Specifications

A Remote Automated Water Quality Stream Gauging System Design 11
11
Figure 6 Pipe installation at Keelbottom Creek (left) and Scrubby Creek (right) both located on
the Department of Defence Townsville Field Training Area. The pipe is attached to piers located
on the downstream side and offers good protection against fire.
3.4. Platform assembly
The platform houses the instrument enclosure, auto sampler enclosure and solar panel
array. The integration of these components into a single structure allows the attachment
points and mounting’s to be pre-fabricated with the platform allowing rapid assembly onsite.
3.4.1. Infrastructure installation
Small platform
The small platform it is placed into its final position, the location of each leg is marked and
the platform is moved aside. Four 250 mm x 250 mm x 300 mm footings are excavated for
the legs, the bases of the footings are levelled out to allow the stand sit flat when placed
back into the holes. With the stand back in place the footings are backfilled with concrete and
allowed to cure before continuing works on the platform. Approximately 300 mm of the leg is
buried in concrete footings.
Large platform
The large platform requires a more robust footing system. The footings are excavated to a
depth of 1000 mm using a mini loader fitted with a 600 mm auger. The footings are poured to
the same height using a laser level and trowelled flat. After the footings have cured (approx 1
week) the stand can be installed.
The large platform has removable feet that are used to attach the stand to the footings. The
feet are bolted directly onto the legs in the stand through pre-drilled holes then the whole
structure is lifted onto the footings. Once in position, anchor holes are drilled using a 16 mm
concrete drill to a depth of 200 mm.
The holes are cleared with compressed air prior to fixing. It is recommended that one leg of
the stand is fixed at a time to prevent fouling of the holes from debris. Once the holes are
drilled and cleaned they are 3/4 filled with Ramset “chemset” construction adhesive and the
anchor studs inserted allowing enough protruding thread to attach a nut. Ramset M16 x 190
studs are used which are available in either galvanised (Part# CS16190GH) or 316 Grade
stainless steel for high corrosion areas (Part# CS16190SS).