At Sandon Dock WwTW, Ram Services used Controlled Demolition techniques to remove a failed concrete floor slab from within one of the BAFF tanks.
Ram Services Limited’s technical staff were tasked to undertake a series of regular structure condition surveys of eight BAFF cell floors to check for structural deterioration arising from possible overloading.
Using a variety of concrete investigation techniques, each cell floor was checked for signs of cracking and structural movement prior to a detailed condition report being prepared. These included;
- Dimensional and level checks
- Concrete sampling and testing for cement content, sulphate, chloride and carbonation levels
- Half cell potential measurements and cover meter checks
- Hammer and PUNDIT testing
| Scheme: | Liverpool WwTW BAFF Cell Plant |
| Problem: | Suspected structural damage to reinforced concrete BAFF cell floor slab |
| Solution: | Structure condition surveys and removal of defective floor slab |
| Client: | United Utilities Water |
| Contract value: | £140,000.00 |
Following a survey the condition of one cell floor was considered such that replacement was necessary, and Ram Services Limited were tasked to develop a procedure to demolish and remove the floor prior to re-construction by others.
Limited access and the need to maintain adjacent BAFF cells in service called for the use of a robotic demolition unit to break up the floor slab into small fragments, whilst keeping vibration levels to a minimum.
All debris was then removed via existing 600mm diameter manways on electrically powered conveyor belts.
