Resilient Pump Station Design. Features of the New Christchurch Pump Stations

As a result of the significant land movement experienced in areas of Christchurch during the earthquakes, most of the wastewater and stormwater pumping stations sustained damage to some degree, ranging from minor cosmetic damage, through to complete operational failure and damage beyond repair. 

The primary goal of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) alliance is “creating resilient infrastructure that gives people security and confidence in the future of Christchurch”. The damage sustained and the spectre of increased seismic activity has led to much greater emphasis being placed on resilient design of new pump stations. The modern pump stations are designed to include features to better withstand seismic activity and to allow rapid recovery from damage.

This paper describes the features included to provide a more resilient infrastructure for the new SCIRT designed pump stations including: 

• Description of failure mechanisms experienced at Christchurch pumping stations; 
• Design of foundations and ground improvements to minimise potential future seismic damage; 
• Design of pipe connections to accommodate differential settlement. 

By drawing on examples from four new large pumping station designs, the paper provides information on the resilient design developments being championed by SCIRT and how the wider industry might benefit from this unprecedented post-disaster recovery