The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-08-13

AZ Sa4u sewer than can express IN
words As the black lines indicate
the original plans now on file in the
CITY engineers office and the red lines
snow the lines on which said sewer
was constructed, you will perceive at
a glance that such sewer as shown by
the black lines would cost much more
than the one indicated by the present
sewer IN red lines, as the digging
was greatly lessened at the most ex-
penslve points, and much of the rock
avoided that would have been en-
countered had the sewer been con-
structed as originally planned. Yet
Tor some strange, and to me, mex
plcapIe reason, said sewer construct
much lessened depth exceeded the
estimated cost on building to the low
er line by $973.22.
Sewer District No. "a was designed,
plans approved, estimates made, and
all bids received three feet lower at
the starting point than the sewer No.
IA in which it was to empty. This
error may have been simply an error
IN engineering. but very expensive
one to the taxpayers in the district
and should have been reported to the
mayor and council when it was dis
covered on attempting to commence
Drlck construction, as the contractors
Did at so much per running foot on
basis of the lower level given on
plans.
The main sewer for the distance of
5000 feet, including the largest part
OF the main could not have been con-
structed according to the plans and
had an outlet. After reaching the
3O-1nch main sewer in the alley be-
tween Harrison street and Topeka
avenue and between Euclid avenue
and Eighteenth street the plans could
have been followed. and I can find no
plausible reason for any departure
therefrom, as they would have given
good and adequate drainage to every
part of the district, but. as you will
see by referring to the map, the part
of the 24-fnch main between Topeka
avenue and the alley and between
Topeka avenue and Tyler street on
Huntington avenue has been raised
u feet and given a much fatter
grade than shown on plans.
You will see by the map that the lat
erals have all been raised varying from
21a to feet and in case of the lateral
between Polk street and Western ave-
nue., north of Douthitt street, the sewer
has been raised at the south end 61a
feet and the course changed to carry
the sewerage into sewer district No. IA
instead Of as originally planned and
changing the nature of the sewer from
good and adequate sewer to a worth |
less, but expensive incumbrance to the |
properties the west side of Polk
street in this block so far as house and
cellar drainage is concerned.
Rock work. can not conceive how
more solid rock was encountered in the
original estimate where the said origi- |
nal estimate was figured on finding |
solid rock in a solid mass from the top |
of points shown on borings to the bot |
tom of subgrade of a depth much lower |
than the sewer was constructed, where |
as a matter of fact rock is seldom if /
ever found in solid beds in sewer con- |
struction, but in strata of varying |
thickness with deposits of dirt between, |
yet an engineer from his borings must |
base his preliminary estimates on solid |
mass unless provided with core drill
ings. In this case, however, the solid |
rock exceeded the preliminary estimate
$685. cubic yards, but this may be ac-
for in section 16 of the speci
fications which apparently allows the
to classify all hard substance
as solid rock.
Catch basins-The catch basins were
not built according to plans and speci
ficaticns and the efficiency in protecting
the sewer from heavy deposits of sedi-
catch basins. Said basins were built
much shallower than provided for in
the plans, and the size of such mud
basins reduced from 81 to n per cent
less than provided in the plans, making
an average loss In their efficiency for
holding mud and sediment As per cent
less than plans. The plans also call for
Two courses of brick on the bottom of
,at ch basins and an outside and inside
clustering of cement mortar. There is
but one course of brick In the bottom
and no plastering on the inside or out
side that has been perceptible on exami-
nation AS sewer "a was not designed
for machine nor any mention OF any
such work made In specifications or
contracts, I can see no reason why said
sewer should not have been carried out
according to the plans and specifca-
ions, except in the matter of the main
from its commencement to the alley be-
tween Harrison street and Topeka ave-
nue., which an engineering blunder de-
signed below the outlet.
To render the sewer serviceable it Will
De necessary to take up and relay that
portion in the alley between Polk and
Western avenue north of Douthitt
street. or put in an auxiliary sewer in
'front.' of the properties on the west side
If Polk street north of Douthitt street
% connect with the man-hole in Douth-
tt street between Polk and Tyler
streets.
Your attention is especially called to
sections 16 &c and rs of the specifica-
ions, and I would suggest that an opln-
on from the city attorney be asked
or ae to the literal construction of the ,
same.
In summing up briefly I beg leave to
.eport that sewer No. "a has been con- ,
;tructed as cheaply as possible from the .
standpoint, even to point
If inefficiency in some places, yet II ,
las cost the district as much or more
han the most efficient sewer should
nave cost while the greater part or the
ever is una1aila BILE for a close examf-
lation. To judge from the parts avail s
lble. I am of the opinion that the
work was not only not done IN accord
nee with the plans and spetf cations, =
,ut was sighted to point OF useless
less in some instances
Unlike Mr.. Ellis L have seen better :
obs, but few worse ones. {
JOHN p. ROGERS, ,,
City Engineer. {