Robie Reservoir roof replacement project – Could be the largest replacement dome in Canada?

The Halifax Regional Water Commission (HRWC) is replacing the roof of the Robie Reservoir due to its deteriorating structural condition. A Temcor aluminum geodesic dome will replace the old concrete roof. When this project is finished, the Robie Reservoir will have the largest dome replacement in Canada.

HRWC undertakes regular inspections of all facilities including each water storage facility. In recent years, the dome roof of the reservoir had been noted as needing significant structural repairs. Analysis of the available options indicated that the preferred solution was replacement of the dome. Replacement of the dome roof is only part of the ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation program for the Robie Reservoir. Aside from this project and other relatively minor repairs that will be done in future years, the reservoir is in good condition.

The work involves demolishing the existing concrete dome roof, using explosives, as well as removal of 54 concrete columns that were left in place when the original roof was replaced in 1945. The work also includes manufacture, assembly and installation of an aluminum geodesic dome roof.

There will be two major differences in appearance. The existing concrete roof is white concrete; the new roof will be made of aluminum in a geodesic, triangular grid pattern. The new dome will also have a higher rise (30 feet versus the existing 20 feet) above the reservoir walls.

HRWC has awarded the contract to Greatario Engineered Storage Products of Guelph, Ontario.

Why this type of roof?

Many years of experience with concrete roofs in Canada, as well as new available technology, have provided new options. Concrete roofs in Atlantic Canada have required a very high degree of maintenance and, therefore, are not a preferred option. The aluminum dome is a widely used proprietary product that meets the criteria of economy, durability, and low future maintenance costs.

Interesting facts about the Robie Reservoir

• The Robie Reservoir is 48 metres (158 feet) in diameter and is 9 metres (29.5 feet) deep, for a total of 16,280 cubic metres (3.5 million gallons) of storage.
• The reservoir provides fire emergency and balancing storage for all of peninsular Halifax.
• At its base, the concrete walls of the reservoir are three feet thick.
• The Robie Reservoir was originally named Shaffroth’s Hill Reservoir and was constructed in 1914.
• The reservoir was one of the few structures in the Richmond area left standing after the Halifax Explosion.
• In 1945, the original flat roof was replaced and the walls were raised four feet.
• At the time of its construction, the concrete dome roof was the largest of its kind in the world.
• The Robie Reservoir is designated as an American Water Works Association Landmark for its historic significance in the water works industry.