Corpn uses advanced tech to teststructural stability of water tanks

Coimbatore: The city corporation, with the assistance of Suez Projects Private Limited, is testing the structural stability of overhead tanks (OHTs) using advanced technology.
“The drive is a part of the 24/7 drinking water project agreement that was signed between the corporation and the private firm. It commenced a couple of weeks ago. There are 41 OHTs in the 60 wards of the old corporation limit. The drive is expected to be completed within a month,” a corporation official said.

So far, 11 OHTs in Aishwarya Garden, Kovil Medu and at the corporation office in Town Hall have undergone the test.

The tanks are subjected to five tests, of which results would be known instantly for four. “The strength of concrete is measured using a specialized equipment called rebound hammer. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test is used to identify where the reinforcement of the tank is and its quality. To check the condition of the reinforcementwhether it is corroded or nota hole is drilled in the pillars and potentiometer is inserted,” the official told TOI.

The firm is also conducting carbonation test, in which phenolphthalein is injected into the pillar through a hole. “The structure is ascertained to be healthy if the solution turns pink. Depending on the intensity of colour, the stability of the tank can be determined,” the official explained.

Concrete samples are taken from the tanks for detailed chemical analysis, the result of which will indicate the present condition of the tanks and the rectification work to be done. The engineers take a day or two to test a tank.

“The firm has submitted the reports of the completed tests. While some tanks are believed to be healthy and in stable condition, some rectifications are to be done in the other tanks. The corporation is yet to take a final decision on it,” the official added.

TOI had carried a report stating that more than 80% of OHTs in the city are damaged.