Posted by Callum Vallance-Poole, on September 16, 2024.
A new hospital in Austria, specialising in neurological and orthopaedic rehabilitation, required a robust firefighting water storage solution during its recent expansion. The hospital, which accommodates up to 227 patients in single and double rooms, saw the completion of its extension in September 2019. PORR Bau GmbH, the general contractor for the project, opted for GRAF UK’s Carat XXL underground tanks to meet this need.
The project demanded a reliable firefighting water storage system that would not disrupt hospital operations. Initially, concrete tanks were considered, but the decision was made to use four plastic tanks instead, each with a capacity of 56,000 litres, totalling 224,000 litres.
The installation of the Carat XXL tanks was completed in just three days, significantly faster than the planned ten days for concrete tanks. This efficiency was achieved through a well-coordinated schedule that minimised impact on the hospital. PORR Bau GmbH’s site manager, Dipl. Ing. Peter Lubej, was impressed by the quick and smooth installation process.
Using a mobile crane, the tanks were positioned on pre-installed straps within minutes. The DN 250 pipe sockets, welded at the factory, allowed for easy interconnection of the tanks on site. The tanks were installed in close proximity to the hospital buildings, taking advantage of the sandy geological conditions that facilitated the excavation.
The excavation measured 18 x 14 metres and was prepared with a base of non-angular gravel. The Carat XXL tanks arrived on site with pre-fitted project-specific connections and accessories, which streamlined the installation and commissioning process.
Each tank was equipped with several components, including:
- A holder for a warning sign at the water extraction point
- A welded DN 125 plastic intake pipe
- A stainless steel strainer with an anti-vortex plate
- A firefighting water intake connection with rod fitting and fixed coupling
- A DN 100 stainless steel ventilation chimney with a hood and insect-proof screen
The dome shaft featured a ladder for easy maintenance access, and the telescopic dome shaft could be adjusted in height and tilted by up to 5 degrees to match the finished ground level.
The Carat XXL tanks are available in sizes ranging from 16,000 to 52,000 litres, and larger storage volumes can be achieved by connecting multiple tanks, as demonstrated in this project. The tanks can be filled with mains water or rainwater. Their ribbed construction ensures high stability, allowing them to be driven over by vehicles up to 40 tonnes with just 1 metre of earth cover. Additionally, they can be installed in groundwater up to their midway point. GRAF UK offers a 15-year warranty on the Carat XXL tanks, highlighting their durability and quality.
GRAF UK’s Carat XXL tanks provided an efficient and reliable firefighting water storage solution for the new hospital in Austria. The quick installation, combined with the tanks’ robust design and comprehensive features, ensured that the hospital’s expansion was supported without compromising operational efficiency or safety.