CAMPUS-WIDE BUILDING SUBSTATIONS REPLACEMENT
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
The California State University, Northridge (CSUN) project involved the replacement of building substations for fifteen (15) different buildings on the CSUN campus. Project work involved demolition/salvage of existing electrical equipment including building transformers, distribution boards, breakers, conductors, etc. Replacement of this equipment followed, including new pad-mounted liquid-filled transformers and switchgear (600 amp distribution switchgear). Fifteen (15) kV feeders were run along with all associated raceways and/or bus ducts, as per specs. Based on each building’s individual structure and previous electrical set-up, new underground duct banks were installed as needed, along with exterior enclosures to house outdoor equipment. As a condition of the project, the University required campus operations to continue full, normal operations with minimal disruption to the power. To accomplish this, Stronghold meticulously planned and sequenced the work on each building to minimize disturbances. Two-week notices were provided each time a connection to the distribution system was required and/or a utility shut down. In addition, Stronghold developed Method of Procedure (MOP) manuals for each individual building shut down. These were submitted to all associated stakeholders 45 days prior to the shutdown date to ensure that all affected parties were aware of the upcoming process and procedures. Shutting down the power for certain buildings, such as the campus bookstore, was not an option. In these instances, temporary generators were installed during the entire shutdown period and were required to fully power the existing building loads. To enhance and support the project’s success, Stronghold provided design recommendations and updates for existing facilities throughout the campus. CSUN elected to accept nearly all the advised recommendations. This resulted in changes to the original scope of work and contract timeline, but ultimately provided a more robust electrical distribution system within the University, to the satisfaction of our client. This project involved trenching, duct bank installation, temporary generators, low voltage system installation, medium voltage splicing, commissioning and testing of all systems installed and modified, civil and landscape services to support all electrical work.
Ninety percent (90%) of the work for this project was self-performed by Stronghold. The entire electrical scope of work was performed by Stronghold crew members, which was the primary focus of this project. Stronghold also provided demolition services and performed the majority of site restoration repairs. Subcontracted work included door and gate installation, brick planter construction (masonry), core drilling, underground utility location, and fire sprinkler/alarm installation.
The campus was fully occupied during construction so Stronghold worked diligently with the client to maintain their business operations while construction occurred, as well as keeping all faculty and students safe during construction. The supervising electrician at Cal State Northridge, Thomas Edvalson, wrote Stronghold a letter of commendation regarding this project and our crew members’ performance. Contract was extended and project was completed per the agreed to contract extension deadline date. All contract modifications were provided as owner approved modification changes to the original contract.