Posted by Albert Berenguel - 02 June, 2023
Aging water management infrastructure can lead to a range of issues, including leaks, bursts, and reduced capacity, which can result in water shortages and disruptions to service. Additionally, older infrastructure may not meet modern standards for water quality and environmental sustainability.
Refurbishing water management infrastructure can help to address these issues and ensure that communities have access to reliable, clean water supplies for years to come. Upgrades may include repairing or replacing water towers, upgrading treatment plants and equipment, and improving condition of dams and irrigation channels including, of course, the modernisation of monitoring and control systems.
In addition to ensuring the reliability of water supplies, refurbishing water management infrastructure can also bring a range of other benefits. For example, it can help to reduce water losses and improve energy efficiency, leading to cost savings for utilities and their customers. It can also help to protect the environment by reducing the risk of water pollution and minimizing the environmental impact of water treatment processes.
Overall, investing in the refurbishment of water management infrastructure is essential for ensuring the sustainability and resilience of water supplies in the face of growing challenges such as climate change, population growth, and urbanization.
in this series of posts, we will review several examples of works carried out to repair, protect and waterproof concrete structures dedicated to the storage, transport and treatment of water.
Water tower Mechelen-South.
The highest water tower in the world at 143 meters
Constructed in 1978, the Mechelen-South (Mechelen-Zuid), water tower is a record-breaking 143 meters high. This impressive tower serves a dual purpose, providing water to the city of Mechelen, Belgium, and hosting a range of television and telecommunications aerials.
A 40-meter diameter disc-shaped reservoir with a capacity of 2,500 m3 stores water fifty meters above the ground and, at a greater height, a smaller disc houses the aerials and telecommunications equipment.
In 2021 Renotec NV completed the refurbishment of the tower, including repair and waterproofing of the reservoir which was in a bad condition. In addition, the external lower part of the watertower was protected with MasterProtect 330 EL, as the upper part had been years ago.
The total treated surface reached approx 2,500 m2.
A challenging project
The biggest challenges were due to accessibility and the application conditions:
- All the products used for repair and waterproofing of the inner surface had to be carried up via the stairs through several manholes.
- This was a completely enclosed reservoir, so heating and extra ventilation had to be installed to create the necessary conditions for the application and curing of the products.
Concrete repair and protection combined with specific waterproofing
The following products comprised the complete solution supplied by Master Builders Solutions:
MasterEmaco T 450: Flowable repair mortar for repair of horizontal or slightly sloping concrete surfaces.
MasterEmaco S 480: Shrinkage compensated, sulphate-resistant thixotropic mortar for structural repair of concrete class R4 with BENOR – KOMO certification. Main characeristics of MasterEmaco S 480:Can be hand or spray applied in layer thicknesses up to 40 mm.
- Can be hand or spray applied in layer thicknesses up to 40 mm.
- It is reinforced with PAN (polyacrylonitrile) fibre; particularly durable, even in aggressive environments
- Strong adhesion to steel and concrete, contains no metal aggregates or chlorides
- Protects concrete against water containing sulphates, sulphides, chlorides, etc.
MasterProtect 330 EL: Single-component, ready-to-use, water-based coating, with crack bridging capacity and carbonation protection properties.
MasterSeal 560: lightweight, elastic and flexible, fast curing, two-component, cementitious membrane for the waterproofing and protection of concrete.
This elastic membrane allows for rapid use of concrete structures, tanks can be filled after only 24 hours. It provides durable waterproofing and protection down to -20°C. It is also used to protect concrete surfaces against carbonation and chloride attack.
The product is UV resistant and retains its colour. Other advantages are as follows:
- Low density/lightweight formulation: low consumption for high performance (up to 40% increase in performance compared to common waterproofing slurries) and time saving application.
- Waterproof: resistant to 3 bar positive water pressure (30 metres water column)
- Excellent adhesion to concrete
- Elasticity maintained in immersion
- Reduced ammonia odour: can be applied in confined environments.
MasterSeal 560: certified safe for drinking water contact.
In addition, MasterSeal 560 holds the BELGAQUA certification, a standard used in Belgium for evaluating the quality of materials and products that come into contact with drinking water. This certification process ensures that the materials and products used in the production, distribution, and storage of drinking water are safe and do not pose a risk to human health or the environment.
BELAQUA certification is based on a rigorous testing protocol that includes laboratory analysis, compliance with regulatory requirements, and adherence to strict performance standards like Commission Regulation (EU) N° 10/2011 and 4MS approach for organic substances, cementitious products or metallic materials.
Therefore, BELAQUAua certification is proofthat MasterSeal 560 meets the highest standards of safety and quality in the handling and delivery of drinking water.
