Nightime Inspection for a $700MM Reservoir
Everyone knows how hot the summertime months can be within our region. In some cases, these temperatures pose a safety concern for the construction workers involved. Despite this, without their efforts, critical repairs can lead to widespread disasters. In the case of our client, they had an urgent need for inspection services for a reservoir construction project within a community.
The problem: high and humid temperatures often mean nighttime construction
As mentioned, one problem inherent to our area is the hot and humid temperature that permeate throughout the day. This makes construction work difficult, as worker safety often necessitates additional breaks.
Productivity is higher when workers can perform their jobs uninterrupted, which typically means major projects like these will be conducted during the overnight hours. This minimizes health concerns and maximizes the effectiveness of a team’s efforts.
A problem arose with a reservoir project. The inside walls of the reservoir act as protection for the system. They prevent water seepage; otherwise, the leak will eventually create a weak point that could lead to the reservoir’s collapse.
Our client needed a qualified engineering crew to perform a thorough inspection to ensure this would not be the case. However, the overnight work meant that they would need to find a firm that could accommodate this non-traditional working hour while providing them with the reassurance they needed — both professionally and legally.
One unusual problem was a change in contractors. This gave rise to various concerns that the earlier crews may not have followed the proper procedures and processes with earlier phases of construction.
The process: meeting the client's need
We met with the new contractor to outline their needs and to accommodate their working schedule. This would include documenting our progress to provide them with a thorough analysis of completed work while also informing them of any needed changes. Before they could move forward, they would need a sign-off on what had been already built.
In addition, upon completion of this portion of our partnership, they would also need an ongoing inspector to be on-site. This would ensure that the additional week they completed would continue to be in compliance with engineering standards.
The goal: ensuring the reservoir construction project meets all requirements
To sign off on such a project meant having a keen understanding of what was required and what the outcome would be if the retaining wall were to fail. Our client’s goal was both to meet the expectations of their client as well as to ensure the community did not experience a larger problem down the road.
The outcome: a one-week turnaround
Within one week, we were able to address the client’s concerns. We identified areas that needed to be addressed and, once implemented, provided them with sign-off. As the project has continued, we have an on-site employee who continues to provide the support they need.
We offer nighttime services to all clients who need the service
This situation was not unusual, as we provide overnight services for any client who may need this type of support. Our team was proud to be able to provide them with the assistance they needed.