Water Pump Station Wet Well

Sydney, NSW

Completion date: 2023

Portolesi Structural regularly completes injection projects and specialises in various types of injection works. Working regularly for companies who design and manufacture wastewater solutions, Portolesi Structural create bespoke injection solutions to solve leaking issues in new and existing pumping station. This project exemplifies the intersection of advanced civil contracting techniques and the crucial role of infrastructure maintenance in ensuring efficient wastewater management.

Portolesi Structural provided the client with three options, each accompanied by detailed procedures and thorough cost-benefit analyses. This approach allowed the client to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and budget constraints. After careful consideration, the client agreed to proceed with the injection works externally. This decision was driven by the potential for minimising disruption to the pump station's operations and achieving long-term durability of the repairs.

The execution of this project involved several critical steps. Initially, we utilised a dogbox on the crane to access the required areas of the pump station. This setup ensured safe and efficient movement of materials and personnel during the injection process. The next step was drilling injection packers into the concrete structure. These packers serve as conduits for injecting the repair material, allowing for precise and controlled application.

We then pumped in Tampur 130, a highly flexible and durable material suitable for sealing leaks and providing long-lasting waterproofing solutions. The injection process began on the outside of the well, taking a total of three weeks. This phase was crucial for addressing the primary sources of leaks and ensuring the structural integrity of the pump station. Following the external phase, we spent a couple of days injecting the internal joints as well. This comprehensive approach ensured that all potential leakage points were effectively sealed.

One of the significant challenges encountered during the project was the flexible nature of the injection material. It frequently overflowed from the mastic, rather than uniformly travelling around the complete joint. This behaviour required adjustments in our approach, including the employment of a greater quantity of packers than initially anticipated. These additional packers helped in distributing the material more evenly and ensuring complete coverage of the joints.

The successful completion of this project was achieved through close collaboration with Aquatec. Their assistance was invaluable in addressing unforeseen challenges and ensuring that the project met all technical and operational requirements. The flexibility and adaptability of both teams were key factors in overcoming the difficulties and achieving the desired outcomes.

This project highlights the importance of specialised civil contracting skills in maintaining and enhancing critical infrastructure. The expertise of Portolesi Structural in injection works, combined with the innovative solutions provided by Aquatec, ensured the successful repair of the pump station. Such collaborations are essential in addressing the complex demands of modern infrastructure projects, ensuring their longevity and reliability.

Overall, the injection works project at the pump station in Sydney underscores the value of meticulous planning, technical expertise, and effective collaboration. Portolesi Structural's ability to deliver tailored solutions and adapt to project-specific challenges sets a high standard for civil contracting excellence, contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of essential infrastructure systems.