CAT Steam Project
Energy, Industrial / Manufacturing | 1,500+ LF Steam System | 3-Month Timeline
Project
Overview
Steinberger Construction was engaged by Caterpillar to deliver a high-priority steam infrastructure replacement at its Lafayette facility—an upgrade that transitioned the site from a failing underground system to a new, above-ground configuration engineered for reliability, safety, and maintainability.
The project involved installing over 1,500 linear feet of new steam lines supported by elevated structural steel framing, designed to navigate the site’s existing layout without disrupting ongoing operations. With a fixed three-month window to complete the work before the onset of winter, Steinberger worked under a condensed schedule that left no room for error.
Location:
Lafayette, IN
Completed:
Completed in 3 months to meet critical seasonal deadline
Highlights:
Replacement of aging underground steam system with elevated infrastructure
Over 1,500 linear feet of new above-ground high-temp steam lines
Structural footings and steel supports fabricated and installed in-house
Transition executed with no disruption to existing steam service
Final fill and abandonment of legacy underground system
Executed within active industrial site with coordinated phasing
Safe Execution
Under Pressure
Working within Caterpillar’s active industrial campus required continuous coordination with site operations and utility stakeholders. Steinberger phased the installation to ensure the existing steam system remained live and functional until the transition was complete. Daily planning meetings, real-time adjustments, and tight field supervision were essential to hitting the client’s milestone without impacting plant activities.
Built For
Long-Term Reliability
The upgraded system was designed to improve both performance and accessibility. Deep concrete footings were poured to support the elevated steam structure, which was fabricated and installed by Steinberger’s in-house team. The new system not only improves operational reliability but significantly reduces maintenance complexity—giving facility teams safe, visible, and direct access to the steam line.
Following successful commissioning of the new system, the original underground piping was safely abandoned in place, with all associated manholes decommissioned per environmental and safety standards.
Partnership
In Action
The CAT Steam Project illustrates Steinberger Construction’s ability to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades on compressed timelines, in complex environments, with zero room for downtime. By combining in-house capabilities with disciplined execution, we helped Caterpillar upgrade vital systems while preserving the operational continuity their plant relies on.