Gatic UltraSlot takes on massive port expansion at Huelva

The Port of Huelva in Andalusia has undergone a €40 million expansion, which saw the specification of over a kilometre of Gatic Ultraslot from Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS).

Operated by the Turkish group, Yilport, the Spanish terminal is the second largest port in Andalusia and provides a gateway for global cargo trade to multiple continents such as Europe, Africa and the Americas. The project extended the north end of the dock by over half a kilometre.

The design and build contract was awarded to Ferrovial Construction, who had previously installed Gatic’s UltraSlot linear channel drainage system at Seville Airport. Ferrovial’s technical team contacted Gatic to develop an in-depth technical and economic assessment of the project’s drainage requirements.

Careful consideration was given to a number of options before it was decided that two lines of UltraSlot would be installed with four collectors to accommodate the large amount of surface water on the 16,500m2 esplanade. The installation comprised ten runs with varying channel sizes up to 350mm. This combination of sizes helped to maximise hydraulic capacity and minimize total costs, thanks to the competitive pricing of the 350mm channels.

UltraSlot is designed for use in external concrete areas subject to F900 loading, by ensuring sufficient depth of concrete over the main body of the system to withstand ultra heavy-duty loads. It offers high capacity, resistance and durability, and has no moving or removable parts, which positions the system as market leader across the Port sector worldwide.

UltraSlot units are available from 100 to 600mm wide; the largest unit having a storage capacity of 405 l/m. The range offers these additional benefits:

Quick installation times
Maximum intake
Impact resistance
Reduced maintenance costs
Tamper-proof

The range can be installed in areas likely to experience extreme temperatures, and when installed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, should perform for the lifetime of the site.

A comprehensive range of grates and covers is available to suit every conceivable system design, supplied with locking bolts for additional safety and security.

A ‘treadsafe’ option is also available, which makes the channels safe to cross when used in areas subject to high foot traffic.