This design and build project involved modifications to the existing reinforced concrete bund floors, specifically the tank-to-bund interface, and included the design and installation of new tank to bund interface to allow for inspection of the tank-to-shell weld whilst maintaining the impermeability of the bund.
The detail on this project required the design a revised tank-to-bund interface that allowed for the inspection of the tank-to-shell weld.
In agreement with Shannon Airport and Tedcastles Aviaton Fuels; the tankfarm operators, a schedule was put in place for the removal the existing reinforced concrete bund from the immediate area around the base of each tank using hydro-demolition techniques. The tankfarm remained operational during these works and it was only possible to take two tanks out of service at any time to facilitate the work.
Working in strict accordance with the agreed schedule, MJ Conroy:
- Removed the existing reinforced concrete bund from the immediate area around the base of each tank using hydro-demolition techniques.
- Painted the exterior of the tank shell/pipework/valves damaged during the hydro demolition works.
- Put in place a new impermeable concrete bund and sealed it fully to the tank. The standard of surface preparation and the quality of the installation of any sealant between the new concrete bund and the tank were considered critical elements of the proposed works.
Given the location of this work on a Seveso Category 1 ATEX site, making it an area of very high explosive atmosphere, very high standards of health and safety management were demanded; standards much higher than on normal construction sites. Added to this, given the close proximity of the site to Shannon Airport required close liaison with the airport authority on an ongoing basis, particularly during periods when there were crane operations required on site.
Also, as the site, located in the Shannon Estuary is surrounded by an SAC (Special Area of Conservation), the highest standard in environmental considerations, planning and controls were also critical throughout the project duration.
MJ Conroy Construction were delighted to carry out this project with zero accidents or zero environmental incidents.
