External Works & Utilities-Chapter 7

MS3
Water Tightness Tests for Collection Sumps
BS 8007:1987 Section 9
Index
Scope/Reference documents/Safety/Method/Equipment/Attachments

Scope
1 Objective of this statement is to present proposed procedures (Typical) that shall be
adopted to conduct Water Tightness Tests for following Water Retaining Structures.
2 Collection sump 70-TB-201 Utilities East
3 Collection sump 70-TB-202 Ethylene
4 Collection sump 70-TB-203 Utilities East
5 Collection sump 70-TB-205 Utilities South

References
1 Specification, Clause 7.0, Crack Control

Safety & Responsibilities

1 Refer to safety general description on page 1

Materials
Water requirements
1 For 70-TB-201 370 cum and 5 % for stabilization period
2 For 70-TB-202 237 cum and 5 % for stabilization period
3 For 70-TB-203 166 cum and 5 % for stabilization period
4 For 70-TB-205 191 cum and 5 % for stabilization period

Method (sketch # 9)
1 Structure to be tested shall be completed of all RCC constructions inline/according to
specified and agreed procedures.
2 Complete filling of Tie Rod Holes with MBT Master Flow 544 shall be carried out
inline/according to manufacturer’s instructions
3 70-TB-201/202/203 Inlet pipes 600 mm dia. and for 70-TB-205 inlet pipes 450 and 400
mm dia. shall be laid in place to levels shown on drawings, as reflected on water quantity
schedule i.e. Invert levels at maximum supply elevations.
4 External surfaces of structure shall be prepared & applied with specified protective
system Bitustick XL, Polybit
5 Civil Contractor QC Inspection shall be conducted for approval of membrane
6 Structural backfilling shall be carried out externally, to project specifications & necessary
field density tests conducted to requirement
7 Application of floor screed as specified shall be carried out
8 Some engineers allow structural backfill externally & application of protective coating,
prior to conducting water tightening test.
 9 But, water tightness test should be considered, without carrying out backfilling &
application of whatever coating system for accurate assessment, as well as, compliance
with Tanking Technology/codes
10 Entire surfaces of structure to be tested shall be sweep blasted, removing all loose spalls,
dust dirt etc.
11 Prepared internal surfaces shall be inspected by Civil Contractor QC for approval
12 Following operations shall be involved to Conduct Water Tightness test inline/according
to BS 8007: 1987 Section 9.1 applicable to liquid retaining structures
a A graduated stick shall be provided on wall top to show water levels to a’ mm’ count
b Potable water shall be filled into respective sump pit structure at a rate 2 m per 24 hours,
for which, attached ‘Filling Scheduled Quantities’ shall apply (refer to schedule planned
for test).
c After water is filled into required level, it shall be allowed to stay for a period of 7 days
for Stabilization, Absorption and Autogeneous Healing.
d If so required, water shall be added to maintain maximum test level in case, it is lost
during this period.
e Test shall commence from 8th day and continue for 7 days for a design crack width of 0.1
mm, according to specification requirement.
f Observations regarding Water Level Drops, shall be recorded every 24 hours by visual
measurements on mm scale
g Test records shall be documented on attached form QCF
h ‘Structure Leak Test ‘and judgment on test made accordingly
i During this 7 days period, total permissible loss in level, shall not exceed 1/500 of
average water depth of full tank or 10 mm.
j After test is successfully completed, water shall be pumped out, either to other structure
for testing, should that be ready to receive it or if not, to other construction areas for
curing or some other purpose, as agreed leaving pit empty.
k In this case, structure is roofed by RCC, which does not pose any considerable chance for
water loss by evaporation.
l This fact should be considered, while assessing total loss in level, calculated or observed
being loss due to evaporation plus loss due to leakage

Remedial Work, if required

1 In case of unsatisfactory performance of Water Tightness Test and upon agreement with
EPC Contractor/Engineer, injection grouting method may be adopted to seal seepage
routes, which must be marked, based on inspection during leakage.
2 Should structure not satisfy 7 days test then after completion of remedial work, it should
be refilled and if necessary, left for a further stabilizing period as conducted earlier, for a
further test of 7 days’ duration must then be undertaken in accordance with specification
or code clause.

Schedule /plan for proposed water tightness test

S # Description of operation Number of Remark
days
1 Filling potable water in sump pit 1m deep 1 By tankers filled at a uniform
below base level of catch pit and 1 m depth Rate not greater than 2 m in 24
 above base slab to make a total depth 2 m
2 Filling potable water to another 2 m depth to
make 4 m
3 Filling potable water to remaining depth to
maximum supply level
4 Stabilization period to allow for absorption
and autogenous healing
5 Testing period to record water loss by
seepage and by evaporation every 24 hours
6 Pumping filled water out offsite
7 Total period of water Test 18 Days
hours
1 By tankers
1 By tankers
7 Additional water to be filled if
required
7 Monitoring, regarding seepage loss
and provision of 1/500 of average
depth or 10mm. (Visual inspection)
1 To other structure for test

Post Water Tightness Test

1 MBT shall produce a representative Masterseal 550 coating sample for approval by EPC
Contractor and client.
2 Internal surfaces shall be coated, according to approved sample
3 External surfaces shall be provided with waterproofing/concrete protection membrane in
line/according to requirement
4 Civil Contractor QC inspection shall be conducted to approve applied coating
5 Structural backfilling shall be carried out externally, to project specifications & necessary
field density tests conducted to requirement
6 Application of floor screed as specified shall be carried out

Equipment
1 Water Tanker, Pump, sweep blasting package etc.
2 Graduated stick, compactor
Attachment
1 Water quantity schedule