Concrete Pit Construction – HiQuality Yatala
Client: HiQuality (HiQ) Concrete Pit Construction
Location: Yatala, Queensland
Project Type: Concrete pit construction for industrial waste treatment facility
Scope: Excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement and finish; pits, plinths and hobs
Concrete Pit Construction – Project Overview
Terazzo Concrete Construction is the critical infrastructure partner behind the concrete pit construction at HiQuality’s Yatala facility – Queensland’s first EPA-approved site for treating PFAS-contaminated soils, sludges and liquids.
The scope covered excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement and finish for the treatment pits, plus plinths and hobs throughout the new shed facility. On a site handling PFAS-contaminated material – where a failure of pit integrity means potential toxic liquid contamination, our concrete waterproofing expertise was foundational to project success.
Concrete Pit Construction – Challenges
The project ran across several weeks of heavy rainfall. Despite the shed roof being in place, the existing hardstand graded back toward the pit – water tracked in through joints and cracks throughout the build.
The excavation also ran through mostly unsuitable fill material, introducing geotechnical risk to both the dig and the long-term structural performance of the pits.
How Terazzo Delivered the Solution
Terazzo brought in a geotechnical engineer early, benched the excavation for safety, and installed bored piers to address the structural demands of the ground. Water ingress was tackled on multiple fronts – perimeter bunding, wall water stops, sacrificial concrete behind the walls, and Xypex crystalline admixture in the concrete mix itself for built-in, long-term waterproofing.
Scope of Works
• Geotechnical engineer engaged for ground assessment and structural design confirmation
• Benched excavation through unsuitable fill material
• Bored pier installation to meet structural requirements
• Gravel bund wall installation to divert surface stormwater from pit perimeter
• Water stop installation to pit walls
• Sacrificial formwork and concrete poured behind pit walls to prevent water ingress
• Xypex crystalline waterproofing admixture in concrete base and walls
• Formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement and finish to treatment pits
• Construction of plinths and hobs within the new shed facility
The Outcome
Treatment pits, plinths and hobs delivered to specification — in wet weather, through difficult ground, with no compromise on the waterproofing performance a PFAS treatment facility demands. The concrete is in the ground. HiQ can do their job.
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FAQs
What is concrete pit construction for waste treatment facilities?
Concrete pit construction for waste treatment involves excavating, forming and pouring reinforced concrete structures designed to contain waste materials safely. These pits must meet strict structural and waterproofing requirements to prevent ingress or egress of liquid and contaminated material.
How do you waterproof concrete pits for industrial use? Effective waterproofing of industrial concrete pits typically requires a layered approach. This can include crystalline waterproofing admixtures such as Xypex added to the concrete mix, water stops at construction joints, sacrificial concrete behind walls, and perimeter drainage to manage surface water. The right combination depends on site conditions and the intended use of the pit.
What is Xypex admixture and why is it used in concrete pits? Xypex is a crystalline waterproofing admixture that is added to the concrete mix before pouring. It works by forming insoluble crystals within the concrete matrix that block water pathways, providing long-term waterproofing from within the concrete itself. It is commonly used in pits, tanks and structures where water ingress or liquid containment is critical.
Can concrete pits be constructed in unsuitable fill material? Yes, but the approach needs to be adapted to the ground conditions. Where unsuitable fill material is present, a geotechnical assessment is essential to determine safe excavation methods and structural requirements. Benched excavation and bored piers are common solutions where fill material does not provide adequate lateral support or bearing capacity.
Does Terazzo construct concrete pits for waste and water treatment facilities? Yes. Terazzo has experience delivering concrete pit construction for industrial waste and water treatment facilities across South East Queensland. This includes the full scope of excavation, formwork, reinforcement, waterproofing and concrete placement for treatment pits and associated structures.