Pontoons enable wastewater works
The AJE team working on improvements to a wastewater treatment plant in Bolton has had to undergo specialist water safety training as they are working on floating pontoon platforms whilst installing the steelwork.
The team has been working on the pontoons which allows them full access to connections when spanning the steelwork across the water lanes without disruption.
The decision to work in this way was taken by the client, JN Bentley for United Utilities.
The project which is being led by Chris Roberts has been awarded further work packages over and above the original scope.
The AJE scope or works was to design, detail, fabricate, supply and install a new steel framework 134m long x 26m wide over the existing sludge plant lanes at the wastewater treatment works. The new structure will also incorporate raised walkways running the full length, consisting of a primary walkway with goal post support frames for mechanical installation and two tertiary walkways. There will be a further 12 walkways spanning the width.
Working from the pontoon platforms was a decisive move decision by the client’s management team as Chris explained: “The initial solution was to drain down each tank individually, clean them, erect scaffolding and then install the steelwork. Once one lane was complete the reverse process would be to remove the scaffolding and then and refill the tanks before moving onto the next one. This would have meant periods of inactivity for the steelwork installation whilst waiting for lanes to become available.
“However, using the pontoon system, whilst unusual, has meant that the teams have been able to continue uninterrupted from one tank to another without the need to drain down. This has provided AJE with continuity on the project. The decision to install the pontoon platforms was a positive and innovative decision by the client which has had a big impact to the methodology and sequencing of works”
Chris explained that the project which is due to be completed in April is on track, even incorporating the additional work packages awarded.
“From a steelwork installation point of view we are nearly at the halfway point and we are on track for our April completion date. The fabrication of the primary and tertiary steelwork is ahead of programme and that has allowed us to deliver additional work packages. We are now working on some mechanical items such as a lever captivation mechanism, which we are assisting with developing the design and then fabricating and installing. These additional mechanical packages will require works at our CNC facility at Forres meaning the CNC team are now also involved in the project.”
Chris added: “I am really delighted with how this project has gone. Everyone involved in this project deserves a huge amount of credit especially the Waterford workshop fabrication team who have pulled out all the stops time and time again. They have delivered on time and managed to incorporate the additional work packages awarded. It’s a massive achievement.”
