Activity 3.3.

1 Utilities
Introduction
Utilities for any project represent a significant portion of the cost of the project.
Proper layout and sizing of equipment are essential for keeping costs in check.
Designers attempt to keep utility lines as short as possible because of the high cost
of long lines. For example, the service wire for electrical service must be unbroken
from the tap point to the panel box with no splices allowed. If four hundred feet of
#0000 wire is ordered and it is four feet short, the entire cable must be replaced.

Many environmental and aesthetic concerns must also be considered when placing
utilities. Wires, transformers, poles, and pipes are unsightly and are prone to
weather damage. Underground utilities are expensive to install and maintain and
must be protected from freezing temperatures and vehicles traveling above. When
utilities are installed, wetlands and wildlife habitats must be protected.

In this activity you will conduct research on the various methods of transmission of
utilities and their associated environmental concerns and present your findings.
Then you will size and locate the new utility service connections for the Keystone
Library Renovation project.

Equipment
Engineering notebook
Colored pencils
Keystone Library Site Plan
Computer with Internet access

Procedure
Part 1 Utility Research
1. The class will be divided into small groups to research each of the
following utilities services.
o Telecommunications- The history of telecommunication
began with the use of smoke signals and drums in Africa, the
Americas and parts of Asia. In the 1790s, the first fixed
semaphore systems emerged in Europe; however it was not until
the 1830s that electrical telecommunication systems started to
appear. Can be used in schools and public buildings. Distributed
with box and measures in bandwidth and ZUSAMMENFASSUNG.
And 90 m (295 ft) sizing requirement.
o Power- An electric utility is a company in the electric

2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 3.3.1 Utilities Page 1
 power industry (often a public utility) that engages in electricity
generation and distribution of electricity for sale generally in a
regulated market. ... Electric utilities are facing increasing
demands including aging infrastructure, reliability, and
regulation. Duke energy is one example.
o
o Water supply- The term utilities can also refer to the
set of services provided by these organizations consumed by the
public: electricity, natural gas, water, and sewage. Broadband
internet services (both fixed-line and mobile) are increasingly
being included within the definition.
o
o Wastewater-water that has been used in the home, in a
business, or as part of an industrial process.
o Gas- Energy usage and other charges may appear on
your bill in various ways. For example, gas usage is often
expressed as an amount of energy used, rather than as a
quantity of gas. Therms, BTUS, MCFs, and CCFs are all ways that
your utility company might refer to the gas you've consumed per
month.
o

2. As a group research your assigned utility to gather at least the following

generic information. This information should not be specific to your site.
o History
o Possible sources or providers for the utility service (public or
private)
o Transmission and/or distribution methods
o Methods of measuring usage (if any)
o Typical sizing requirements

3. As a group research the following requirements imposed by the City of

Noblesville regarding the installation of utility service lines. You may begin your
research with the Unified Development Ordinance for the City of Noblesville,
Indiana. Article 6: Site Design and Improvement Standards provides information
on utilities
(http://www.cityofnoblesville.org/egov/docs/934961102311534.pdf).
Requirements for connection (i.e., are you required to connect to
the city-owned system or can you install a private system on-site?)
Requirements for above ground or below ground installations
Minimum size of each utility service line, if applicable
Required spacing between utility lines, if applicable
Required location of service connection
Permit requirements
Other required equipment, fittings, meters, etc.

2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 3.3.1 Utilities Page 2
 4. As a group create a one page information sheet describing your utility
research and the requirements imposed by the City of Noblesville.
The building will be connected to the city system.
5. Distribute the information sheet and present a short (2-3 minute)
presentation on your research.

Part 2 Keystone Project

Make the following assumptions when designing the utility services for the Keystone
Library Renovation Project.

o The electrical and telecommunication services and electric

meter were removed when the building was abandoned.
o The prior owner of the property used a well for water supply.
The new library will take advantage of the city water supply.
o The prior owner used a septic system for wastewater
disposal.
o The prior owner did not use gas and therefore had no
connection to the gas main.
o Storm water management will be addressed in the next
lesson. Do not consider a connection to the storm water system at this
time.

1. Individually, lay out the service lines for the utilities needed for the
Keystone Library Renovation. Mark up a Keystone Library Renovation site plan
to indicate the proposed service connections for each utility. Use pencils of the
appropriate color to indicate each utility.
2. Revise your Keystone Library Renovation model to reflect the proposed
utility service locations.

Conclusion
1. How do you determine how large a utility supply must be in order to
support the demands of service?

2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 3.3.1 Utilities Page 3
 2. Explain why you chose above or below ground installations for your
utilities.

3. Why do so many different utilities use many of the same terms?

Examples: main, branch, service, etc.

4. Why is it important to keep bends and fittings to a minimum when

designing utilities?

2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 3.3.1 Utilities Page 4