REPAIR OF FILTERS OF THE WYLIE IV WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Wylie, Texas
Merit Award
Sent by: Felix Construction Co.
OWNER North Texas Municipal Water District
LEADING DESIGN COMPANY JQ Infrastructure
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Felix Construction Co.
SUBCONTRACTORS Mechanical MIINC; Mobile companies; Clark Electric; alpha test
To rehabilitate and augment the existing filter walls at the Wylie Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which had begun to deteriorate, the project team for this $10 million effort developed a plan that allowed the facility to continue providing essential water services while necessary upgrades were carried out. .
The Wylie WTP filter influent and effluent galleries serve as the primary access and filter operations interface for plant personnel. But the common wall between the gallery and the filters was in poor condition, showing significant leaks and signs of structural distress.
Work began on filter 4, which was believed to have the most damage. Addressing this filter first allowed the team to assess the full scope of work required for the remaining 19 filters.
The team planned the repair process, which involved the careful removal of approximately 1-5 filters at a time during scheduled downtime. This strategic approach, while reducing water production, allowed the team to efficiently carry out the necessary repairs and return the filters to service quickly. It also ensured an uninterrupted water supply.
To repair each filter, crews carefully tore down to the existing concrete floor, installed new supports, under the drain blocks, and applied multiple layers of filter media. Installation of an 8-inch-thick shotcrete augmented wall helped strengthen the existing walls, providing essential tensile strength and protection against future damage.