OVERVIEW

A wastewater asset in Brecon, Mid Wales, required concrete repair and protection works to address deterioration and help safeguard the long-term performance of the structure in an aggressive environment.

The project involved the repair and protection of two concrete chambers and tanks. SMR Projects worked with award-winning concrete repair specialists Vale C.R.W. Ltd, providing technical support for the application of Xypex Megamix II with Bio-San.

CONCRETE REPAIR AND PROTECTION STRATEGY

To restore the deteriorated concrete and provide long-term protection, Xypex Megamix II with Bio-San was selected as a combined repair and protection system.

The single-coat application incorporated:

• High-performance concrete repair mortar
• Xypex crystalline waterproofing technology
• Bio-San technology to combat the bacteria responsible for microbial induced concrete corrosion

This approach addressed both the immediate need for concrete rehabilitation and the longer-term challenge of protecting wastewater infrastructure from ongoing deterioration.

XYPEX MEGAMIX II WITH BIO-SAN TECHNOLOGY

Xypex Megamix II with Bio-San combines a high performance repair mortar with Xypex crystalline technology to provide protection against water penetration, chemical attack and abrasion.

The crystalline technology reacts with moisture and unhydrated cement particles within the concrete to form insoluble crystals that block capillaries, pores and micro-voids. This helps reduce water permeability and protect the concrete against water ingress.

Key benefits included:

• Repair and protection in a single-coat application
• Reduced water penetration through the concrete
• Enhanced resistance to chemical attack and abrasion
• Improved durability in demanding wastewater environments

By combining repair and crystalline protection in one system, Xypex Megamix II with Bio-San provided a practical solution for rehabilitating deteriorated concrete while helping to extend the service life of the chambers and tanks.

PROTECTION AGAINST MICROBIAL-INDUCED CORROSION

Wastewater infrastructure can be particularly vulnerable to microbial-induced corrosion (MIC), a process in which bacteria contribute to the formation of corrosive conditions that attack concrete surfaces.

The Bio-San technology incorporated into Xypex Megamix II was specifically formulated to combat the bacteria responsible for this process, helping to prevent concrete deterioration at its source.

This targeted protection was particularly important for the Brecon project, where the
repaired chambers and tanks needed to withstand the aggressive conditions associated with wastewater operations.

By addressing both concrete deterioration and the biological processes that contribute to
corrosion, the system helped support the long-term durability of the wastewater assets.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT FROM SMR PROJECTS

SMR Projects supplied technical expertise alongside the Xypex system, working closely with Vale C.R.W. Ltd to support the concrete repair and protection works on site.

Support included:

• Practical technical guidance on site
• Advice on concrete preparation and system application
• Guidance to help ensure the correct installation of the Xypex system
• Ongoing assistance to support the project requirements

Close collaboration with the contractor helped ensure that the system was applied appropriately to the specific demands of the wastewater environment.

PROJECT OUTCOME

The application of Xypex Megamix II with Bio-San provided a combined concrete repair and protection solution for the two chambers and tanks at the Brecon wastewater asset.

By restoring deteriorated concrete and incorporating crystalline waterproofing and Bio-San technology, the system addressed key risks associated with water penetration, chemical attack, abrasion and microbial-induced corrosion.

The project demonstrated the importance of combining appropriate repair materials with
targeted protection against the causes of concrete deterioration. Working alongside Vale C.R.W. Ltd, SMR Projects provided practical technical support to help deliver a solution designed to improve the durability and long-term performance of critical wastewater infrastructure.