Installer Spotlight: ART Fortifies Allendale’s Infrastructure With the OBIC Armor System
In a collaborative effort to ensure long-term durability and efficiency, the Municipality of Allendale, Michigan, along with Moore & Bruggink Engineers, chose the OBIC Armor multi-layer system to protect their new pre-equalization tank from the harmful effects of hydrogen sulfide gases from the start. This decision was influenced by past experiences with infrastructure failures, which led to increased costs and complications.
The 30′ wide x 62′ long x 21′ deep pre-equalization tank, crucial for managing fluctuations in raw wastewater, faced future challenges due to the corrosive nature of hydrogen sulfide. With a community of 300,000 residents, Ottawa County in West Michigan is the state’s fastest-growing county, adding an additional 2,454 residents in the last year alone. This demand on the wastewater plant is expected to increase significantly. To address these concerns proactively, the OBIC multi-layer system was selected for its proven durability and protective capabilities.
Due to the past experience of the parties involved, they knew it would be significantly more difficult to take out of service and fortify/rehabilitate through lining it in the future. Though there are bypass measures in place, Moore & Bruggink and the Municipality elected that the best option was to protect their investment up front.
Lead Engineer Bryan Hannon, with extensive experience in wastewater management, identified the tank as an ideal candidate for OBIC’s liner system. The choice was further supported by the positive experiences the Township had with OBIC products and the OBIC-certified installer, Advanced Rehabilitation Technology’s workmanship.
OBIC Armor’s 10-year material and labor warranty provides an additional layer of assurance, making it a preferred solution for fortifying new infrastructure. This case exemplifies the importance of proactive measures in infrastructure management, emphasizing the value of protecting assets upfront to prevent future issues.
Lining a new structure rather than taking it out of service for rehabilitation has several advantages:
- Cost-effectiveness: Lining can be more economical as it avoids the high costs associated with demolishing and reconstructing parts of the structure.
- Time Savings: It significantly reduces downtime because the structure can remain in use during the lining process, which is crucial for maintaining service continuity, especially in essential infrastructure.
- Minimized Disruption: There is less disruption to the surrounding area, as lining is less invasive compared to full rehabilitation, which might involve heavy equipment and significant construction activity.
- Enhanced Protection: Applying a liner to new structures adds an extra layer of protection against corrosion, abrasion, and chemical exposure, potentially extending the lifespan of the infrastructure.
- Environmental Benefits: Lining often generates less waste and has a smaller environmental footprint compared to the full rehabilitation process.
Overall, lining is a strategic choice for preserving the integrity of structures while maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing costs.
If you’d like to learn more about the OBIC Armor system, discuss your next project, or schedule a demo, please Contact Us or give us a call at 866-636-4854 and our team will be happy to help you!