The answer: A hydronic snow and ice melting system
In a hydronic snow and ice melting (SIM) system, a warm water/glycol solution is circulated through a network of pipes embedded within concrete slabs to melt the snow and ice above. With intuitive electronic sensors, the system turns on automatically in response to a specific combination of temperature and moisture, quietly and effectively melting snow on contact as it falls, either evaporating it completely or sending water to adjacent drains. By employing sensors that identify dry ground, and utilizing highly efficient boilers with minimal heating temperatures—only about 36°F (2°C) is required—the systems can minimize run time and power demand making them energy efficient and cost effective.
Thornton Plumbing & Heating, a third generation family business with decades of proven experience in installing SIM systems in everything from driveways such as the Utah Park CEO’s to large ski resorts, was brought into the team with Valentiner on the project. Together, they worked to deliver this functionality to the area near the new Welcome Center, which enabled safe foot traffic and reducing costs and maintenance woes for the operators for the long term.
According to Chris Barker, Thornton vice president, the project would be at the high end of the size scale for SIMs; typical constructions, he says, average around 10,000 sq ft (929 sq m) whereas this proposed SIM would encompass a large circular area of nearly 30,000.
To clear this expansive area, the project used 40,173 ft (12,245 m) of 3/4 in. RAUPEX crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa) O2 barrier pipe in 165 loops service by nine custom-made manifolds. Three NTI FTG 2000 high-efficiency stainless steel boilers, located in the Welcome Center mechanical room, provide a total of 6 million Btus that travel to the SIM area through 4,000 ft (x m) of HDPE distribution piping. Two Tekmar 654 snow melting controls with slab sensors automatically turn the system on and off.
Pipe quality makes the difference
According to Barker and Valentiner, the quality of the pipe used can make or break a project like this in two ways. From the GC’s point of view, the durability of the pipe is key.
“The pipes can be open to the elements and to activity for some time before they are fully installed with the concrete poured over them, so they are very vulnerable and it can be a little nerve-wracking,” noted Valentiner. “Someone drags the pipe over something jagged or throws a shovel and you could have a small nick that later fails under pressure. And if you don’t discover that until after the concrete is poured, it’s very expensive to dig it up to repair it.”
Valentiner, known as a “hands-on” GC, noted that he was personally on-site working side by side with the crews, and says he got a first-hand look at the piping being installed.
“I could see for myself the REHAU pipe Thornton specified was very durable as it was being moved and installed; as it was dragged along mesh and rebar, it was holding up with no cuts or nicks,” he said. “It performed great when we put it up to pressure.”
“That robustness is one reason we always specify REHAU RAUPEX pipe,” explained Barker, who noted that, as an installer, the product provides a number of ease of installation benefits that help keep SIM system projects on track and successful.
“RAUPEX pipe is more pliable and flexible—no matter how hot or how cold it gets, it’s easy to work with,” he explained. “Anyone who works in SIM system pipe can see the difference immediately as compared to other brands. It’s easier to move around, easier to connect to manifolds and fittings and just lets you do the job in a timelier manner.”
Teamwork leads to success
Taking time in the design and layout, helps to ensure that the SIM system functions correctly and meets expectation. This can be done with LoopCAD® or other sophisticated computer design software with expert and experienced hands at the controls. Here, Barker gives high marks to REHAU Manufacturer’s Representative Rocky Mountain Integrated Solutions (RMIS).
“They (RMIS) were vital to optimizing the designs, and provided outstanding support every step of the way,” he said.
The sheer size of the SIM system created a number of logistical challenges that needed to be overcome throughout the construction process. GC Valentiner notes that, for example, the team needed to build makeshift roads in order to get the cement trucks close enough to pump in spots, and coordinating schedules between SIM installers and cement installers is always challenging. He praises Thornton for their cooperation, meticulousness and reliability in keeping things moving seamlessly.
In turn, Barker notes that his REHAU team was instrumental in helping Thornton meet these challenges—especially the proactive handling necessary to keep more than 40,000 ft (12,000 m) of pipe from becoming a roadblock on site.
“This construction area had a lot of activity and we didn’t want to have thousands of feet of pipe sitting around getting in the way all the time. So we worked with REHAU to get ongoing deliveries scheduled so we got the right amount of pipe just in time for each stage of the job as it progressed. It arrived just as it needed to go into the ground—every time,” he said. “REHAU is always good and reliable on delivery timing but on this project they met an especially tough logistical challenge and helped make our job smoother and easier. That’s another reason we love REHAU. They work with us as an effective team and are a great partner.”
With the project completed and the first winter under its belt, the client has given Valentiner, Thornton, REHAU and everyone else involved high marks for their efforts.
“The client knew that it would be a challenging and complicated project, but they are very happy with the way it performed and handled the amount of snow as it came in,” Barker noted. “They said it is exceeding their expectations.”
The SIM system at This Is The Place Heritage Park was named Plastics Pipe Institute's Building and Construction Division "Project of the Year" for 2021.