Project name: Western Oregon University Steam Line Tunnel Design

Location: Monmouth

Completion: October 2024

Size: 1,000 square feet of steam line

Cost: $11 million

Owner/Developer: Western Oregon University

Engineers: KPFF, Systems West Engineers

General Contractor: Andersen Construction

Submitting Company: Systems West Engineers

Other Key Participants: City of Monmouth

Subcontractors: Emery & Sons Construction Group, MPP Piping

Western Oregon University has completed a major infrastructure upgrade, replacing approximately 1,000 feet of steam distribution line across campus using innovative technology that promises decades of reliable service.

Originally planned as a tunnel project, budget constraints forced engineers to pivot to a direct-bury system using cutting-edge stainless steel piping technology. The approach makes WOU only the second campus in Oregon to implement this system, following Oregon State University.

The stainless-steel system is expected to provide 25-40 years of service, significantly reducing lifecycle costs compared to conventional systems that typically need replacement every 25-30 years.

The project faced numerous challenges, including deep trenching requirements of approximately 10 feet and navigating decades-old underground infrastructure while maintaining precise alignment for the steam system. Work had to be completed during a compressed summer timeframe to minimize campus disruption.

One particularly difficult aspect involved a vault where steam at 245° F had been leaking for approximately 10 months, creating both safety issues and technical complications. When steam was shut off, the vault required nearly 10 days to cool down.

The collaboration between Systems West Engineers, KPFF Consulting Engineers, and Andersen Construction proved crucial in overcoming unforeseen obstacles. When facing sequencing challenges related to providing continuous service to the campus pool, a year-round facility, the team developed creative solutions that allowed the entire project to be completed in one phase.

The project also incorporated modern monitoring technology with sump pump alarms and monitoring systems in the vaults, enabling proactive maintenance. Safety improvements included replacing dangerous rebar ladders in existing vaults with proper aluminum ladders and covers.

The direct-bury approach proved remarkably cost-effective. The original tunnel concept would have cost approximately $8,000 per linear foot, allowing the university to address only about 40 percent of its steam distribution needs within the available budget. By switching to the stainless steel direct-bury system, the team completed the entire scope while staying within budget constraints.

The project remediated a failing pipe that had been leaking steam for approximately 10 months, eliminating wasteful energy loss and ensuring reliable heating for academic buildings and year-round operation of the campus pool.

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