Reduce risk, avoid programme delays and make decisions based on evidence – not assumptions.
Structural Survey at Lostock Water Treatment Works
Structural Repairs delivers rapid, highly accurate structural diagnostics for the UK water utility sector. This project required a specialised non-intrusive survey to assess the integrity of critical infrastructure without disrupting active operations or compromising the existing asset.
About the Client
United Utilities Group manages the water and wastewater network across the North West of England. This specific diagnostic intervention took place at the Lostock Water Treatment Works (WTW) in Horwich, Bolton.
The Challenge
The client required a thorough structural investigation of an existing utility service structure to evaluate its condition and overall structural integrity. The primary objective was to identify hidden defects, potential water leakage pathways and subsurface voids that were entirely undetectable through visual inspection alone. Crucially, the investigation had to be non-intrusive to avoid causing any unnecessary damage to the active structure or underlying services.
The Intervention
Our specialist NDT technician deployed advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems – specifically the Proceq GP8800 and the Screening Eagle GS8000. Operating safely within a live environment containing chlorine and chemical hazards, the team established controlled exclusion zones before commencing the survey.
Utilising Stepped Frequency Continuous Wave (SFCW) radar technology, the GS8000 equipment was passed systematically across a defined grid over the concrete surfaces. This approach allowed the team to detect and map subsurface features in real time. The scanning pinpointed structural reinforcement, embedded services, moisture-affected zones and anomalous responses directly associated with the suspected water ingress.
The Result
The non-destructive testing yielded accurate, high-resolution imaging of the concrete’s internal composition. By correlating the GPR data with visual site observations, we successfully mapped the extent of the subsurface anomalies and defined the potential leakage pathways. All data, measurements and scan results were subsequently collated into a comprehensive structural assessment report. This provided United Utilities Group with the exact evidence-based recommendations required to plan targeted, highly effective remedial works.
Contact Us
To discuss your next structural engineering project or to learn more about our specialist concrete repair and containment services, please get in touch:
Ground penetrating radar is an integral part of our non-destructive testing regimen
