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