Introduction
In GRP applications for bund linings, resilience against hydrostatic pressures and environmental challenges is essential to maintain operational integrity in industrial settings. Manufacturing facilities, particularly those with submerged infrastructure, require linings that prevent ingress while complying with industry standards for tanks and vessels. This application note details a collaborative installation completed at ZF Automotive Group UK Ltd in Pontypool: a bund lining for a sub-water-table machine pit. Employing Strandek GRP as bund lining specialist installers, the project addressed groundwater pressures through precise application techniques, ensuring a durable and effective solution.
Project Overview
ZF Automotive’s Pontypool facility houses precision machinery essential for automotive component production, with the machine pit situated below the water table. Persistent hydrostatic ingress posed risks to equipment and processes, necessitating a robust bund lining to provide impermeable containment and support uninterrupted operations.
Preparation focused on creating a stable substrate under challenging conditions. Surfaces were power washed to remove contaminants and expose a sound profile, followed by application of a moisture curing primer to mitigate ongoing water exposure. The bund lining was applied in situ via lamination: a 600 g/m² layer, incorporating specialized pauses to equalize pressures during curing and prevent defects from groundwater upwelling. Integrated coving and drainage details were reinforced with pre-formed GRP profiles, mechanically and chemically secured for seamless junctions.
A protective topcoat ( polyester) was added post-application to enhance abrasion resistance and maintain a clean finish. The works were executed with site-specific controls to minimize downtime, achieving completion over a 72-hour period while coordinating with facility activities.
Outcomes and Assurance
The installed bund lining provides effective barrier protection against water table ingress, securing the machine pit and enabling reliable machinery performance.
This project demonstrates our proficiency in specialized GRP installations for demanding industrial environments. For consultations on bund linings or site evaluations, contact our technical specialists. Effective bund linings are an important part of Secondary Containment systems according to the HSE.
