For Architects
An Irrigation Consultant’s role in an overall architect involvement is in a support role to bring the architect’s plan to fruition. Through establishing design parameters to final plans and specifications, the goal is to meet the client and architect’s objectives both from an architectural and grassing concepts to the goal of meeting established budgets as well.
Phase 1: Site Study
The site study begins with a thorough examination and evaluation of a new site or the existing irrigation system as it relates to the present agronomic condition of the golf course. This determines the the design process. Recommendations, along with a preliminary budget will be presented.
The site study will provide a detailed evaluation of the following system components:
Sprinkler coverage and spacing
Hydraulics and piping
Control system and water windows
Power requirements
Pumping station and structures
Water source, quality, and alternatives
Phase 2: Design
When site parameters and budget considerations are clearly defined, the design process begins. A complete irrigation system is designed for the purpose of bidding and construction.
Preliminary Design:
The preliminary design will provide an irrigation layout representing color coverage plans, a mechanical irrigation plan, and detailed cost estimates. Key components of the preliminary design include:
Sprinkler head layout
Type of head spacing and effective coverage
Pipe routing
Pumping station
Equipment
Sprinkler heads and control system
Final Design:
The final design provides the construction documents formulated from owner review of the preliminary design.
Mechanical, electrical, pump station, and detail sheets are provided and include the following:
Sprinkler head layout
Controller
Pump station - detail
Inlet, Wet wells, & Pump pad
Construction cost estimates
Electrical
Power and communication to field
Specification and bid forms
Pump house schematic (optional)
Review a Final Plan:
Phase 3: Bidding & Selection
The purpose of this phase is to assist in contractor selection for installation purposes. Our experience allows us to negotiate and provide the best product, the best contractor, and the best price.
Bidding and selection include:
Distribution of irrigation plans and specifications
Assistance in pre-bid meetings
Addenda
Assistance in evaluation of bid proposals and selection of contract
Recommendations and negotiations
Phase 4: Construction
The role of irrigation consultant is to turn the final design into a tangible process. This includes adapting to everything from architectural field changes to underground site condition changes.
The scope of the construction phase consists of the following:
Assistance in pre-construction conference
Assistance in procurement of material and pump station
Staking
Flag actual sprinkler head locations and provide “as-staked” drawing to contractor for construction
Observations
Change orders, field changes, installation techniques, and more
Phase 5: As-Builts & Water Programming
The ability to record and formulate as-built drawings and to program the initial irrigation scheduling and programming become integral parts of the consultant’s role. The ultimate result is to provide the owner with accurate and thorough documentation and complete satisfaction.
Prepare record drawings and as-build documents to include:
Irrigation system specifics
Individual controller sheets
Mechanical, electrical, and combined as-builts
Program disk
Combined overall as-build drawing (color)
Prepare GPS record drawings to include:
Record Drawing and as-built binder to include:
Irrigation system specifics
Mechanical, electrical, and combined as-builts
Program disk
Combined overall as-built drawing (color)
Provide GPS Record Drawings
GPS Collection
Generate Record Drawings during the construction phase of the project.
GPS Equipment Use
To ensure best possible accuracy (typically sub-centimeter). GPS data shall be gathered by differential measurement with Survey Grade equipment.
Programming to include:
Initial Database Development
Following data defined for each station:
A station name consisting of a minimum of the Hole Number and Turf Type
Proper program selected
Correct Nozzle and number of heads
Correct sprinkler pressure, arc, pattern and typical spacing
A Computer Generated Hydraulic System Configuration, based on actual piping structure from the GPS Record Drawing
Map representation of site to include:
Sprinklers, Piping, Wire Splices, Isolation valves, Vegetation lines
Electrical lines, Cart paths, Pump house, Maintenance facility
CAD Work
The GPS data will be converted into the appropriate coordinate system and imported into an AutoCAD drawing.
All critical irrigation non-sprinkler head components (valves, drains, splice boxes) shall be dimensioned to at least 2 triangulated points
Final Product/Deliverables
The final record drawings will consist of a hydraulic plan, electrical plan, and programming plan to include both station identification and area tags.
Provided Square footages of all primary turf areas
Provide individual hole sprinkler yardages
Phase 6: Aerial Imaging & Topography Maps
The ability to produce a scaled aerial image and topography map either before or after construction is a key component to a successful project.
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club Testimonial:
“We thank you very much for the extremely professional experience that was had by all here at the club. We work with hundreds of vendors and it is very difficult to find a handful that actually do what they say and go about their business professionally. Your two teams are the exception. From inception to completion (even into the future) both of you and your employees were a pleasure to work with. There is a reason you both are the “best in the business” and it’s clear why that consideration has taken place!”
