There is only one week to go in the countdown to the first casting of the heavy concrete walls in the Active Cells Handling area (D02). Reinforcement for one of the walls was completed last week and the final numbers are in:
- dimensions: 5.2 metres high by 1.3 metres thick
- mass of reinforcement: 42 tonnes
- density: 500 kg of reinforcement per cubic metre of concrete
This wall is also special in that it contains a number of cast-in items coordinated across the sub-projects. ESS has installed linear beams that will be used to attach stainless-steel plates along the wall. Despite the massive density of reinforcement, the wall also contains anchor plates, penetration pipes, lead blocks, and transfer pipe boxes, all of which are necessary forTarget Station operations.
Major progress is also apparent in the Accelerator’s Gallery Building (G02), where commissioning is in full swing. SAT 3 testing of the fire alarm system, which includes the controls, monitoring and ventilation systems, is in progress at the west end of the 500-metre-long building. This includes such activities as simulating smoke in the ductwork and testing sensors and safety systems designed to prevent fires. Additionally, the extensive network of cooling pipes in the Gallery Building has been filled and pressurised. Nearby in the Coldbox Hall, sealing of the large cryogenics coldbox was completed this week pending further tests. The next step in the installation process is to install platforms for the 50-tonne vessel that will facilitate maintenance.
