Essar Steel required a concrete inspection and evaluation of the No. 5 oven battery stack flue at its Algoma facility. The work involved the use of impact-echo and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) non-destructive testing methods to determine the condition and strength of reinforced concrete as well as the location and condition of rebar.

The project involved determining the condition and strength of the existing stack flue and making recommendations regarding either its continued use or the need for replacement/repair.

Scope of Services
Hatch completed full EPCM services for the project including:

• Site visit to carry out impact-echo and GPR testing
• Evaluation of the survey results
• Determination of the structure’s suitability
• Preparation of a summary report outlining findings and recommendations.

Project Highlights
The survey was performed during the plant shut-down.

Through the use of the two survey techniques, a complete picture of the overall concrete structure was established and showed the structure was no longer suitable and required replacement or upgrade.

Project Safety
There were no safety incidents recorded for this project.