Silva Cells & UtilitiesHow to integrate Silva Cells into the built environment
I. Running existing utilities through framesII. Running utilities outside of frames (utility corridors)III. Planning for the futureIV. Repairs & Maintenance
+/- 18” (45 cm)
+/- 12” (30.5 cm)
+/- 16” (40.5 cm)
48” (122 cm)24” (61 cm)
The open design of the Silva Cell frames allows underground utilities to be run though the system
Running Existing Utilities
Through Silva Cell Frames
Electric
Irrigation
Stormwater
Irrigation
Electric
Use a combination of these techniques where there are multiple utilities
Running utilities outside of framesII.Filling gaps with aggregateIII.Bridging utilities with Silva CellsIV.Bridging utilities with concrete slabs
Fill gaps with aggregate
Fill area around utilities with aggregate
Fill area around utility with aggregate
Fill area around base with aggregate
Bridging Utilities with Silva Cells
Bridging Utilities with Concrete Slabs
Concrete slab over utilities
New Construction: Utility Corridors & Planning AheadIII.Placing utilities within Silva Cells IV.Placing utilities adjacent to Silva CellV.Planning for the future
Establish utility corridors for new installations
Place utilities just outside of Silva Cells but within excavation area
Place utilities adjacent to Cells:Add Spare Conduits for Future Capacity
Future directional boring
Silva Cells
Caution tape marks utility corridor
Mark utilities for ease of future locating
Register Silva Cells as an underground facility with the local one-call agency and make it a permanent part of the notification system
Register Silva Cells as an Underground Utility
Electromagnetic locators are able to find a 2” (5 cm) copper water line running through the Silva Cells without interference.
GPR locators detect the limits of the Silva Cell system.
Ground Penetrating Radar used to locate perimeters of Silva Cell system
Repairs & Maintenance
1. Locate - Call Local One-Call Agency
2. Excavate- Excavate to level of geotextile- Expose geotextile fabric, cut and fold back, then remove decks- Use a Hydro-Vac or hand dig out soil from area of excavation
3. Repair or add service (lateral)
4. Replace Silva Cells- To replace Silva Cells follow Operations Manual procedures (see www.deeproot.com)
5. Replace permanent surfacing- Replace or patch paving
**for further details, see www.deeproot.com or call 415-781-9700**
Recommended steps for repairing existing utilities or installing new ones inside the system
Project Examples
1) Planned water service repair (Winnipeg, MB)
2) Simulated emergency repair (Toronto, ON)
Planned water service repair (Winnipeg, MB)
Site of repair
Broadway Avenue water service repair (Winnipeg, MB)
Area of excavation
Silva Cells
Watermain whereconnection was made
Curb
3 rows of Silva Cells
Irrigation line
Water mainunder curb
Repair completed!
Simulated Emergency RepairToronto, Ontario
Water pipe installed Hole cut into pipe to simulate future break
2 layer Silva Cell system installed over pipe
Silva Cell Decks installed
Preparing for utility access test
Water leak is evident
Concrete is cut for easy removal
Removal of concrete slab
Cutting away Geotextile/Grid
Excavating soil and Silva Cells
Excavating soil and Silva Cells
Excavating Soil and Silva Cells
Pipe with hole is revealed
Temporary Repair: Use clear stone or similar foundation material (unshrinkable fill etc.) until a solid foundation can be maintained.
Patch temporarily as per local requirements.
Permanent Repair: Option 1Recommended for larger area Silva Cell excavations
Excavate to base of 1st Silva Cell and grade a flat base
Install Silva Cells following instructions for new installation
Place geotextile on top of deck and rebuild sidewalk baseand final surface treatment
Permanent Repair: Option 2Recommended for smaller Silva Cell excavations
Excavate to base of 1st Silva Cell and grade a flat base
Install clear stone to connect up the soil volumes between frames.
Rebuild final surface treatment.
Rebuild permanent surface treatment
In conclusion:•Many options for working in and around new and existing utilities•Plan for the future where possible•Planned and emergency repairs are simple