project
In need of desperate attention
One of the problems the city faced was that the
inaccessible copper and steel pipes of this important
heritage building had become drastically corroded. The
resultant leaks were not only causing structural damage
to the Castle, they were also responsible for significant
water wastage — a very real priority given the city’s
current drought and water restrictions.
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Both the water and fire systems were built into the
building’s walls and ceilings, making them inaccessible
to maintenance crews. Upon further investigation,
the management team found that the cast-in down
pipes situated on all the blocks were also in need of
repair. These corroded rainwater pipes were causing
internal damage whenever it rained. What’s more, the
below-ground sewerage system (made from original
earthenware pipes) was showing signs of severe
cracking and displacement, and its location beneath
350 years’ worth of compacted earth and stones made
access a real issue.
The project managers had a big problem. Time was not
on their side and they now had to assess and repair
unreachable pipework throughout the site without affecting
the facades of the oldest building in the country.
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An innovative and elegant solution
The management team commissioned Water Damage
Services (a specialized potable and structural trenchless
relining contractor) to deal with these sensitive
problems, due to the company’s proven track record in
relining both the Cape Agulhas II research vessel and
the Good Hope Centre.
Relying on cutting-edge technology that uses compressed
air to blow potable epoxy into the reticulation system, Water
Damage Services was able to reline all of the Castle’s pipes
(ranging in diameter from 15mm to 300mm) in record
time. The technology completely coats the insides of the
pipelines, filling all the pin hole leaks within the system and
prolonging the pipes’ lifespan by at least 50 years — all
without having to chop a single floor, wall, or ceiling.
Keyhole surgery for buildings
The storm water and drainage lines were relined using
a different technique, which entailed installing (via the
Castle’s manholes and full bores) structural felt liners
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