Located in Atlantic Highlands, N.J., the Ohmsett Test Basin is a one of a kind test facility. The only one in the world, this facility, which spans a 60- by 660-foot area, simulates oil spills in a contained test basin. Crews then utilize the facility to learn how to control such scenarios. Owned by the Department of Interior and used in government testing, it is also rented out to private companies to run simulations. Because this facility is so unique, when it needed to be shut down for leak repair and other maintenance, the deadline to complete the work was paramount to a successful project.

Structural Preservation Systems (SPS) was retained to perform the repairs. Before work and testing could even begin, the entire team was required to pass a stringent government security check. Every team member passed the check, including the sub-contractors, and work was able to begin around the beginning of July 2006. The engineering firm performed an analysis of the basin and three connecting bridges to determine what the course of repair would be. SPS installed a containment tent around the three bridges and preparation began with sandblasting the inside of the tank as well as the three moving bridges to remove rust and old paint. To do this, SPS had to set up tarps over the bridges since they were situated in an environmentally restricted area. The facility was located on a marsh, which led directly into the ocean. The containment procedure included a complex tent system. However, since the bridge painter was familiar with this type of practice and was under SPS management, the Department of the Interior had no concerns throughout the whole process.

SPS made concrete repairs inside the basin as well as vertical spall repairs. They applied a Neogard coating to the pedestrian walkway and specialty coatings within the basin. During the project, SPS and the internal Ohmsett team developed a partnership to ease the repair process. The Ohmsett team allowed SPS to utilize their heavy duty cranes to move equipment and materials in and out of the basin while SPS provided expertise and materials to help Ohmsett perform their control joint repairs.

The final challenge of the project came with a leaky viewing window. Because of the massive pressure that results from the water bearing down on the inside of the basin, the window had always been prone to leaks. Originally, SPS had decided that they would hire a sub-constructor to complete the task, but after seeing how the first window had been installed and reviewing the bids, SPS recognized that it would be in the best interest of the project to perform this tricky task with their own forces. They repaired the concrete frame with approved patch material and installed the window using a Sika swell waterproof caulk. Since installation, the window has not had any leaks and will be in place for years. The owner was incredibly pleased that the basin was able to get back up and running within the expected date of September 1, 2006, even though SPS had completed additional change order work.