Aging Underground Steam Tunnels Require Urgent Replacement and Repair
The oldest section of the steam tunnel system beneath Pittsburg State University’s main campus is slated for replacement, with an engineering firm hired to design a plan for bidding later this year.
One of many entrances to the steam tunnel system below PSU’s campus sits beneath the basement of Axe Library on March 6.
A survey conducted by Henderson Engineers in December 2020, at the request of Pittsburg State University’s Office of Planning, Construction, and Design (PCD), evaluated the condition of the steam tunnels, identified underground issues, and recommended actions for each segment.
A tunnel passage directly below the crosswalk from Axe Library to Grubbs Hall circulates steam and condensation, as well as houses a mix of other utilities, including domestic cold and hot water lines, gas lines, phone and fiber lines, and some power lines.
Lindell Haverstic, architect and director of PCD, said the original brick tunnels, constructed in 1914, are in the most critical condition.
“The old brick tunnels are in dire need of replacement,” Haverstic said. “The original brick materials are fragile, with displaced or missing mortar in numerous locations. Groundwater infiltration compromises the tunnels’ condition, the lifespan of utilities within and the ability of maintenance crews to operate effectively.”
A strip of the ceiling of the tunnel between Axe Library and Grubbs Hall is patched to combat water infiltration.
Similarly, Tim Senecaut, director of facility operations at Pittsburg State University, emphasized that regardless of age, the tunnels will consistently require repairs due to water infiltration.
“The tunnels are aging, and we have to contend with that reality,” Senecaut said. “Water will inevitably seep into the tunnels, necessitating repairs over time.”
Water infiltration has damaged the ceiling to create a hole near the pipes and tubing.
In 2013, during the construction of the Overman Student Center, most of the steam tunnels were replaced with concrete. While the survey categorized these areas as “not critical,” it recommended replacement within the next two decades, highlighting the ongoing maintenance needs.
An access point to the above-ground is in place to make minor maintenance of the tunnels easier.
The renovation of the brick tunnels is estimated to cost $1.5 million, covering design, construction, contingency and additional project expenses. The Office of Planning, Construction, and Design is expected to finalize a plan within the next month, with construction starting thereafter.
The tunnel from Axe Library to Grubbs Hall is part of the new system that is in the best condition of all the tunnels below campus.
A tunnel is marked with “Yates” and an arrow pointing in the direction of the campus building. Pipes make the access to this strip difficult, as it is so narrow.
A tunnel corridor marked with “Grubbs” and two arrows pointing in the direction of the communication building, although only darkness can be seen down the passageway.
After moving through the pipes in the tunnel system, the steam from the boiler in the Physical Plant is centralized at the Grubbs Hall access point. Condensation is also sent back to the boiler room from this point.
The boiler in the Physical Plant on the PSU campus heats water that will then be transported through the pipes in the tunnel system.
The water is treated chemically by Chem-Aqua chemical solution, which is used to help control the rate of corrosion in the condensate return system of a steam boiler.
Once the water has passed through the pipes and has returned as condensation, it collects in the tank until it is heated up once more to go through the cycle again.
The control panel for the boiler sits on the front of the boiler and allows boiler room operators to administer the heating process.
Two boilers control the temperature of most of main campus. They sit next to one another in the boiler room in the Physical Plant, which is the only room on campus that requires on-site employees every day of the year.
The flame that keeps the water constantly heating is always lit but is only viewable through an eyehole the size of a quarter.
