGong Equipment

from

Warrior Machinery

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor / Photos provided by: Kerry Hoover, CMS, LLC and TTS Engineering, Inc.

TTS Engineering, Inc. has been relying on LiuGong heavy construction equipment for more than a decade. The company has developed a relationship with their distributor, Warrior Machinery, that has become a mutually beneficial business partnership. Tim Wilson is the Owner and President of TTS Engineering, Inc., and he recognizes the strategic importance of making the right equipment purchases and utilization decisions. “The

decision to go with LiuGong and work almost exclusively with Warrior Machinery for our equipment needs is one of the best moves our company has ever made,” says Wilson. “After many years of service, our LiuGong equipment has been field-tested and proven to stand side by side with any of the other major brands. Beyond the exceptional quality and performance, we also enjoy the extraordinary service and support

that we consistently receive from Warrior Machinery.”

LOOKING FOR A SOLUTION TO OPERATOR AND WORKFORCE CHALLENGES

Travis Nicholson is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at TTS Engineering, Inc., and one of the professional goals he has set for himself is to elevate the level of professional sophistication TTS can bring to

Above:

TTS Engineering field team on-site at the Vermont Logistics project in Torrance.

their customers. Part of achieving this goal includes the strategic planning and procurement of heavy construction equipment and emerging technology. “Our LiuGong heavy equipment from Warrior Machinery has been a mainstay of our company’s success for many years. Our operators, laborers, and administrative personnel have also been instrumental in our growth and expansion. However, the retiring construction workforce has presented a challenge to our industry, and finding good new operators and laborers has become difficult, to say the least,” says Nicholson. “I have always been a believer and early adopter of emerging technology. If technology can help us solve a problem or issue, we are going to take a good hard look at it. For this reason, I began looking for a combined solution for the current challenges and turned to Steve Nadelman (President/CEO-Principal)

at Warrior Machinery for his opinion and advice.”

Both Wilson and Nicholson met with Nadelman and presented him with a few questions, one of which was whether he felt that current technology is capable of assisting in filling the void created by the loss of veteran operators in the workforce. “Steve and I began talking about Trimble and the technology they had to offer for semi-automatic machine operation, 3D modeling, and other hardware and software solutions. We discussed utilizing just the Trimble base and rover systems and how we could start implementing that internally without any immediate consideration toward machine control. We also went over the cost and overall return on investment,” says Nicholson. “I really appreciate working for an owner who is willing to give the appropriate amount of consideration for a proposal of an

Above Left: Tim Wilson, President (left), Travis Nicholson, VP/COO, Kalen Kornfeind, Operations Manager, Rob Schubert, Project Manager and Kyle Wagner, Sr. Project Manager, TTS Engineering.

Above Right: TTS Engineering team members utilize the Trimble rover and base station on the proof of concept project.

Right: Trimble technicians installing GPS/GNSS antenna receiver kits on TTS Engineering’s LiuGong 922E excavator.

investment of this size. Steve Nadelman made the introduction for Tim and I with Trimble and assisted in managing the relationship early on. Ultimately, we decided to go with the full Trimble Earthworks suite to include everything from the base, rover, automatics, 3D modeling, and all of the back-office software. We then had everything installed on our new LiuGong 922E excavator and began looking for an appropriate project to begin our proof of concept out in the field.”

CHOOSING VERMONT LOGISTICS PROJECT IN TORRANCE FOR PROOF OF CONCEPT OF TRIMBLE EARTHWORKS PLATFORM

TTS Engineering, Inc. began working for Del Amo Construction on the Vermont Logistics project in Torrance in October 2023 and will have their work completed by the end of April 2024. Robert Schubert and Kyle Wagner are both project managers for TTS Engineering, and they are responsible for overseeing the progress on the project in Torrance. “We are installing the onsite storm drain system on the Vermont Logistics project as a subcontractor to Del Amo Construction. Our $1.4 million contract includes the installation of 850 linear feet of 12-inch to 21inch HDPE storm drain, 650 feet of 6-inch SDR 35 onsite sewer pipe,

and 800 feet of 1-inch to 1 ½-inch schedule 40 PVC onsite and offsite water line. We are also installing a catch basin and a large detention system onsite,” says Schubert. “We purchased the Trimble Earthworks platform several months ago and went through the training process. We chose this project to invest the time in building the 3D model to collect a good proof of concept of maintainable production rates.”

According to Kyle Wagner, TTS Engineering, Inc. purchased a new LiuGong 922E 51,522 lb. excavator from Warrior Machinery a few months back, and this is the machine that was outfitted with the Trimble Earthworks for Excavators Grade Control Platform. “Rob (Schubert) built a 3D model after getting the CAD from the designer, and we uploaded it to our LiuGong 922E. This LiuGong machine is now digging off of the model with exact elevations where conventionally we would require a surveyor onsite, and that is no longer needed. Without this system, an operator might dig a trench two inches too deep, and that would require more rock fill material. By having the exact elevations programmed into the system, it is not only more efficient with operator time, but also saves on material costs,” says Wagner. “Clearly, there is nothing like a

seasoned operator with 30 or 40 years of experience, but with this Trimble Earthworks system, we can hire an operator with two years’ experience and deliver the same quantity and quality of work. Now our operators can be on the same level, which is so important with the operator and labor shortages and retiring workforce. This technology really helps to level the playing field out here on the jobsite.”

Schubert points out that as a project manager, he can see exactly what the production was for the day without having to visit the jobsite. “We utilize the cloudbased Trimble WorksManager software for the automatic data transferring and to share all of the information with the contractor, owners, and other stakeholders. This information can be sent directly from the tablet or the rover, and I can log directly into the Trimble website to see what the operators have on their screen in real-time,” says Schubert. “Another important facet of this system is that we are as-built on the job as we go. As an example, we ran into a construction conflict with a 24-inch RCP pipe on the project and were able to as-built that pipe and forward precise location and elevation to the engineer in real time. This information just goes

{ Continued on page 24 }

Left & Above: TTS Engineering’s LiuGong 922E excavator equipped with Trimble 3D utilizes the auto dig dump return feature, the operator is only responsible for tracking the machine.

Left: TTS Engineering’s LiuGong 950 excavator (108,467-lbs) installing storm water detention system at the Vermont Logistics project in Torrance.

Above: TTS Engineering

Liugong 856 wheel loader with 5-yard bucket was utilized on-site.

right back into the model design and makes the necessary grade, depth, and other changes. Traditionally, we would stop our work and put a laser on the ground, but with the Trimble system, it is just integrating without any additional plans or modeling. Just push a button and say, “export to CAD file” and it then sends it back to the engineer.”

THE FUTURE OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY

Nicholson says that he envisions that within the next few years, the entire TTS Engineering LiuGong fleet will be Trimble-enabled machines. “This is the future of heavy construction equipment operations, and the payback is in the benefits we will receive from being able to do more in less time with real, dig, dump, and return automated technology. Additionally, we will save money and resources

if we unintentionally over excavate too deep or too wide, and by not having to rely on surveyors and grade checkers because the technology does that for you,” says Nicholson. “Additional payback will come from another function of the EarthWorks system, the Trimble WeighMaster system. So, as we are doing dirt loading and export operations, we can accurately weigh every bucket of dirt that we load into the trucks. When you are exporting thousands of yards of dirt, you need to document it properly or risk losing $50,000 to $60,000 pretty quickly. This is all part of the Earthworks suite and provides us with daily tickets of export, uploaded into our model.”

Putting together some sort of automated equipment technology program has been an ongoing goal of Travis Nicholson’s for many years. “I hope that helping to bring TTS Engineering into this field of emerging technology will be my

legacy one day. None of this would be possible, of course, without the willingness and foresight of our owner, Tim Wilson. I also want to thank and recognize Steve Nadelman who has been there for us time and time again as a true partner in our ongoing enterprise. I have to tell you that the support and service we have received from Warrior Machinery has been second to none. I have not seen that level of service and engagement from any other distributor that I have worked with over these many years. We look forward to our ongoing relationship with Warrior Machinery, LiuGong, and Trimble as we fully embrace what the future has to bring to this wonderful business of ours.” For more information on TTS Engineering, Inc., please visit www.ttsengineering.net or call their Stanton, CA headquarters at (714) 840-6346. Cc

JCB MINI EXCAVATORS

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With JCB, choosing your next mini excavator just got a whole lot easier.

You are on that long road trip with your family. You need gas, food, and everyone is ready for a bathroom break. You see exit ramps with your typical gas station choices, but then you see that big sign saying, “Love’s 5-Miles Ahead,” and you are more than willing to wait a bit longer for the extra selection, service, and convenience you know you will always receive at Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores.

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores (Love’s) was founded in 1964 by Tom and Judy Love. The first Love’s Truck Stop opened in Watonga, Oklahoma, as a small

filling station established primarily for local customers. Tom Love soon recognized the need that long-haul truckers had for food, fuel, and rest as they traveled across the nation. The company decided to make a significant leap forward by opening its first full-service truck stop in Amarillo, Texas, in 1981. This new location offered a wide range of amenities tailored specifically to truck drivers, including fueling stations with high-speed pumps, restaurants, showers, and ample parking spaces for trucks. The success from this strategic move paved the way for further expansion, and Love’s began

rapidly establishing new stops along major highways and interstates. Love’s Travel Stops now operates 640 locations in 42 states with more than 430 truck service centers that include Speedco and Love’s Truck Care locations. Love’s is celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2024 and is currently in the process of expanding its footprint and service offerings. The company is rolling out a $1 billion expansion plan this year that will add 20 to 25 new locations and update 35 to 40 aging stores.

The installation of the electric lines and equipment is an important part of what goes

Above: Adrian Martinez operating Precision Excavating 1, Inc.’s John Deere 26G mini excavator compacting backfilled trench line at Love’s Travel Stops new location in Bakersfield.

into opening a brand-new Love’s location. A.R. Mays Construction is the prime contractor on the project and specializes in managing commercial projects throughout the Southwest. A.R. Mays contracted LMS Electric out of Montrose, CA, to perform the electrical installation. Marcel Tress is the foreman for LMS Electric, and he is overseeing the electrical work on the project. “We are doing the electrical runs and connections for the C (convenient) store, the Arby’s and the Speedco tire shop, as well as the site lighting, trash compactors, high-rise signage, CAT Scales, and RV kiosk station,” says Tress. “We subcontracted Precision Excavating 1 to perform the trenching work for the underground electrical lines. Precision 1 was referred to us by A.R. Mays, and Daryll DaCosta and his crew are doing an exceptional job out here in Bakersfield. They are fast, safe, and efficient. Precision does the digging, we put the conduit and lines in the ground, and they follow with the backfill.”

{ Continued on page 30 }

Left & Below: Daryll DaCosta using his John Deere 17G mini excavator to dig around existing utilities at the Love’s Travel Stops project for LMS Electric in Bakersfield.

Bottom: Precision Excavating 1, Inc. excavating long runs of trench line for LMS Electric in Bakersfield.

{ Continued from page 28 }

LMS Electric began their work on Nov. 1, 2023, and will be onsite until late July or early August. “The Bakersfield job represents the first time that we have worked on a Love’s Travel Store project, but we will soon be working on a remodel for Love’s in Lost Hills, and are bidding on two more in Lancaster and San Diego,” continues Tress. “We are thankful to work for A.R. Mays on this Love’s project, and we look forward to future jobs with them and Precision Excavating 1, Inc.”

Precision Excavating 1, Inc., began excavating trench line for LMS Electric in the middle of February and completed their work in mid-March. Daryll DaCosta is the owner/president of Precision Excavating 1, Inc., and he and his crew are excavating around 4,500 linear feet of trench for all of the onsite electrical over the 26-acre property. “Our goal has been to

get around 1,200 feet of the main runs completed each day, but things really slow down when we are excavating around the live gas lines and fuel systems, CAT Scales and other utilities that are already in place. We are digging trench from 12 inches to 36 inches wide and 30 inches to 36 inches in depth. LMS Electric crew members follow our work and install the conduit and then we backfill right after inspection,” says DaCosta. “This is a good job for us, and we are thrilled to be working for LMS Electric on this high-profile project for Love’s. I want to take a moment to thank Marcel Tress and LMS Electric for putting their trust in us. We are also very excited about working for LMS Electric on other jobs in the future including more Love’s projects. I want to also recognize and thank my operators, Trevor DaCosta and Adrian Martinez for always giving their all and doing

such an amazing job on every project we take on.”

Daryll DaCosta formed Precision Excavating 1, Inc., in 2020 after working in the construction industry for nearly 20 years. Much of the work DaCosta takes on is performed on an operated equipment rental contract for companies like Chamberlain Backhoe Service, Clark and Sons Contracting Corp., and United Backhoe Service. “We perform a variety of tasks, including excavating, grading, backfilling, augering, concrete breaking and have recently added asphalt grinding which is a fastgrowing segment of our business,” says DaCosta. “We are always on the lookout for operators with skill and a strong work ethic, as we continue to grow our enterprise.” For more information on Precision Excavating 1, please contact Daryll DaCosta at 909-223-4635. Cc

Left: Precision Excavating 1, Inc.’s Cat 242D3 skid steer loader backfilling trench.

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JCB AWARDED $39 MILLON CONTRACT WITH UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (USMC) FOR MORE THAN 200 TELESKIDS

JCB is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract to supply up to 206 of its industry-exclusive telescopic compact track loaders, the 3TS8T Teleskid, to the United States Marine Corps.

Competing against other top OEMs, JCB secured the bid for the Marine Corp’s Multi-Terrain Loader (MTL) Replacement program. The JCB Teleskid will become the future MTL for the USMC. The initial delivery order is for $19 million, and JCB projects first delivery to the Marine Corps prior to the end of the year.

“We are thrilled to win this contract from the Marine Corps for the JCB Teleskid, the world’s only skid steer and compact track loader with a telescopic boom,” says Richard Fox-Marrs, President & CEO of JCB North America.

“This machine is designed, engineered and manufactured by our talented team in Savannah, Georgia, who also produce the commercial Teleskid that we sell globally. The military and commercial versions of the JCB Teleskid are almost identical.

“It’s fantastic that the Marines have made the switch and chosen the unique benefits of the JCB telescopic compact track loader over conventional skid steer designs, and that they have the confidence to deploy this machine on missions throughout the world,” says Fox-Marrs. “We are honored to again have the opportunity to support the U.S. military with JCB equipment, and we look forward to furthering our longstanding relationship.”

This contract also includes a selection of attachments, allowing the USMC to complete a variety of mission requirements with the Teleskid.

“This is a great achievement for JCB and a testament to the dedication and skill of our team,” says Viengkeo Johnson, Senior Manager – Government & Defense for JCB North America. “A special thanks to the entire JCB team for their hard work, commitment and perseverance. Together, we will be delivering a world-class product that will make a difference to those who help protect our nation.”

The Teleskid features a telescoping boom with a hinge pin height of 13 feet, 3 inches, more than 2 feet higher than most conventional skid steers. The loader has a rated operating capacity of up to 3,700 lb. and a travel speed of 7.8 mph. Compared to a conventional skid steer or compact track loader, the Teleskid offers

side-door entry which increases visibility and enhances safety by providing a quick and obstaclefree exit rather than forcing the operator to enter and exit over the front of the machine and attachment.

“We are immensely proud to provide yet another product to the U.S. military, which has been a valued customer for over three decades,” says Chris Giorgianni, Vice President of Product for JCB North America. “This contract demonstrates the quality and versatility of our machines, which are designed to meet the most demanding and challenging environments, whether it’s supporting the military mission or allowing our commercial customer to just get the job done. We are honored to support the Marine Corps and all branches of the U.S. military in their vital work of protecting and serving our country and its allies.” Cc

The United States Marine Corps has chosen JCB’s 3TS-8T Teleskid, with its unique telescoping boom and side entry door, over conventional skid steer designs for its Multi-Terrain Loader Replacement Program. The Marine’s Teleskid is shown at right, the commercial version on which it is based is at left.

Volvo Construction Equipment & Services (VCES) is proud to announce the appointment of Ana Durazo to the VCES marketing team. Durazo will serve as the Marketing Assistant and oversee all social media content planning and engagement. She will also plan & attend expos/tradeshows, create email blasts and online literature for clients & internal projects. “I am extremely proud and excited to be working for Volvo Construction Equipment & Services where I can utilize

my marketing skills and expand my knowledge within the field of construction,” says Durazo.

Durazo comes to VCES after working in social media within the restaurant industry. She earned her Associates in Business Administration from Norco College, and is currently attending the University of California, Riverside (UCR) to earn a Bachelors in Marketing. Durazo currently resides in Eastvale with her boyfriend and three-year-old son. Cc

UNDERGROUND CONQUER

Mini, Mid-Size, Full-Size, and Heavy Excavators

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• PULSE 2.0 prompts the operator to verify the selected counter weight configuration.

• Discrepancies between operator selection and PULSE 2.0 detection result in configuration mismatch on the RCL.

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• R eal-time 360° char ts

• Live capacity preview mode

• Outrigger position sensing

• Incorporated swing arrest