Rehabilitation Alternatives for Structures Used on the Flocculation, Sedimentation and Filtration Processes at the Ponce De Leon Water Treatment Plant in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico

Abstract

The Ponce de Leon Water Treatment Plant located in Mayagüez serves 3,777 clients with a population of 10,085 habitants. It could produce 6 million gallons per day. A visual structural evaluation of the concrete structures and metallic elements on the flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration units was done to assess actual conditions and present rehabilitation alternatives. This article presents the findings and the analysis used to weigh rehabilitation alternatives. Damages found on concrete structures were cracking and spalling. Meanwhile, on metallic elements, general corrosion, and material thickness loss were found. The investigation concluded that the best economical alternative to repair concrete cracks is routing and sealing. For spalled concrete, the recommended alternative is the partial concrete section repair. Finally, the project concluded that the best alternative to treat corrosion on metallic elements at the WTP is the use of protective coatings. Key Terms – Concrete Repair, Corrosion Inhibitor, Epoxy Grouting, Polyurethane Coating.