1. UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING
REPORT
CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
H.T. SHAMEERA WIJESOORIYA
08/08/14
ACCESS ENGINEERING PLC
Access Towers
278 Union Place,
Colombo 02,
Sri Lanka
Work Period
09.12.2013 – 01.02.2014
2. Executive Summary
This report details the skills and experience I gathered during my time working as an intern at Access
Engineering. As an intern I was appointed as a Junior Engineer at the Rehabilitation of Labugama and
Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant Project. The project was designed to rehabilitate two essential but
deteriorating water purification infrastructures. During this internship I was able to apply my learnt
academic knowledge in practical situations as well as gather a vast array of methods and processes that
was only possible to be learnt through working on site. It was a gateway towards becoming a
professional civil engineer.
3. Acknowledgements
I would like to convey my deepest gratitude for Mr. Palitha Wanigasundara who is the General Manager
at Access Engineering for giving me the opportunity to work as an intern at the Rehabilitation of
Labugama & Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant Project.
Furthermore I would like to express my valued appreciation to Mr. Saman Abeykoon who was the
Construction Manager at the project site. His invaluable guidance throughout the internship was
instrumental to my personal development and understanding of the field.
I would also like to thank all the other engineers, administration staff, technical staff, co-workers, client
representatives, sub-contractors and workmen for all of their support and cooperation. I would
especially like to appreciate the encouragement and assistance given to me by Mr. Prageeth
Arambegedara, Mr. Chathura Senadeera and Mr. Pathum Liyanage. Their counsel vastly helped me to
attain a variety of skills and expertise which has guided me to become a proficient engineer.
Finally I would like to thank all my lecturers and tutoring staff at the University of Auckland for providing
me with the knowledge and proficiency to conduct myself diligently at the workplace.
H.T. Shameera Wijesooriya
Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
University of Auckland,
Auckland.
4. Table of Contents
Executive Summary.......................................................................................................................................1
Acknowledgements.......................................................................................................................................2
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................1
Background ...................................................................................................................................................2
Project Briefing .............................................................................................................................................3
Organisation Structure..................................................................................................................................4
Location.........................................................................................................................................................5
Site Layout.....................................................................................................................................................6
Scope of Works .............................................................................................................................................7
Personal Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................11
Conclusions .................................................................................................................................................13
Table of Figures
Figure 1 - Location of Labugama Water Treatment Plant ............................................................................5
Figure 2 - Location of Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant .........................................................................6
Figure 3 - Site layout of Labugama reservoir and water treatment plant....................................................6
Figure 4 - Site layout of Kalatuwawa reservoir and water treatment plant.................................................7
Figure 5 - Labugama Reservoir......................................................................................................................8
Figure 6 - Labugama Water Treatment Plant ...............................................................................................9
Figure 7 - Kalatuwawa Reservoir and Dam...................................................................................................9
Figure 8 - Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant ..........................................................................................10
Figure 9 - Labugama Access Bridge.............................................................................................................11
Figure 10 - External Audit closing ...............................................................................................................12
5. Page 1 of 13
Introduction
Access Engineering PLC is one of the pioneering engineering firms in Sri Lanka. The company was
established in 2001 as a subsidiary of the Access Group as its endeavour to enter the construction field.
It initially catered to the niche market for providing turnkey engineering services for gabion related
structures. Having established itself in this market the company expanded to providing engineering
solutions for a multitude of different sectors in Sri Lanka. The company has developed its expertise to
engage in works related to civil construction, electrical engineering, infrastructure development, marine
works, irrigation, land drainage, telecommunications and much more.
The Institute for Construction Training and Development (ICTAD) in Sri Lanka has awarded Access
Engineering with the highest possible national grade C-1 for the majority of its civil operations. This
grade provided by the ICTAD evaluates the financial capability, technical ability of staff, plant and
machinery, and expertise gained in relevant fields.
Out of the numerous projects that Access Engineering was undertaking, I was assigned to the
Rehabilitation of Labugama & Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant Project. The site was located in the
remote towns of Labugama and Kalatuwawa which are situated approximately 45 kilometres from
Colombo. When I was assigned to the project, the project was at its infancy. This was advantageous to
my experience gained as it would give me an insight into the operations in the early stages of a project.
The project was initiated through negotiations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Hungarian
Export – Import Bank Pvt Ltd Company (Hungarian Exim Bank). Through the negotiations the Hungarian
Exim Bank agreed to provide financial assistance of 35 million Euros for use of rehabilitating the
deteriorating Labugama and Kalatuwawa water treatment plants. The project was negotiated to be of a
turnkey contractual architecture where the Water Works of Budapest PLC (Fovarosi Vizmuvek ZRT) was
nominated as the main contractor. Access Engineering was awarded the contract to be their local
partner to carry out the civil works of this project. The mechanical and electrical components of this
project were to be carried out by the Hungary based Betonút Service Provider and Construction PLC. The
National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) of Sri Lanka was in charge of completing this
project by the end of 2016 under the supervision of the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage.
6. Background
With the colonization of Sri Lanka by foreign nations, the dynamic of the local economy was rapidly
transformed. Sri Lanka had a village based agricultural economy, where local produce was just enough
to satisfy the needs of the local community. But with the colonization large scale export became the
main priority of the economy. In order to fulfil this objective large scale infrastructure projects were
implemented and the local communities of Sri Lanka slowly became acquainted with urbanisation.
What used to be a city mainly engaged with fisheries, cinnamon farming and small scale trade quickly
transformed into a commercial metropolis. Because of the strategic location of Colombo commercial
trade blossomed and the infrastructure was developed in order to sustain the growing population. The
Colombo district currently boasts of a population of over 2.3 million residents and a population growth
rate of 2.42%. The demand for potable water is steadily increasing with the rising population. People of
Colombo used water wells in the past to satisfy their water needs. But with the rapid urbanisation and
industrialisation of the area, sufficient land space and uncontaminated groundwater has been hard to
come by for the general population. Therefore it is essential that there demands are met through water
bearing pipes.
As the Government of Sri Lanka it is their responsibility to maintain an adequate supply to meet the
demands population of the people. In order to increase the supply of drinkable water and to maintain
Sri Lankan Standards for water quality new upgrades and new water sources need to be harnessed.
Under this development plan, the Labugama and Kalatuwawa water treatment plants were chosen to be
upgraded. The two water treatment plants account for over 25% of the water demand for the Colombo
city and its suburbs.
The Labugama Water Treatment Plant being the oldest treatment plant in Sri Lanka was built in 1886
under the suggestion of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII under the British colonial era. The
treatment plant was the incorporated into the Municipal Government in 1905 and then transferred
ownership to the NWSDB in 1978. It was Sri Lanka’s first water treatment plant and was an exemplary
showcase of engineering at the time of construction. The plant started to use chemicals and chlorine in
its treatment process in 1912 making Labugama a complete purification and filtering facility. It has been
in operation for nearly 130 years and even though its capacity has reduced, it is still functional. It was
designed to have a nominal production of 60,000 m3
per day, but at its current state is only able to
produce an output of 40,000 m3
per day.
The Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant was built in 1954 with the objective of providing the people of
Colombo clean drinking water. The Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant is a pristine work of engineering.
It has served the people of Sri Lanka for 60 years and is still capable of putting out a noteworthy output.
The Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant was designed to have a nominal production of 90,000 m3
per
day, but with its extensive years of service its capacity has diminished to a nominal output of 70,000 m3
per day. It is not just the capacity that has been affected over time. Rehabilitation works were once
carried out with Japanese assistance from 1985 to 1986, but the plant has gone through some wear
once more and is in need of repairs.
7. In both plants the working conditions and general cleanliness have deteriorated without sufficient funds
for maintenance. The technology utilised at the treatment plant is also outdated. The network of valves
and gates that divert the water flow has to be controlled manually. The treatment plant also uses a
laboratory testing as its means of monitoring the water quality as opposed to an automated system.
These factors make the daily operation of the facility tedious and costly. This rehabilitation project
intends to address all of these current problems the water treatment plant is facing.
Project Briefing
Project : Rehabilitation of Labugama and Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plants
Location : Labugama and Kalatuwawa Reservoirs, Sri Lanka
Client : National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB)
Main Contractor : Water Works of Budapest PLC (Fovarosi Vizmuvek ZRT)
Civil Partner : Access Engineering PLC
Mechanical & Electrical Partner : Betonút Service Provider and Construction PLC
Project Commencement : October 21, 2013
Project Completion : October 21, 2016
Duration of Project : 3 years
Project Value : 35 Million Euros
Contract Structure : Turnkey
9. Location
The Labugama and Kalatuwawa water treatment plants and reservoirs are situated in the Colombo
district in the Labugama city. It is situated approximately 40 km from the city of Colombo. The reservoirs
are strategically located in the western province. One of its key features being that it is in a close vicinity
to the Greater Colombo region. The main advantage the treatment plant receives from this close
proximity is the ability to construct an efficient distribution lines. When the length of water distribution
is increased, costs associated with pipe laying and maintenance also increases proportionally. Therefore
much credit has to be given for the discovery of both the Kalatuwawa and Labugama catchment areas
which has a catchment that provides a suitable grade of raw water.
Much of the coastal area of Sri Lanka is of low elevation, therefore the altitude of the reservoirs and
treatment plants has led to a more sustainable process of water purification and distribution. The
strategic location of the treatment plants allows the entire distribution procedure to be conducted with
only the assistance of gravity. Furthermore both plants are able to operate with just the potential head
from the reservoir as long as the minimum operating levels of the reservoir are met. Pumps are not
required for the operation of the treatment plant.
Figure 1 - Location of Labugama Water Treatment Plant
10. Figure 2 - Location of Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant
Site Layout
Figure 3 and Figure 4 provide details of the site layout of the Labugama and Kalatuwawa sites
respectively.
Figure 3 - Site layout of Labugama reservoir and water treatment plant
11. Figure 4 - Site layout of Kalatuwawa reservoir and water treatment plant
Scope of Works
The scope of works included in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering components. As the local
partner of the civil constructions, we performed our tasks accordingly. The treatment plants had gone
through deterioration of its facilities and whatever repairs performed on them were low cost solutions.
Most of the main operation of the project was to replace, repair, upgrade and renovate the facilities.
Some additional facilities needed to be constructed as well in order to accommodate the increased
functionality of the plants. As agreed in the contract, the entirety of the project had to be done without
disrupting the water supply of the plants. In addition both treatment plants did not have a proper way
to discharge waste water. At its present state, would directly discharge the wastewater into the nearby
stream. To counteract these environmental hazard new methods of solid waste and wastewater
disposal systems were to be implemented
Labugama Water Treatment Plant
Most of the administration and utility buildings had to be completely demolished and rebuilt. The
administration building, laboratories, storage units, workshops and garage feel under this requirement.
They were redesigned and were to be built with all the required modern accessories. Furthermore
several quarters were to be constructed for the long term use of the site staff.
12. Figure 5 - Labugama Reservoir
In the initial stages of the project when the existing road surface was being upgraded, as a heavy piece
of machinery was moving across the single access bridge to the site, it was noted that the bridge slightly
dipped in a few corners. Moreover the bridge pavement was deteriorated and that the substructure was
heavily corroded. As a safety measure it was decided to completely revamp the bridge structure. The
works related to it would provide it a new decking and supporting girders as well as jacket walls for the
abutments to prevent them from slipping under heavy stresses.
Out of the 15 slow sand filters that were initially installed, only 10 were in operational condition. The
rest were unable to deliver a satisfactory performance due to malfunctioning of the mechanical system
and lack of assembling component since the spares are out dated. It was deemed more efficient and
cost effective to completely replace this system with a new rapid sand filtration system. These will be
constructed systematically as to avoid disrupting the water supply. There were still some works to be
done on locations such as the intake well, aerators, sedimentation tanks and clarifiers but they were
merely minor repairs.
13. Figure 6 - Labugama Water Treatment Plant
Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant
The Kalatuwawa plant was in much better condition at the commencement of the project. Much of its
works were renovations. The main technical improvements to the plant were in the rapid sand filters. A
few filter units were inoperable while some were not delivering the required quality in purification.
These units required major renovations which required improvements to the filter medium.
Figure 7 - Kalatuwawa Reservoir and Dam
Besides this the other feature that required improvements was the chemical storage and distribution
systems. Chemicals such as chlorine and alum need to be stored and safely regulated into the
14. purification system. The existing facilities were not sufficient to meet the desired quality and safety
standards. Minor upgrades to the storage and mixing units needed to be performed while the entire
distribution network had to be revamped.
Due to the proximity of the two treatment plants most of the duties of the operating staff were shared
between the two plants. Due to the topographical features of the two sites the Kalatuwawa site was
chosen to accommodate most of the staff. There were multiple staff quarters already built at the site
but most of them were in a near unusable state. All these facilities needed to be upgraded so that it met
the desired quality standards. Additionally a few temporary buildings had to be built such as the
engineers offices, project offices and storage units.
Figure 8 - Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant
15. Personal Responsibilities
As a Junior Engineer at the project I was assigned a multitude of duties and responsibilities. Through the
experiences I gained I was able to both be involved with direct construction as well as the management
sectors of the project. During my work period the main item on the projects critical path was the
construction of the access bridge. The bridge was the first piece of major construction taking place at
the Labugama site besides the construction of a small gabion wall. I was assigned complete supervision
duties for this undertaking. The construction of the bridge was subcontracted and my tasks included to
help manage their operations, quality control and supplying the required materials duly. Here I had to
cope with a host of different problems. Even though there was a design for the jacket wall footing, as
proper ground investigations the design had to be altered accordingly. The soil in front of the abutments
was filled with large boulders. The presence of these boulders weren’t accounted for in the design
therefore it was my responsibility to make sure they were removed and disposed appropriately. Since
the bridge ran over a stream a lot of environmental safeguards had to be implemented as well. My tasks
here ranged from directly cooperating with the subcontractor to perform the works, to formulating bar
schedules, obtaining the steel requirement, ensuring worker safety and even having to coordinate with
the design teams.
Figure 9 - Labugama Access Bridge
Secondly I was requested to work closely with the incumbent Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Department. As a junior engineer I was provided a scope into their daily activities. The design of the
works that were to be performed a lot of concrete works. As manufacturing all of the concrete on site
would be ineffective we had to ensure that we had a good source of concrete delivered to the site. The
16. company owned a concrete batching plant approximately a half hours drive from the site. Working with
the rest of the department it was our responsibility to ensure the quality of the delivered concrete. The
concrete not only had to achieve the desired strength, but we also had to ensure that the concrete
maintained sufficient workability at the point of delivery especially during hot weather conditions. Being
part of the QAQC department allowed me to participate in actual concrete block testing noting the
proper test procedures.
Figure 10 - External Audit closing
As the project was in its early stages, the management was still establishing its quality, health and safety
procedures. I was introduced to the standards such as OHSAS and ISO as well as safety protocols such as
HIRA. I was assigned to a team to help update the HIRA register which required us to note down all the
relevant hazardous situations that could occur during the works and identify possible mitigating
procedures. The efforts we put in were validated as our site was chosen for an external audit during my
internship where we passed the audit with great praise.
17. Conclusions
From this work experience I was able to attain a number of skills that a capable engineer should attain
and also the knowledge to go along side it. I have a gained a better understanding to work with my
peers and to work with 3rd
parties such as clients, consultants and subcontractors. I have been able to
successfully build relationships with them and use them instrumentally to perform the required works.
This experience has contributed towards improving my work ethic and also to take pride in my work as a
professional engineer.
