Asphalt Terminal Expansion

Oregon

PROJECT
OVERVIEW

Our client expanded its asphalt terminal with the addition of a new 70 ft diameter x 42 ft tall asphalt storage tank, foundations, and upgraded piping and pumping systems tied to rail and truck transfer service. Norwest provided both preliminary and detailed engineering for the project, covering civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and process design, as well as integration of steam tracing and hot oil heating systems. Our scope also included subcontracted geotechnical engineering and surveying, and a specialty landscaping firm to satisfy City requirements for the river greenway. Norwest drove permitting with application development, expediting, and support in an environment where large above-ground storage tanks for petrochemicals have been highly discouraged. The tank foundation required ground improvement for seismic mitigation purposes. Norwest then provided construction management as the client agent during construction and tag-teamed contractor management with the client.

Services that were executed as part of this project include:

  • Preliminary engineering and TIC development support
  • Civil engineering including site layout, grading, stormwater management, and erosion control
  • Structural engineering including tank and eqpmnt foundations and major pipe racks
  • Mechanical and piping design including hydraulics, equipment and instrument specifications, routing and stress analysis, PFDs, and P&IDs
  • Electrical engineering including power studies, power distribution, and cable tray routing, equipment specifications, panel designs, 24V instrumentation specifications
  • Permitting support with local jurisdiction (City of Portland)
  • Management of geotechnical investigation and ground improvement design
  • Bid package development and comparisons and contractor support
  • Project management and design review facilitation
  • Hybrid site construction and contractor management

Project Photos

Project Deliverables

  • One 70-foot diameter x 42-foot tall asphalt storage tank
  • New transfer pumps for rail unloading and truck loading
  • Steam-traced piping systems
  • Updated hot oil system upgrades for tank heating
  • Pipe racks and associated foundations
  • Electrical system modifications and distribution upgrades
  • Delivered a design for future expansion capabilities

Unique Challenges

  • Poor subsurface conditions requiring ground improvement and coordination with a design-build geotechnical contractor
  • Integration into an active terminal facility with existing rail and truck operations
  • Need to accelerate permitting while maintaining a complete and coordinated drawing package in a challenging permitting environment; achieved structural and environmental exemptions that were requested and approved
  • Coordination between multiple stakeholders including engineers, geotechnical consultants, City inspectors, fire marshal, and contractors
  • Balancing early bidding with evolving design to support funding decisions

Key Projects

Other projects that Norwest has executed for this client at this facility include:

  • Serving as lead consultant for the Fuel Tank Seismic Stability requirements issued by the state DEQ in 2023
  • Stormwater system repairs and drainage improvements
  • Fire and life safety assessments and code compliance support
  • Small capital upgrades and maintenance-driven engineering support

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Since 1975, Norwest Engineering has provided innovative, reliable solutions to clients across North America and beyond. We’re headquartered in Portland, Oregon with a nationwide workforce of highly-skilled engineers and designers. As your partner in progress, we are committed to understanding your evolving needs and delivering results that ensure the long-term success and efficiency of your facility. Contact us today to discuss how we can help achieve your goals.

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