Iconic Bristol Water Tower Restored
CRL have recently completed a £1.0mil refurbishment of the Durdham Down Water Tower for Bristol Water. The water tower, which was constructed in 1954 is comprised of a twelve-sided reinforced concrete water tank with an inner and outer compartment supported on reinforced concrete fin piers and a reinforced concrete structure housing a concrete access staircase and landings. The total storage capacity is 2.73mil litres of potable water.
In order to carry out the works a significant scaffold had to be erected around the tower to enable access to the external elevations. Further scaffolding/access was also required within the two tanks so that the existing membrane could be removed (by hydro demolition) and the debris arising taken out with the assistance of vacuum extraction. Cracks identified once the existing lining had been removed were banded with the MasterSeal 930/933 Hypalon bandage system. All concrete surfaces within the tanks then received an initial cementitious skim coat (Intercrete 4800), applied by hand, before being overcoated with 2 coats of Acothane DW protective coating.
Other works included;
- Concrete repairs and application of anti-carbonation coatings to all external concrete surfaces,
- Application of a Triflex membrane to the main roof,
- Installation of new windows,
- Internal upgrade of the existing lighting system to all staircase and landing areas,
- Installation of new roof perimeter handrails, and
- Installation of new handrails to all areas to the internal of the tower (this element of the works was installed by abseilers).
e-mail address; mballetta@crl.uk.com
Web address; www.crl.uk.com
