SIKA CONCRETE REPAIR SYSTEM OFFERS MAXIMUM PROTECTION WHILST CAUSING MINIMAL DOWNTIME
SIKA CONCRETE REPAIR SYSTEM OFFERS MAXIMUM PROTECTION WHILST CAUSING MINIMAL DOWNTIME DURING POWER PLANT REFURB
When a power station’s concrete outbuilding required a long-term repair system that required implementation without disruption to plant operations, Sika had just the solution.
Due to environmental exposure, the gas turbine house at Hinkley Point B Power Station in Somerset had succumbed to significant spalling across its concrete surface. The 15-metre area required repair to mitigate potential health and safety issues and ensure plant reliability.
Due to the size of the renovation and the requirement for business operations to continue unaffected at the plant, SikaCem®-133GP Gunite, a cement-based, polymer-modified sprayable grout, was specified. For high-profile infrastructure repair projects involving bridges, overhead soffits and bridge decks where minimising down-time is a key requirement, SikaCem®-133GP Gunite offers an effective and easy-to-apply solution. It is particularly suitable for use on road or rail projects where strict deadlines and penalties for over-running works programmes apply. SikaCem®-133GP Gunite is compliant with Highways England standards and meets Class R4 of BS EN 1504-3 requirements.
Contractor, CSC Services, carried out SikaCem®-133GP Gunite’s installation at Hinkley Point. This initially involved using mechanical means to break out the damaged area of concrete. Replacement reinforcement was installed, then coated with a steel protection system.
Prior to the SikaCem®-133GP Gunite’s application, surrounding concrete areas were cleansed of dust, loose material and any other surface contaminant. The Gunite was then installed in layers to prevent sagging or slumping. Once complete, the area was coated for an aesthetic finish. An anti-carbonation coating was used to protect the concrete from further carbonation.
Mick Flounders, Operations Director at CSC Services said: “Due to the sensitive nature of the site, repairs had be carried out with as few issues as possible. This was achieved thanks to SikaCem®-133GP Gunite’s rapid application and superb effectiveness. We were able to complete this vital project within the agreed timeframe and without interruption to plant activity.”
The gas turbine building’s refurbishment was completed in four days, as part of the 2018 Concrete Spalling Remediation Programme on behalf of client EDF Energy. Following its intervention at Hinkley Point, SikaCem®-133GP Gunite will once again prove itself a consummate performer when it comes to the long-term concrete repair and protection solution.