1300 083 042
Julia Creek Water Tower Refurbishment
About the project
Built in 1971, the 30m high Julia Creek Water Tower features a distinctive shape giving it its ‘wine glass’ name. The unique shape enhances water pressure to cool the artesian water that comes out of the ground at 60°C. We were engaged to extend the service life of the tower utilising our specialty concrete rehabilitation capability.
Location
Julia Creek, Queensland
Client & Duration
McKinley Shire Council
July 2020 - September 2020
Project Scope
- Internal surface preparation by high pressure water blasting and abrasive blasting to remove laitance and weak concrete
- Repair of concrete cracking and install of Epimax 225 internal expoxy render coat and Epimax 333AR epoxy lining
- Install of polyurethane waterproof membrane on roof
- Design, fabrication and installation of new ladders, handrails and hatches to comply with AS1657
- Replacement of dilapidated valves and fittings
- Design and implementation of a 30m high heights safety system comprising of fabricated wall anchors, inertia reels and gates to increase safety during roof access
Challenges
- Due to extreme temperatures inside the reservoir, Pensar completed the internal epoxy works overnight to combat the effects of outgassing and subsequent coating failures
- The external works were delayed a number of weeks due to high winds safety concerns
- Upon mobilisation it was identified that there was an existing epoxy coating on the inside of the reservoir. Abrasive blasters were brought to site to ensure no loss of program time
- Installation of a 35m high scaffold stretcher stair to gain access to the roof of the water tower
Achievements
- Utilisation of local suppliers, contractors and council resources to help support and give back to the Julia Creek Community
- No safety incidents during the 10 week period Pensar were on site
- No defects in internal coatings on completion
- Project works were completed to the satisfaction of the client
- 3D scanning allowed the accurate design of new fabricated components
