Shelton, James

Jim Shelton is National Technical Director-Buried Infrastructure for ARCADIS. He specializes in condition assessment, rehabilitation, construction management using Progressive Design-Build. He has a degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Pennsylvania, is a licensed water and sewer contractor, and holds active Professional Engineering licenses in Civil Engineering in 15 states.

Titles from this speaker

Description: Advances in Capital Grouting: Why Grouting Has Displaced 90% of Our Cured in Place...

Advances in Capital Grouting: Why Grouting Has Displaced 90% of Our Cured in Place Lining

Abstract

Significant advances in delivery systems and processes have increased the number of sewers that can be rehabilitated using Packer Injection Grouting, colloquially referred to as Test and Seal. These advances are paralleled by improved grout formulations and delivery philosophy that have greatly increased the longevity of grouting, especially its ability to provide long-term water-tightness of grouted sewers, while maintaining a significant cost advantage over other techniques. These have been demonstrated with basic research, pilot scale test cells, and full programs demonstrations. This paper reviews the new tools and techniques that have been developed in the last 5 years, including lateral through cleanout packers/techniques, low pressure techniques for sealing fractures at joints, and longitudinal/multiple fracture defect grouting. It also review the full-size test cell demonstration test that resulted in a paradigm shift in grouting philosophy and the differentiation between the traditional short-term maintenance grouting materials and practices and long-term capital grouting materials and practices being recommended for universal implementation.

SpeakerShelton, James

Presentation time

14:30:00

14:50:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:10:00

SessionCollection Systems Rehabilitation and Construction

Session number416

TopicCollection Systems

Author(s)

J. SheltonE.A. Sadowsky

Author(s)J. Shelton1; E.A. Sadowsky1;

Author affiliation(s)Arcadis1

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2020

DOI10.2175/193864718825157387

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count16

Assessing Rehabilitation Techniques Through Hydraulic Modeling

Abstract

Purpose Collection system modeling is traditionally completed to assess network condition, achieve infiltration and inflow (I/I) removal, evaluate alternatives, and to develop source reduction programs (SRPs). Eight SRPs were developed for the Kline's Island Sewer System (KISS) to assess the impact of different I/I elimination strategies, and each was incorporated into a scenario of the hydrological/hydraulic model by adjusting the contributing runoff surface values and base infiltration accordingly. I/I reductions were derived from a compendium of rehabilitation effectiveness studies and performance metrics collected over the last 20 years that classified a diverse range of rehabilitation techniques (nearly 30) by effectiveness reduction percentage for the four contributing runoff surfaces. Benefits of Presentation This is a novel method for modeling the impacts of manhole, main, tap, riser, lateral, and private-side sewer rehabilitation techniques. This presentation is relevant to programs that use modeling to assess impact of rehabilitation techniques on sewer baseline infiltration and peak wet weather flows. This method allows for countless rehabilitation strategies to be applied to a model and further evaluated, especially if meaningful assessment of the underlying flow data are also conducted to identify the most effective technique to apply on a catchment by catchment basis. This provides insight on how to develop a catchment-tailored SRP that optimizes cost and I/I reduction, including the ability to differentiate between inflow and rainfall induced infiltration, thereby reducing capital expansion projects. Status of Completion The project team successfully used this modeling method to create eight unique SRPs, utilizing various types and amounts of rehabilitation techniques. These were applied to over 40 modeled alternatives followed by costing exercises to quantify the capital, operating, and replacement life cycle cost of each alternative with the respective SRP applied. The final alternatives provided options that leveraged the benefits of rehabilitation in order to eliminate nine large capital expansion projects. Conclusion The final alternatives provided options that leveraged the benefits of rehabilitation in order to eliminate nine large capital expansion projects.

This paper was presented at the WEF Collection Systems and Stormwater Conference, April 9-12, 2024.

SpeakerManzano, Julia

Presentation time

08:30:00

09:00:00

Session time

08:30:00

11:45:00

SessionModeling

Session number25

Session locationConnecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Connecticut

Topic2-D Modeling, Collaboration, Collection Systems, Construction, Design considerations, Flooding, Hydraulics, Hydrology & Hydraulics, Infiltration/Inflow, Modeling, Rehabilitation, Stormwater Management Design And Analysis, Wet Weather

Author(s)

Manzano, Julia

Author(s)J. Manzano1, J. Shelton1

Author affiliation(s)Arcadis 1

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Apr 2024

DOI10.2175/193864718825159334

Volume / Issue

Content sourceCollection Systems and Stormwater Conference

Word count7

Description: Manhole Inflow - The unexpected reality of how much of our peak wet weather flow is...

Manhole Inflow - The unexpected reality of how much of our peak wet weather flow is related to sheet runoff

Abstract

Manhole Inflow - The unexpected reality of how much of our peak wet weather flow is related to sheet runoff SUMMARY More than a decade of sewer rehabilitation work was conducted for the Kline's Island Sewer System of Lehigh County, including inspection of all manholes and significant manhole rehabilitation. Following this rehabilitation effort, hydrographs from a year-long I&I investigation program for the same system showed that many basins continued to be badly impacted by inflow sources. Investigations including smoke testing and basement inspections confirmed there were very few roof drain connections and no storm drain connections, suggesting that manhole inflow was the major contributing factor. Keystone Consulting Engineers (KCE), an engineering firm working with the County, conducted field trials using cameras mounted inside manholes to assess sheet runoff impacts on various frame, cover, and inflow dish configurations. These trials confirmed that inflow through manhole lids, lid-frame interfaces, dish to frame interfaces, and frame to chimney interfaces were much higher than previously realized, particularly during the type of downpour events that were leading to SSOs, basement backups, and/or pump station wet well alarms. Based on these findings, the various consulting engineers for this group of 15 signatories noted that their manhole inspections were focused on the manhole body — a source of infiltration - and not on the inflow potential of the lid/dish/frame/chimney components. Arcadis developed a revised manhole inspection rubric with added focus on inflow risks based on these realizations. Initial trials revealed a huge range of lid/dish/frame/chimney permutations, necessitating three months of field trials with 3 revisions to the inspection rubric. Once the logic was finalized, the inspection protocol was programmed into a Fulcrum-based cell phone/tablet manhole inspection application to ensure the required focus on inflow and provide a standardized inspection approach all 15 municipalities could use. The application was designed to automatically populate with rehabilitation recommendations based on observed defects in the given permutation to standardize recommendations across the different signatories. To date, nearly 1000 manhole inspections have been completed on manholes that had been previously inspected and, in many cases, rehabilitated. The new inspection protocol has found that approximately 2/3rd of the manholes had frames/covers/chimneys with sufficient inflow issues to warrant corrective action. These issues range from leaking grade rings to inflow prevention devices (IPDs) that are filled with holes. Issues and corrective actions vary between Signatories, but fall into the categories of frame and cover replacement/resetting, replacement/resealing of faulty inflow dishes, chimney sealing, cover gasket replacement, or cleaning and sealing via caulk or gasket. Relevance, Usefulness, and Takeaways This presentation will 1.Show the videos of the KCE field trials 2.Demonstrate the standardized manhole inspection rubric 3.Show photographic examples of the inflow defects found 4.Present the percentages of manhole with inflow-related defects encountered 5.Present the corrective actions taken for each combination of defects found. This presentation will provide operations and engineering staff with specific data and lessons learned directly applicable to every sanitary sewer system. The results will shed light on the significance of manhole inflow on peak wet weather flow under specific sewer system characteristics, and provide direction on future approaches to manhole rehabilitation areas of focus. The manhole inspection rubric will provide an example of how to leverage large amounts of data from multiple contributing signatories. Demonstrated Results The percentage of manholes found to have defects using the revised inspection protocol, the types of defects found, and the costs to repair each type of defect will be presented. These findings will have implications on the recommended approach to manhole rehabilitation, shedding light on the significance of manhole inflow on peak wet weather flow.

This paper was presented at the WEF Collection Systems and Stormwater Conference, April 9-12, 2024.

SpeakerNaidu, Tanvi

Presentation time

10:45:00

11:15:00

Session time

10:15:00

11:45:00

SessionInflow and Infiltration

Session number30

Session locationConnecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Connecticut

TopicCIP Development, Collection Systems, Infiltration/Inflow, Manholes, Rehabilitation, SSO Reduction, Utility Management

Author(s)

Naidu, Tanvi

Author(s)T. Naidu1, M. Bell1, J. Shelton1

Author affiliation(s)Arcadis 1

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Apr 2024

DOI10.2175/193864718825159360

Volume / Issue

Content sourceCollection Systems and Stormwater Conference

Word count21

Perils of Interceptor Surcharging

Abstract

Utilities are more and more frequently resorting to real-time control systems that intentionally block flows in interceptors to take advantage of available in-line storage during storm surges to combat overflows from sewers. Many utilities are also more and more frequently extending their pump station's wet wells into the sewers feeding the wet well to raise NSPSH and to effectively enlarge their wet wells, improving pump performance. Both practices have significant operational end environmental value. Overlooked in these efforts are the impact of often quite significant internal pressures on pipes with joints not capable of containing these pressures. Surcharged sewers with leaking joints, when pressurized even a few feet, pass massive volumes of water outside the sewer into the surrounding pipe bedding and pipe trench backfill. When hydraulic grade lines subside to normal (open channel) operating levels, the sewage pushed outside the pipes pours back into the pipe, bringing bedding fines that eventually result in pipe bedding envelope failure and pipe collapse. Using the case study of the Howard Roosa Combined Sewer Interceptor in Evansville, Indiana to illustrate these points, this paper identifies the causes, mechanisms of failure, evidence of likely failure of surcharges, inspection techniques to identify pipes at risk if surcharged, and rehabilitation methods once a pipe is thus compromised. This paper is relevant to any utility considering or using in-line storage. Relevance, Usefulness, and Takeaways Surcharging interceptors can result in catastrophic and hugely expensive repairs if the pipes are not prepared to contain the pressures. Determining if a pipe can handle the pressures sometimes requires more than CCTV inspection. This paper provides suggested assessment measures utilities can use protect themselves from these failures as well as identify the rather involved corrective measures needed if the wrong pipes are surcharged. Demonstrated Results The project used to demonstrate these condition assessment techniques and remedial measures is largely complete. This presentation will contain meaningful photographs and video clips to convey the lessons learned. Key Lessons Learned 1. Surcharging will remove fines and sink the pipe if joints leak. a.) Most interceptor joints leak. b.) Surcharging induces a geometric increase in joint leakage/pipe failure 2. Before pressurizing a sewer, check soundness of joints. 3. CCTV, even MSI HD inspections, do not provide needed information. 4. Get inside the pipe and get your hands on/in the joints. 5. Inspections in dry weather are very different than inspections following rains. a.) Time your walk to maximize understanding. 6. Understand the pipe bedding envelope. 7. Don't ignore sinkholes - they are your canaries - but don't assume all the subsidence is over the pipe. 8. Repairs that don't address the compromised bedding lead to failure of the repair.

This paper was presented at the WEF Collection Systems and Stormwater Conference, April 9-12, 2024.

SpeakerShelton, James

Presentation time

11:15:00

11:45:00

Session time

08:30:00

11:45:00

SessionCollection System Inspection

Session number28

Session locationConnecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Connecticut

TopicCoastal Systems, Collection Systems, Condition Assessment, Consent Orders, Construction, Design considerations, Flow control, Force Mains, Infiltration/Inflow, Innovative Technology, LiDAR surveying, Pipe, Pipe Failures, Real Time Decision Support System, Real-Time Control, Rehabilitation, Slip line, Utility Management, Wastewater Management

Author(s)

Shelton, James

Author(s)J. Shelton1, A. Peters2

Author affiliation(s)Arcadis 1; Evansville Water and Sewer Utility 2

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Apr 2024

DOI10.2175/193864718825159375

Volume / Issue

Content sourceCollection Systems and Stormwater Conference

Word count5

Description: Successful I&I Reduction using Design-Build: Developing and Implementing the...

Successful I&I Reduction using Design-Build: Developing and Implementing the River Valley Highlands Design-Build Sewer Rehabilitation Project

Abstract

A developer installed sanitary sewer was causing repeated, unexplained basement backups during heavy rains 1-3 times per year within 5 years of installation. A turnkey sewer rehabilitation project using Progressive Design-Build to provide continuous highly collaborative interaction between the Owner, Engineer, Construction Manager, and Subcontractors was used to solve this problem. This project successfully eliminated almost all the rainfall derived inflow and infiltration (RDII) leakage into the system and eliminated the basement backups that had been occurring.

SpeakerShelton, James

Presentation time

12:30:00

13:00:00

Session time

11:30:00

12:30:00

SessionInflow/Infiltration: Fighting the I/I

Session number7D

TopicCollection Systems, Watershed Management, Water Quality, and Groundwater

Author(s)

J. SheltonE.A. Sadowsky

Author(s)J. Shelton1; E.A. Sadowsky1;

Author affiliation(s)Arcadis 1

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2020

DOI10.2175/193864718825157376

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count17

The Essential Steps For Flow Meter Data QAQC

Abstract

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2023 in Chicago, IL.

SpeakerShelton, James

Presentation time

13:55:00

14:05:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:00:00

SessionThe Ultimate Collection Systems Basic Trivia Challenge 2.0

Session locationRoom S401d - Level 4

TopicCollection Systems, Fundamental Level

Author(s)

Shelton, James

Author(s)J. Shelton1; A. Peters2

Author affiliation(s)Arcadis1; Evansville Water and Sewer Utilitys2

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825159010

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count9

The Perils of Interceptor Surcharging: Unintended Consequences of In-line Storage

Abstract

Utilities are increasingly frequently resorting to real-time control systems that intentionally block the flows in interceptors to take advantage of available in-line storage during storm surges events to combat sewer overflows from sewers. Many utilities are also increasingly frequently extending their pump station’s wet wells into the sewers feeding the wet well to raise net positive suction head to improve pump performance and to effectively enlarge their wet wells, improving pump performance. When hydraulic grade lines subside to normal (open channel) operating levels, the any sewage pushed outside the pipes through defects and failed joint seals/gaskets pours back into the pipe, bringing bedding fines that eventually result in pipe bedding envelope failure and pipe collapse. This paper identifies the causes, mechanisms of failure, evidence of failure caused by surcharges, inspection techniques to identify pipes at risk if surcharged, and rehabilitation methods once a pipe is thus compromised using the case study of the Howard Rossa Interceptor in Evansville, Indiana as an illustration of cause and effect.

Real-time control systems that intentionally block flows in interceptors pressurize pipe. In pipes with failed joints (which encompass many interceptors in this situation), the wastewater is pushed outside the pipe. When flows return to normal, the wastewater stored in bedding returns to the interceptor, carrying fines that eventually cause pipe the fail dramatically. Mechanisms of failure, evidence of likely failure, inspection techniques, and rehab methods are discussed.

SpeakerShelton, James

Presentation time

11:00:00

11:30:00

Session time

10:30:00

12:00:00

SessionBAP Tunnels and Interceptors

Session locationRoom S504a - Level 5

TopicCollection Systems, Intermediate Level

Author(s)

Shelton, James W