When to perform Concrete Leakage Test

[Structures33]

I have a new concrete structure for a waste water treatment plant (divider walls creating 6 basins). The interior of the basins will be painted with a waterproof coating system. There is one basin wall that is shared with the equipment building. There are 6 different basins that would need to be tested, independently. In order to know if they're leaking, they would need to dry out in between tests so it would be a very time consuming process to leak test.

1. Do I need to specify a leakage test? I have not specified them before on either WTPs or WWTPs but don't want to continue that if they should be happening.
2. If yes, does the leakage test need to be performed prior to application of the waterproof coating?
3. If yes, how long do the basins need to dry out after draining all the test water out? This is coastal so I know humidity will play a role in drying time - I'm just looking for a guideline to use.

Thanks!

 

[JedClampett]

1. Do I need to specify a leakage test? I have not specified them before on either WTPs or WWTPs but don't want to continue that if they should be happening.
Answer; Yes, if you want to make sure they don't leak. I'm surprised you've never specified them before.
2. If yes, does the leakage test need to be performed prior to application of the waterproof coating?
Answer; You want the concrete to be leak tight. If you put on the coating, it's likely to "mask" some leaking. So test it before it's coated.
3. If yes, how long do the basins need to dry out after draining all the test water out? This is coastal so I know humidity will play a role in drying time - I'm just looking for a guideline to use.
Answer; That's up to your coating manufacturer. There are tests to make sure the concrete isn't still releasing water.