Viinikanlahti wastewater pumping station in Finland
Viinikanlahti wastewater pumping station – a successful project in challenging conditions
The Viinikanlahti wastewater pumping station in Tampere is a significant part of the Keskuspuhdistamo, Central wastewater management plant project, which utilized AFRY's multidisciplinary design services.
The project began with the implementation planning phase in 2019, and actual construction started in 2022. The pumping station was completed in the summer of 2024, making it one of the largest wastewater pumping stations in Finland.
Currently, wastewater directed to the Viinikanlahti treatment plant is pumped through the new pumping station to Sulkavuori. The old Viinikanlahti wastewater treatment plant will be decommissioned, and the area has been zoned for a new residential district. This set specific and exceptional design criteria for the project – the new pumping station had to be odorless, fit seamlessly into the urban environment, and be technically reliable in the middle of a developing city.
Comprehensive design services and success in challenges
AFRY was responsible for the geotechnical, structural, architectural, mechanical, and piping design, as well as the electrical, automation, and HVAC design of the pumping station. AFRY also handled the design of the underground massive concrete structures and the cast-in-place and prefabricated structures of the upper parts. The project required innovative solutions and close collaboration across all design disciplines.
A unique feature of the pumping station was its exceptional circular shape and location deep in challenging soil conditions. For geotechnical and structural design, the lakeside plot, high groundwater pressure, contaminated soils, soil loads, and risks of fractures added complexity to the planning. From a geotechnical perspective, the project was demanding, with few comparable cases encountered before.
The pumping station's location on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärvi and its integration into the surrounding urban development also posed challenges. The station handles 60,000–70,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily. Such a large-scale project inevitably brought planning challenges, emphasizing operational reliability and backup systems. Additionally, the station was designed to be visually suitable for the new residential area being developed around it, a goal that was successfully achieved.
Sustainability and innovation at the forefront
Sustainability is a core aspect of AFRY's design philosophy. The Viinikanlahti pumping station utilizes geothermal energy and solar panels. It is modern, user-friendly, and odorless, with all maintenance easily accessible from inside the building. Solutions included odor gas treatment and dedicated structures for washing edge sludge – all housed within a single building.
The project also introduced new perspectives in design – for example, circular shapes have not been used in underground construction like this for decades, likely not since the 1970s. The rare circular shape was effectively utilized in this excavation supported by a bored pile wall, and similar approaches could be innovatively applied in specific conditions and constraints in the future.
A satisfying and successful outcome
The Viinikanlahti wastewater pumping station in Tampere achieved a high-quality result both technically and aesthetically. Collaboration with the client was exceptionally smooth, ensuring a successful and high-standard implementation.
Kimmo Mantila from AFRY appreciates the collaboration with the Keskuspuhdistamo: “The cooperation went excellently as we worked with their highly skilled organization and employees to achieve a great outcome.”
Timo Heinonen, Project Manager at Tampere Region Central Wastewater Treatment Plant Ltd., highlights: “Special attention was given to geotechnical and foundation design. The technical design and water technology layout planning were executed in the best possible way.”
The Viinikanlahti pumping station is a pioneer in sustainability and design. Visually appealing, it blends seamlessly into the Viinikanlahti cityscape, making it a desirable neighbor. AFRY designs uncompromising solutions that integrate perfectly into urban environments, even in the most challenging conditions.
The new Sulkavuori wastewater treatment plant, along with the Viinikanlahti wastewater pumping station, will be operational in the fall of 2025.
Project Details:
- Client: Tampere Region Central Wastewater Treatment Plant Ltd.
- Project: New wastewater pumping station
- Timeline: 2019–2024
- AFRY's Role: Structural design, geotechnical design, architectural design, mechanical and piping design, electrical and HVAC design
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