--- title: Austin Brazos Duct Bank| HVJ Associates description: HVJ provided Geotechnical Field Exploration and Laboratory Testing for Austin’s Brazos Duct Bank project. image: https://www.hvj.com/hubfs/shutterstock_781821871.jpg --- [![HVJ Logo](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVJ%20logo_141x71.png?width=110&height=71&name=HVJ%20logo_141x71.png "HVJ Logo")](https://www.hvj.com/?hsLang=en) ** [ Let's talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ** ** Geotechnical Engineering Soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at every site are different. We assess the specific site conditions and design earth structures (slopes, channels, and dikes), foundations (retaining walls, bridges, buildings, tanks), and subsurface structures (clarifiers, lift stations, buried utilities, tunnels) to economically achieve the specific project objectives. Learn More → Construction Materials Engineering & Testing Construction material performance is key to the function and durability of any project. We engineer and test materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt so you get what you pay for and the project performs as expected.     Learn More → Civil/Pavement Engineering A successful project starts with clear understanding of the project’s specific needs. We prepared street rehabilitation PS&E, traffic control designs, pavement designs, and asset management systems based on careful understanding of design requirements.   Learn More → Environmental Geology & Engineering Impact from hazardous waste, wetlands, faulting, and/or NEPA processes are serious concerns for project development. We identify such concerns early in project development, and provide strategies to mitigate impacts and provide the proper regulatory approval so the project can proceed on time and achieve the project goals. Learn More → Roads & Bridges Congestion and failing road surfaces cause delays, vehicle damage, and even driver safety issues. Solving these problems requires our specialized knowledge of pavement and roadway structures. Learn More → Water, Wastewater & Flood Control Drinking water, flushing toilets, and dry streets for granted – until they are gone. We specialize in keeping these systems running effectively. Learn More → Airports, Ports & Dredging Expanding and maintaining ports and airports is crucial to our economic development. HVJ’s specialized pavement, wharf, and navigation channel experience makes it happen. Learn More → Rail & Transit Rail and public transit facilities enable efficient transportation of people and goods. Our detailed knowledge of AREMA requirements keeps projects on track. Learn More → Buildings & Parks Schools, universities, courts, parks, solid waste facilities are all critical to our society. HVJ has specialized knowledge and experience with a multitude of public projects. Learn More → [About Us](https://go.hvj.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [News & Resources](https://www.hvj.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Locations](https://www.hvj.com/all-locations?hsLang=en) [Partners](https://www.hvj.com/partners?hsLang=en) HVJ Difference Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive. Learn More → Culture We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results. Learn More → Benefits We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits. Learn More → Employee Stories Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project. Learn More → Current Openings We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams. Learn More → The Opportunity Own a successful engineering business by adding our proven systems to your engineering talent and network. Learn More → How It Works Help us branchise – you help us build a branch office and then convert it into your own franchise. Learn More → Who's A Fit? Are you energetic and confident? See if this might be an opportunity that fits you. Learn More → FAQs What do you want to know?  Find the answers to common questions. Learn More → Success Stories Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems. Learn More → [![HVJ Logo](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVJ%20logo_141x71.png?width=110&height=71&name=HVJ%20logo_141x71.png "HVJ Logo")](https://www.hvj.com/?hsLang=en) ** [ Let's talk ](https://www.hvj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ** ** Geotechnical Engineering Soil, rock, and groundwater conditions at every site are different. We assess the specific site conditions and design earth structures (slopes, channels, and dikes), foundations (retaining walls, bridges, buildings, tanks), and subsurface structures (clarifiers, lift stations, buried utilities, tunnels) to economically achieve the specific project objectives. Learn More → Construction Materials Engineering & Testing Construction material performance is key to the function and durability of any project. We engineer and test materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt so you get what you pay for and the project performs as expected.     Learn More → Civil/Pavement Engineering A successful project starts with clear understanding of the project’s specific needs. We prepared street rehabilitation PS&E, traffic control designs, pavement designs, and asset management systems based on careful understanding of design requirements.   Learn More → Environmental Geology & Engineering Impact from hazardous waste, wetlands, faulting, and/or NEPA processes are serious concerns for project development. We identify such concerns early in project development, and provide strategies to mitigate impacts and provide the proper regulatory approval so the project can proceed on time and achieve the project goals. Learn More → Roads & Bridges Congestion and failing road surfaces cause delays, vehicle damage, and even driver safety issues. Solving these problems requires our specialized knowledge of pavement and roadway structures. Learn More → Water, Wastewater & Flood Control Drinking water, flushing toilets, and dry streets for granted – until they are gone. We specialize in keeping these systems running effectively. Learn More → Airports, Ports & Dredging Expanding and maintaining ports and airports is crucial to our economic development. HVJ’s specialized pavement, wharf, and navigation channel experience makes it happen. Learn More → Rail & Transit Rail and public transit facilities enable efficient transportation of people and goods. Our detailed knowledge of AREMA requirements keeps projects on track. Learn More → Buildings & Parks Schools, universities, courts, parks, solid waste facilities are all critical to our society. HVJ has specialized knowledge and experience with a multitude of public projects. Learn More → [About Us](https://go.hvj.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [News & Resources](https://www.hvj.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Locations](https://www.hvj.com/all-locations?hsLang=en) [Partners](https://www.hvj.com/partners?hsLang=en) HVJ Difference Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive. Learn More → Culture We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results. Learn More → Benefits We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits. Learn More → Employee Stories Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project. Learn More → Current Openings We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams. Learn More → Agencies HVJ has been proud to support hundreds of public agencies meet and exceed service expectations from their constituents.  Learn More → Consultant Clients We’ve developed ongoing teaming relationships with many consulting firms based on delivering outstanding client satisfaction. Learn More → Providers Our success strongly depends on our business associates that provide the products and services we need. Learn More → HVJ Difference Our engineers provide a unique blend of capabilities and experience because of the support they receive. Employees do not simply exist here. They thrive. Learn More → Culture We are committed learners, empowered to interact based on making strong commitments. We take ownership of our actions and results. Learn More → Benefits We believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a rewarding work experience, opportunities for advancement and competitive benefits. Learn More → Employee Stories Check out what our employees say and learn about the HVJ experience! Great people and even greater teams are behind every project. Learn More → Current Openings We're always looking for talented individuals who fit our culture and can bring new perspectives and experiences to our growing teams. Learn More → The Opportunity Own a successful engineering business by adding our proven systems to your engineering talent and network. Learn More → How It Works Help us branchise – you help us build a branch office and then convert it into your own franchise. Learn More → Who's A Fit? Are you energetic and confident? See if this might be an opportunity that fits you. Learn More → FAQs What do you want to know?  Find the answers to common questions. Learn More → Success Stories Hear about the outstanding results our current franchisees have produced using our proven systems. Learn More → Search **Menu** ** ** [![Let's Talk](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5496911/6233d0db-c76c-4678-9152-08331c17b6f1.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5496911/6233d0db-c76c-4678-9152-08331c17b6f1) ![shutterstock_1417372439](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1417372439.jpg?width=2000&height=1332&name=shutterstock_1417372439.jpg "shutterstock_1417372439") # Austin’s Brazos Duct Bank ## Project Background Austin’s Brazos Duct Bank project aimed to provide an accessible and maintainable duct bank system to provide power to the downtown grid. It involved designing and installing a series of nine 5-inch conduits within a duct bank using the micro-tunneling method. This project was crucial to Austin Energy’s downtown distribution energy plan to provide a more resilient energy system. Its location on the banks of Lady Bird Lake made it particularly important to minimize the impact on the area.    HVJ was selected for this project through the City of Austin’s (COA) qualification-based selection process, acting as a sub-consultant to Jacobs. Our role was to perform geotechnical investigations, including a comprehensive Geotechnical Data Report. This report would be pivotal for the Project Tunnel Engineer in preparing project specifications and the baseline report.   Given the project’s reliance on micro-tunneling, the city needed to engage a geotechnical firm with in-depth knowledge of the local geological conditions and expertise in specialty drilling and laboratory testing. HVJ’s team brought this expertise to the table, leveraging deep experience with geologic formations in the area, in-situ packer testing, and laboratory testing required for the specialized tunneling project.  ### **Practice:** [Geotechnical Engineering](https://www.hvj.com/geotechnical-engineering-services?hsLang=en) ### **Sector:** [Energy](https://www.hvj.com/roads?hsLang=en) ### **Location:**  Austin, TX ### **Services: **Geotechnical Field Exploration and Laboratory Testing ![shutterstock_781821871](https://www.hvj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_781821871.jpg?width=1500&height=2000&name=shutterstock_781821871.jpg "shutterstock_781821871") ## The Problem  Several unique challenges required innovative solutions and extensive pre-planning. First, the location is in a busy downtown area with a portion traversing through a cherished park near the lake. We needed to minimize disruptions to local businesses and traffic. Ensuring the preservation of natural resources and landscaping in the park and nearby business centers was a top priority. Another challenge was the terrain at the project site being unsuitable for a conventional truck-mounted rig, which is typically used for drilling borings. To address this, a track rig was used to drill the borings, but careful handling and pre-planning were required to mitigate rutting.  ## The Goal Our goal was to conduct geotechnical investigations with minimal disruption to local businesses and traffic. Achieving this goal was a multi-step process. We first needed to obtain city permits, coordinate with the Parks and Recreation Department, and ensure adherence to all city regulations. We then needed to communicate with local businesses to outline the plan, prepare them for what to expect, answer questions, and determine optimal blackout hours to minimize disruption. Before drilling could begin, we did extensive pre-planning and preliminary site visits to develop a strategy for strategic mat placement and rig arrangement to reduce rutting. We developed a traffic control plan to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible during work.   ## Our Solution We used several strategies to implement a comprehensive solution to this project’s challenges:  - We used a track rig for drilling that allowed us to access uneven terrains. The rig was equipped to perform packer testing to determine the permeability of the bedrock.  - We conducted preliminary site visits to identify site constraints, arrange logistics, and ensure we had a plan to overcome challenges such as protecting the landscape.  - Before starting, we held a site meeting with the client, project stakeholders, and representatives from nearby businesses. We presented our contingency plans, established clear lines of communication, answered questions, and set realistic expectations for any potential issues.  - We employed an experienced field engineer to oversee field exploration. This engineer maintained constant contact with the Project Manager.  ## The Results Our extensive background work before beginning drilling enabled a smooth project. There were no surprises for the client or businesses during the field exploration process. The all-stakeholder site meeting was particularly effective because we responded directly to their questions or concerns before work started.   Technically, the field exploration was completed successfully. Our team members used their experience and knowledge of the area to determine that single packer testing and a point load test would be most suitable and reliable.   We were honored to work with the Jacobs team on this high-profile project. The Jacobs team provided invaluable assistance and collaboration. HVJ takes pride in owning the solution for any challenge that may arise, and in this case, strong communication and pre-planning diligence enabled a successful outcome.   Share this story [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Faustin-brazos-duct-bank%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Faustin-brazos-duct-bank%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Faustin-brazos-duct-bank%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Faustin-brazos-duct-bank%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Austin%20Brazos%20Duct%20Bank%7C%20HVJ%20Associates) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Faustin-brazos-duct-bank%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hvj.com%2Faustin-brazos-duct-bank%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) #### HVJ Associates, Inc. 6120 S. 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