Owner: Xcel Energy 
Client: TEI Construction Services, Inc
Completion Date: 2011
Services: Specialized Services, Existing Structures, Construction Engineering

Summary:

J.R. Harris & Company provided structural engineering expertise for the replacement and relocation of feedwater heaters at the Pawnee Power Plant. The project involved the removal of existing heaters and the installation of new units while ensuring the structural integrity of the operating floor. Given the significant weight of the equipment—up to 94 tons—specialized transport methods were required to distribute loads safely and prevent excessive stress on the existing structure.

To address these challenges, J.R. Harris & Company designed a temporary load distribution system and employed air casters to facilitate the movement of the heavy equipment across the industrial floor. This approach effectively reduced local pressure on the floor while preventing overloading the existing structure. The project also included real-time monitoring of floor beam stresses using strain transducers and LVDTs to verify that live-load stresses remained within acceptable limits. The movement plans and jacking procedures were carefully developed to allow for controlled transport, ensuring stability throughout the process. This innovative methodology provided a safe and efficient means of transporting and installing the feedwater heaters while maintaining structural safety.