Here at Premier Substructures, we know that traditional techniques like in situ concrete aren’t the best if you need a below-ground substructure that’s completely watertight – especially when it’s for a unit that’s designed to be full of water 24/7, 365 days a year.

Below, we’re going to highlight the challenges one of our clients was faced with when they needed a solution that would eliminate the risk of leaks, and how we were able to help.

The challenge

Floorspan contacted us to install a substructure for a filtration unit in their concrete facility. They required a large structure which would be watertight, to ensure no sediment could leak into the waterways.

The unit had to be designed to help filter large areas of surface water, and would be used for different stages of filtration before leaving a final section for their water filtration unit to be located in.

They have a very busy facility, with lorries and materials constantly on the move, therefore in addition to being watertight, they also needed a solution that was fast and without any complications.

They approached us along with some local contractors to build the structure with in situ, and were very specific in that they wanted someone who could be left to complete a design, along with a complete manufacture, install and concrete installation.

Without a substructure, Floorspan would have had to look at pumped systems and a surface mounted water filtration system. This would take up more room and cost more to maintain over a longer period of time.

The solution

Floorspan found us online and were keen to discuss what we could do after looking at our case studies of previous projects. They were sceptical of how watertight out substructure was going to be, and they also had concerns over the internal finish, as the tank was to have water in it.

We gave them the confidence to proceed once we showed them the engineering projects we had completed, along with the rubber-based waterproof paint we could offer for the internal finish.

Our designers and proactive attitude helped us to design the substructure to suit their exact requirements. We also issued engineering drawings which gave them the ability to mark up and tweak the structure to their exact specifications.

In the end, what we were able to offer them was a very fast and robust solution, which meant we could install a substructure that was completely watertight, with an additional waterproof finish.

The results

Our client had a substructure installed in five days – in contrast, an in situ concrete substructure would have taken 20 days or more. Floorspan were able to filter water from the start of the project, to the finish, in just 10 days. The finish was far superior to concrete.

Here’s what Floorspan had to say:

“We recently engaged with Premier Substructures regarding a drainage project at our concrete production facility in Wisbech Cambridgeshire. The brief was to design, manufacture and deliver a large, below ground holding and separation tank that would form a critical part of a wider drainage and water recycling project.

The professional, knowledgeable approach of Project Coordinator Ross Burrell gave us confidence from the outset and we duly placed the order. The project was big success with Premier Substructures delivering the prefabricated, watertight, substructure on time and within the agreed budget.

The watertight structure coating and finish to the inside of the tank offers a final touch of quality – almost too good to bury in the ground. The substructure is now fully operational and is helping to recycle grey waste water into drinking quality, PH neutral water.”