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Subheadings and maps within this section:
Demands for Expansion and Mandates for Improvement
The term "infrastructure," as used hereafter, refers to the utility systems that serve campus. Although
frequently out of sight, these systems demand resources to maintain because of the continual need
for evaluation, repair, replacement, relocation, and expansion. Today, for example, a new and demanding element of infrastructure is the network required for electronic information management,
including fiber optic cable, equipment, and wiring.
Maintenance and updating of infrastructure is a costly business. The systems of an institution more
than 130 years old are subject to immense wear and tear and will incur the need for a significant,
ongoing investment. Also costly is the expansion of the institution and the correlated need to add
utility capacity. Finally, new regulations emerge to govern the built environment, as do new standards that aim to improve building systems and assure safety, and these, too, incur costs.
Several individual studies of infrastructure have been completed. Moreover, the university is engaged in many repair and rehabilitation projects--usually in cases of obvious deficiency. For example, we live in an era of federally mandated improvements to building cooling systems that
employ chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Many KU buildings are affected by these mandates. In terms of infrastructure, at this stage, we're dealing with present problems as well as pursuing the ongoing
need to identify the scope of deficiencies, anticipate future need, and expand systems to support
growth in demand for utility service.
The campus needs an integrated infrastructure plan for the next several decades, one that will encompass its water and electrical distribution systems, sanitary and storm water collection, steam and
chilled water distribution, and tunnel systems. The future will impose many obligations upon KU in
terms of management of energy utilization and related infrastructure improvements. Pressures for
efficiency in use of energy, water, and other natural resources are already significant and will likely
increase. If the goal is a viable utility structure well into the next century, the piecing-and-patching
approach of the last few decades won't do. It is anticipated from studies completed in recent years
that significant sections of piping and wiring systems, as well as aging equipment, will have to be
replaced. A new infrastructure for communications technology will require the same kind of funding
as the installation of any campuswide system. The funding will have to cover anticipated and unanticipated repairs, replacement, growth, and changes in levels of service.
Today's infrastructure systems are more sophisticated, specialized, and regulated than they were in
the past. These systems are routinely included in new building and capital improvement projects, yet
the capitalization of many projects extend the systems only to the boundary of the new building site.
When the new systems and old systems meet at that boundary, incompatibilities and inefficiencies
arise. Our aim should be efficiency throughout any given system. Several systems discussed in the
following sections have been studied by outside consultants and information on water distribution
and tunnel systems is provided in the form of a map shown below.
An overall assessment of the campus infrastructure and development of an infrastructure management system would be good first steps towards achieving a comprehensive program for maintenance and expansion of campus utility systems.
Missing image: Location Plan, central campus, Utility/Infrastructure
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Electrical Distribution and Campus Lighting
A 1990 study suggested a major upgrade of electrical service for the campus. The study identified
$12 million to $13 million worth of work. Of that, almost $5 million was designated for what was
deemed a critically needed repair: initial development of a loop feed system and replacement of a
cross-campus feed that had exceeded its life expectancy. Also addressed in the study was the need to
rewire and re-equip the eastern portion of the core campus and to upgrade electrical service to
various buildings.
The design of electrical distribution and the issue of future energy costs and efficiencies are part of
physical development planning. The campus distribution system and its metering affect the KU rate
structure and long-term expenses related to electrical service. This fact must be considered before
KU commits itself to an electrical-distribution plan.
Input from electrical suppliers might help KU determine capacity relative to projected needs. Because of the diversity of electrical use within the institution, including the demands of computers and
other equipment, building and outdoor lighting, housing, and special events, KU is one of the area's
largest consumers. Significant savings in overall energy costs could be achieved. Under a favorable
state energy policy, those savings could be invested in other capital development or maintenance
projects within the institution.
The improvement of campus lighting is one of the more successful long-term campus projects.
Through the use of student fees and matching state appropriations for lighting, significant portions of
the campus have been improved in terms of appearance and safety. This work will be completed over
the next several years. Here are some additional planning considerations:
- The extension of improved lighting to include routes taken by pedestrians traveling to and from
campus, perhaps in cooperation with the city or other funding agencies
- The development of major electrical distribution hubs for campus lighting service
- The development of an approach to reduce or avoid power-quality problems generated by electronic equipment
Central Heating Plant
The central heating plant produces steam for about 58 buildings on the main campus area. The floor
area of these buildings totals more than 3 million square feet. Steam is provided year-round.
The central heating plant houses two 48,000 pounds/hour boilers, one 50,000 pounds/hour boiler,
one 15,000 pounds/hour boiler, and one obsolete, non-serviceable boiler. The 50,000 pounds/hour
boiler was once rated for 70,000 pounds/hour but burner modifications have reduced its capacity.
The 15,000 pounds/hour boiler was once rated for 60,000 pounds/hour; its capacity was reduced
when its stack was shortened. Because of its limited size, it's rarely used.
The total steam capacity of the plant is 146,000 to 161,000 pounds/hour; peak demand is about
110,000 pounds/hour. Thus, with one boiler out of operation, the plant may not be able to handle the
peakload.
Issues that should be addressed to determine the capacity to meet present need and future growth
include the following.
- Studies of the useful life and safety of the boilers, conducted in 1993-94, estimated 10 to 15 more
years of use for three of the boilers. Plans for boiler and/or building replacement should identify
funding sources. Studies of standby and redundant capacity may be necessary to determine the
ability to meet present needs and future demands.
- Environmental mandates will continue to require advanced technological modifications for equipment that controls the boilers. This need should be anticipated in future plans.
- There are two tanks for on-site storage of standby/alternate fuel (currently a 26- to 28-day supply).
Their capacities are 259,000 and 230,000 gallons. Future patterns of energy use and storage, as well
as environmental regulations linked to underground storage tanks, warrants review of these reserves.
- To make steam, KU relies on natural gas fueled boilers. At times in the past, it's been necessary to
replace the natural gas with fuel oil for brief periods in order to continue making steam. During the
transition from natural gas to fuel oil firing, a possibility of plant shutdown because of the inability
to atomize the fuel oil exists. Equipment now in use should be modified to provide a margin of
safety that disallows such a shutdown.
- A study should be made to answer three questions crucial to steam distribution in the future: How
much additional capacity do we need, given various projections of future growth? Where would that
capacity ideally be sited? Should west campus be served by a centralize facility or according to the
existing model, in which each building provides for its own needs?
Utility Tunnels and Steam Distribution Systems
Utility tunnels are located throughout main campus but not on west campus. Most are the
walk-through type, housing steam and condensate lines, communication and electrical power lines.
To a lesser extent they serve as passageways for domestic water lines, chilled water lines, and sanitary sewer lines. Generally speaking, the tunnels are in adequate condition.
High pressure steam is distributed throughout the main campus from the central heating plant by a
piping system that runs primarily through the utility tunnels. The steam is distributed at a pressure of
90 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). The condensate is returned to the central heating plant by a
series of pumps. The system that handles the condensate also is located primarily in the tunnels.
Although sections of the distribution and condensate collection systems are buried and subject to
deterioration, the capacity of the piping system for distribution of steam should be adequate to
accommodate present and anticipated loads of facilities projected for construction on the main
campus. West campus, on the other hand, has no steam or condensate piping outside of individual
buildings.
Engineering investigation is recommended for the following purposes.
- To identify the work necessary to preserve the long-term structural and functional integrity of the
tunnel system. Concerns about ventilation and fire protection of the tunnels and adjacent facilities
should also be considered. These levels of protection should be assessed by reference to standards
mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
- To review the condensate collection and return system of piping which is suspect in its ability to
handle present and future capacities. Some pumps are currently working against high downstream
back pressure, indicating that the system may be exceeding design capacity. A comprehensive study
of the condensate collection and steam distribution systems should be undertaken for assessment and
planning purposes.
- To determine how much piping is insulated with asbestos-containing material and how many
abatement projects remain.
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Air Conditioning and Chilled Water Capabilities
Over the next several years the mandated replacement of systems that employ CFCs will force KU to
consider alternative cooling systems. Areas of campus that might be served instead by large chilled
water units should be reviewed.
The advantage of centralized cooling facilities is the lower long-term maintenance cost
of a single unit versus multiple systems. The
challenge is to zone the campus for service
from several cooling-distribution points and
to choose sites where the accompanying
noise can be managed. Similar schemes
have been discussed in the past but little has
been implemented.
Service to west campus should be studied carefully, as should installation of a central cooling facility
when the dormitories on Daisy Hill are renovated.
Storm Sewers
The storm sewer system was studied in detail in the early 1990s. Projects to correct problems of
surcharging and erosion were identified and prioritized. Work began in 1993 to minimize surcharging along Naismith Drive from 19th Street north to Schwegler Drive and north of the Robinson
Gymnasium tennis courts.
Here are some other observations and recommendations about issues related to the campus storm
sewer system.
- At present, Potter's Lake and the pond on west campus near the Kansas Geological Survey building help retain storm water. Ponds might be used elsewhere on campus to increase storm-water
holding capacity.
- Retention/detention facilities should be reviewed to verify capacities, rates of flow to and from
ponds, the stability of dams, and the integrity of spillways.
- Any new projects being considered for development on central campus or west campus should be
studied for their potential impact off-campus as well as on.
- Maintenance activities, such as cleaning inlets to keep them free of grass, leaves, and trash, are an
ongoing necessity.
Sanitary Sewers
The sanitary sewer system was studied in detail in the early 1990s. Projects to correct deficiencies in
surcharging lines and structural problems in manholes were identified and prioritized. Manhole
repair began in 1994, as did work to increase flow capacities in various sections of the main campus
collection system.
Continued funding of these projects will minimize problems on campus. But their impact on city
collection systems also should be monitored. Maintenance will be required to sustain the effectiveness of the system.
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Water Mains
The university power plant is the chief conduit for city water on the main campus. That water is
pumped by university equipment through university-owned water lines. West campus, dormitories
along Iowa Street, Stauffer Place Apartments, Memorial Stadium, Carruth-O'Leary Hall, and JRP
and Oliver halls receive city water directly.
Water is supplied to the power plant at two pressure levels. The primary level is about 15 pounds per
square inch (psi); a backup, high-pressure system supplies water at 85 psi. All lines have backflow-prevention devices installed at the points of connection between city lines and university lines. The
power plant distributes water to campus at a pressure of 100 psi.
The system has four pumps. They provide 500 gallons per minute (gpm), 750, 1,200, and 2,000. The
1,200 gpm pump, controlled by a variable frequency drive system, is the primary one used in water
distribution. As of this writing, the variable frequency drive system was not operational.
Several distribution mains were upgraded in the early 1990s by increasing line sizes, adding more
internal loops, and adding a pressure-regulating valve vault to reduce the pressure at facilities at
lower elevation, such as Allen Field House. The project also provided additional capacity for the
central campus.
The city meters all the water supplied to KU. The university has installed meters at various campus
facilities for usage monitoring and/or internal reimbursement purposes. City lines supply water to
west campus through a meter sited north of the 19th and Iowa Street intersection, near the southeast
corner of Pioneer Cemetery.
Many buildings on main and west campus have had backflow prevention devices installed. Such
devices are also part of campus landscape-watering systems. The installation began in the early
1990s and is ongoing.
The aging of distribution pipes is a major concern. As is typical for a campus of this size, water
mains were installed at various times over the last nine decades. For example, the lines shown to be
running along Jayhawk Boulevard in the map shown above are known to be some of the oldest distribution lines on campus. A line-replacement schedule based on installation dates should be developed. The university can anticipate breaks in water distribution lines, especially older, more deteriorated ones, and should plan for the necessary maintenance.
Fire Protection
Water lines for fire protection are generally the same as those used for water distribution. All water
for fire protection is supplied and metered by the city. Fire-fighting equipment is furnished and
operated by the city through its fire stations.
An engineering study in the early 1990s led to an improvement project that provided a significant
increase in water flow and fire protection capacity. The project involved adding internal loops so that
there were major water feeds from two directions rather than from one.
In some places, line size is less than the 4-inch diameter piping recommended to meet flow requirements. Numerous fire hydrants are smaller than those recommended by the state fire marshal. The
high water pressures needed for fire-fighting would increase the potential for failure of old distribution piping.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is supplied to the main and west campuses by high pressure lines owned and operated by
Kansas Public Service. The main supply to the power plant is metered and pressure is reduced just
west of the power plant to make it usable by the campus. Additional points of supply are sited
throughout the two campuses, and all are metered.
KPS upgraded a significant portion of the supply and distribution lines in the early 1990s. The
overall natural gas distribution system on campus is in relatively good condition. Its capacity appears
adequate for the predictable future. Where deficiencies in capacity exist, the service can be readily
upgraded by the gas supplier.
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