The American Concrete Institute (ACI) Louisiana Chapter selected GEC for the 2018 Flatwork Project Award of Merit in recognition of outstanding and innovative use of concrete products on this project.
GEC was selected by the St. Bernard Parish Government to provide professional engineering services for the design and construction administration of a concrete multi-use path and drainage improvements on Palmisano Boulevard in Chalmette.
The Palmisano drainage system consists of more than 100 acres of land that drains over ground surface through storm drain pipe and is directed via pump to an earthen ditch. The ditch runs approximately 4,900 feet to the 20 Arpent Canal. The improvements provide protection under the 100 year flood guidelines for the area surrounding Palmisano Blvd., which had been impacted by drainage problems following Hurricane Katrina. FEMA provided federal assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to reduce or eliminate the long term risk to people and property from such natural hazards. GEC also completed the application package for FY10 LCDBG Drainage Improvements.
GEC designed improvements to the drainage system encompassing Plaza Dr. and Palmisano Blvd. from E. St. Bernard Hwy. to the outfall on the 20 Arpent Canal, including improvements to the lift station, which required a new concrete foundation and adjacent concrete pavement. GEC also designed upgrades of the pumping station’s outfall into the Palmisano drainage system to relieve the recurring ponding during rainfall events. Improvements included increased pumping station capacity and modifications to the drainage ditch on St. Bernard Highway. GEC completed all hydraulic modeling using ICPR software and SCS methods.
In addition, GEC designed the replacement of the undersized culverts below St. Bernard Hwy. by installing 400’ of 58” x 36” RCPA, approximately 2,000 L.F. of 8’x 4’ and 2,500 L.F. of 10’x 6’ pre-cast concrete box culverts in the open ditch along Palmisano Blvd.
The project included construction of a four-lane concrete bridge (2-60’ span concrete bridges) crossing the 20 Arpent Canal. GEC also provided design and plan preparation of one 3-span (20’, 26’, 20’), 66’ long concrete slab span bridge with median.
Additionally, GEC designed a 10 ft. wide concrete multi-purpose trail (bike/pedestrian) along Palmisano Boulevard to establish a vital link and provide beautification, accessibility, mobility, and safety, as well as improved access to area facilities for all residents. The total length of the project is approximately 0.70 miles and construction was performed in conjunction with the design and construction of drainage repairs and improvements.
GEC services included engineering design, detailed construction plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates, bidding phase and construction phase services, shop drawings review, samples and materials tests, site visits, record drawings, agency coordination, and permitting.
The drainage improvements were completed utilizing concrete in various functions, including
- concrete drainage station structure
- installation of reinforced concrete pipe conflict boxes
- precast concrete box culverts to replace the existing canal along the east side of Palmisano Blvd.
- concrete pavement for streets, catch basins, curbs, crosswalks, and a shared use path
