A major reservoir refurbishment project in South West Scotland needed a fast and reliable solution to restore water tightness. Stonbury, working on behalf of ESD, took on the scheme. The programme included installing a new roof membrane, removing and reinstating overburden, and refurbishing outbuildings.
First, the Stonbury team removed the existing soil overburden and excavated around the tank perimeter to expose the roof wall head joint. They then installed new perimeter drainage to improve long-term performance. Next, the roof slab was prepared with high-pressure water jetting to ensure a clean, sound surface.
After preparation, the team applied a DWI Reg.31 Approved NATCEM® AC screed to re-waterproof the roof. They also overbanded the wall head joint and all external roof joints, ensuring a strong seal before installing a new membrane.
Once the roof was complete, Stonbury reinstated a 20mm layer of washed and rounded gravel overburden and added new perimeter kerbing. Internally, they sealed leaks, overbanded joints showing signs of ingress, and repaired concrete across walls, columns, and beams. As a result, the reservoir regained full watertight integrity.
The reservoir’s exposed location, sitting 400 metres above sea level, created unique challenges. The team often faced four seasons in a single day. However, NATCEM® AC allowed work to continue in temperatures as low as 1°C.
In fact, the product can be used down to 0°C as standard and has even been installed successfully at -14°C. Furthermore, NATCEM® AC offers flexibility: in winter, warm water can speed up its initial set, while in summer, cold water can slow it down. Because it is DWI Reg.31 Approved for potable water, it is safe for water industry use. With only a 30-minute curing period required after set, the structure can return to service rapidly.
By choosing NATCEM® AC, Stonbury delivered a watertight reservoir despite difficult conditions. The product’s performance in cold, changeable weather kept progress on track. Moreover, its rapid curing time minimised downtime.
The client’s team at ESD praised the results throughout the programme. This continues to demonstrate how NATCEM® AC supports reliable and efficient reservoir refurbishment projects.
Stonbury remain approved applicators of Natural Cement products and continue to use them across the water industry.
Date added: 15/09/2022