PROJECT SUMMARY
A new water treatment facility was constructed in response to the growing population and future development plans in a community just north of Toronto, Ontario. This underground concrete reservoir was designed to collect raw water from nearby wells, disinfect it using sodium hypochlorite and filtration, and store the treated water in a newly built underground concrete reservoir. This infrastructure ensures a reliable supply of potable water for the community and supports long-term regional growth.
SOLUTION
To enhance water treatment, approximately 800 lineal feet of a mechanically fixed geomembrane baffle curtain were required for installation to create a serpentine path and flow through the tank, increasing its residence time with chlorine used as a disinfectant.
Based on its excellent tensile strength, flexibility, and durability, a reinforced XR3 potable grade geomembrane material was chosen for the Fixed Baffle Curtains. The 12 baffle curtains were custom-fabricated at Layfield’s Edmonton, Alberta, fabrication plant. This eliminated the need for any field welding of the material and helped to reduce the installation time. The installation required the XR-3 baffles to be mechanically anchored to the reservoir’s concrete floor, walls, and ceiling.
Key Installation Features Included:
- Prefabricated access doors are integrated into the curtains to allow for routine maintenance and inspection.
- Selection of XR3 PW material, a scrim-reinforced membrane known for its chemical resistance, durability, and NSF potable water approval.
- Significant customization to accommodate the reservoir’s non-uniform ceiling and bulkhead details.
- Prefabricated curtain panels were optimized for insertion through small roof hatches, streamlining the installation process.
CHALLENGES & RESULTS
The installation presented significant logistical and technical challenges due to the complex geometry and confined conditions within the underground reservoir:
- The reservoir featured multiple internal columns, narrow corridors, and an uneven ceiling requiring custom installation around the many bulkheads.
- Limited access points, restricted floor space, and poor lighting complicated installation efforts.
- The installation of 12 custom-fabricated baffle curtains requires over 2,000 linear feet of mechanical anchorage to the concrete floor, walls, ceiling, and access hatches.
- Baffles were designed in 6-meter heights, with varying lengths up to 22 meters.
- Components included SS316 stainless steel batten bars, bolts, and NSF 61-certified neoprene gaskets.
- Required scissor lift equipment and custom modular scaffolding erected to accommodate high vertical walls and ceiling.
- Enhanced fall safety training and work instructions were required to protect installation personnel working in confined and elevated conditions.
Performance Benefits of Baffle Curtains
- Enhanced disinfection efficiency through improved flow control and disinfectant contact time
- Reduction of short-circuiting and dead zones within the reservoir
- Lower chemical treatment costs due to optimized water circulation
- Improved operational access and long-term maintainability
Layfield’s technical team leveraged its decades of experience with baffle curtain fabrication and installation to deliver a high-performance solution tailored to the unique challenges of this water treatment facility. The project was completed by Layfield’s Ontario-based construction team on schedule and on budget.
Layfield is a pioneer of the North American geosynthetic industry and is proud of our 48 years in business. Layfield’s construction crews are highly skilled and experienced in executing complex geomembrane installations in above-ground and below-ground water reservoirs, ensuring quality, precision, and long-lasting results.
