Capelli Road Wastewater Pump Station Upgrade
Client:
Leed Engineering & Construction for SA Water
Location:
Wingfield, SA
Future-proofing an essential community facility
The Capelli Road Wastewater Pump Station (WWPS) is major facility in Adelaide’s northwestern suburbs. It receives flow from nine smaller pump stations, and services a population of around 40,000 people. The station had become structurally unsound after years of damage from hydrogen sulphide gas.
Tonkin was appointed to prepare detailed design work for civil works, stormwater, structural details, gravity sewer, rising main and mechanical design for a new pump station. To minimise disruption to residents and businesses, we created plans that allowed for continued operation of the existing pump station during construction and commissioning.
What we did
As well as supplying detailed design for the project, Tonkin provided technical advice for a range of site challenges, including the management of contaminated soils.
During the tender process, we identified an alternative construction method suitable for poor ground conditions such as those found at the Capelli Road site. The caisson method provided significant improvements in construction safety at a greatly reduced cost.
A construction communication strategy was implemented, focusing on local businesses and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. Regular updates were provided to local businesses and the council. HAZOP and Safety in Design workshops were held with parties to the project, and a Risk Management Plan was put in place.
What we achieved
The Capelli Road WWPS was successfully constructed using the caisson shaft method, creating major cost savings by reducing the amount of concrete required and decreasing the shaft installation time. It also provided a significant safety benefit and reduced the project’s carbon footprint due to the use of precast segments.
To service the local community, the existing pump station needed to remain fully operational during the construction works. We identified existing services early so that there was no need for a reduction in the original pump station’s capacity and operation as a result of the new build.
Site investigations had uncovered contaminated soil. Site works were designed to incorporate most of the spoil as fill. Approximately 500m3 of soil was reused, saving our client a significant sum on transport and disposal costs.
Stormwater runoff from the site now drains through a boundary swale to remove sediment, providing an improvement in the quality of stormwater entering the drainage network.
How we made a difference
Modern communities expect the smooth running of wastewater systems but they can be costly to build and maintain. Tonkin devised an alternative method of construction that made enormous savings and improved safety for site workers.
The alternative construction method proposed by Tonkin was an example of transformational thinking. Saving money, increasing safety and reducing the project’s carbon footprint were considerable benefits for stakeholders and the local community.
Tonkin’s constructability of design greatly contributed to the outstanding success of the project, which was completed on time and under budget.
The alternative construction method proposed by Tonkin was an example of transformational thinking. Saving money, increasing safety and reducing the project’s carbon footprint were considerable benefits for stakeholders and the local community.
Tonkin’s constructability of design greatly contributed to the outstanding success of the project, which was completed on time and under budget.