CRL is a specialist contractor for the inspection, repair and strengthening of concrete and brick structures in the water sector based on over 50 years experience in the industry. The company has 5 regional offices across the UK and directly employs 250 operatives and staff. The range of services includes concrete repair, brickwork repair, protective coatings, waterproof membranes for reservoir roofs and tanks, leak sealing, grouting, joint sealing and ancillary metalwork such as hatches, ladders and handrails. The company also has a survey division, CRL Surveys, which is able to undertake condition surveys and provide reports with budgeted repair recommendations based on current European legislation.These reports provide advice on the nature and extent of the deterioration and can include structural analysis where required based on the report findings.

Where there is a need for structural strengthening CRL is able to provide a design and install service using FRP composites to strengthen steel and concrete structures. This service also extends to the supply of new FRP composite sections for handrails, footbridges and stairways.

Of particular concern in the water sector at the moment is maintenance of preload tanks sometimes referred to as pre-stressed or wire-wound tanks. These have been widely used in the water industry since the early 1950s, primarily as water reservoirs but recent instances of pre-stressing wire failure are presenting significant safety, environmental and financial risks to the water industry and have resulted in an initiative to inspect 18 and repair these tensioned structures as a matter of urgency. Against this background CRL has developed techniques and site procedures for the safe investigation, repair and refurbishment of these critical structures.

CRL has only recently joined British Water to help build our relationship with Consultants and Water Authorities. We offer value engineered solutions for the maintenance of the water sector infrastructure and hope to join the debate on how these services are procured and executed in the future.

CRL works directly with water companies and also for other framework contractors and consultants. It is UVDB and Verify audited and has an integrated Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) management system audited by NQA. Recent awards include the ROSPA President’s Award for ten consecutive ROSPA Gold Awards which underlines CRL’s key objective to work safely.

British Water is a key focus for the water industry providing advice on current legislation, lobbying Government on behalf of its members and facilitating an exchange of knowledge across the industry. CRL intends to be an active member of the Association by attending meetings and providing advice to other members on infrastructure maintenance.