Broad Street Crossing Steam and Condensate Replacement

Temple University’s Health Sciences Campus depends on reliable steam and condensate distribution for heating and critical building operations. In 2024, Trefz Engineering provided site utility and mechanical engineering services to replace a key segment of the high-pressure steam and pumped condensate piping that crosses Broad Street, a heavily trafficked Philadelphia artery situated directly above an active rail tunnel. The project demanded a robust design and meticulous planning to meet strict safety, traffic, and constructibility requirements.

The Scope

The project involved the full scope of design, engineering, pre-construction, and construction services required to replace a section of Temple University’s direct-buried high-pressure and pumped condensate piping system on the Health Sciences Campus. The work focused on the piping between manholes MH-A5 and MH-A6, crossing Broad Street — one of Philadelphia’s busiest corridors — and situated directly above a major railway tunnel.

Trefz Engineering provided complete design services for the replacement of a 4-inch high-pressure return line and an 8-inch pumped condensate return line, both designed for operation at 150 PSIG and 366°F. The design incorporated a Class ‘A’ prefabricated piping system that was testable, drainable, and dryable, with factory-fabricated components to reduce field welds and improve quality control.

The Process

A critical component of the design was the ASME B31.1 pipe stress analysis performed using Bentley AutoPipe software. This analysis enabled a more detailed and accurate design of the piping layout and expansion compensation systems. By resolving stress and movement considerations during design, the need for contractor reliance on manufacturer or delegated design components was eliminated. This proactive approach facilitated precise execution during construction, minimized delays, and reduced the risk of field modifications.

Accurate identification of existing utilities was essential to completing the project on time and minimizing disruption to Broad Street traffic and surrounding infrastructure. Trefz Engineering conducted extensive surveying, including topographic and utility mapping, an as-built survey, and a Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Quality Level B survey using ground penetrating radar. These efforts ensured that underground conditions were well understood before construction began.

Design deliverables included demolition plans, utility layouts, grading and drainage plans, and soil erosion/sediment control plans. All field welds were radiographically tested per ANSI/ASME B31.1 standards. Coordination with the Philadelphia Streets Department and PennDOT was integral, including permitting and traffic protection planning. Trefz Engineering ensured full compliance with applicable codes, standards, and Temple University requirements, supporting a successful, constructible, and minimally disruptive infrastructure upgrade.

The Result

The completed system provides Temple University with a reliable, resilient steam and condensate connection across one of the city’s most challenging underground corridors. By leveraging early stress analysis and prefabricated piping, Trefz delivered a solution that is durable, maintainable, and easier to inspect — while keeping the project on schedule and on budget.
This upgrade strengthens the campus’s critical energy infrastructure, ensuring long-term operational resilience and supporting future growth.

Let’s Collaborate

From complex utility crossings to central plant upgrades, Trefz Engineering brings deep experience in designing and executing steam infrastructure projects with minimal disruption. Whether replacing aging systems or planning new capacity, our team delivers constructible, future-ready solutions. Ready to discuss your engineering design needs? Let’s connect.