CPF Cast Surfaces Prove their Worthin Drinking Water Reservoirs

Abstract

The governing standard for drinking water reservoirs, EN1508 and Water Authority engineers [1,2] consider that a high quality low porosity surface is essential for hygienic reasons. A proven technique for optimizing the quality of concrete surfaces is the use of Controlled Permeability Formwork (CPF). Test cores taken from three drinking water reservoirs constructed in Germany in the early 1990`s have been examined to assess concrete quality and porosity. CPF cast surfaces have a much lower porosity and are virtually blowhole free when compared to concrete cast against steel or plywood faced formwork or to the surfaces produced by shotcrete/cement mortar coatings. From this it is concluded that the use of CPF is appropriate for the production of quality low porosity surfaces for drinking water reservoirs as defi ned by the standards.