Dampier Salt Wash Plant Structural Integrity Inspection and Life Extension Study

Originally built in 2004 with a 25-year design life, Dampier Salt’s wash plant had begun experiencing quality defect issues. Cracking concrete, exposed reinforcement, and deteriorating paint were affecting both performance and longevity.

Dampier Salt engaged WGA to assess the wash plant’s structure, to develop a cost-effective strategy to improve its structural integrity, quality and reliability and explore options for either remediation or replacement with a new structure. The project followed three key stages:

• Structural Integrity Inspection: Using advanced inspection techniques including destructive and non-destructive testing, and digital defect mapping, WGA developed clear, prioritised remedial action plans to support the long-term safety, reliability, and service life extension of the wash plant.

• Asset Integrity Review: WGA developed structural models of the wash plant in both its as-built and corroded states to identify key risks, determine its remaining service life, and recommend future maintenance and remediation strategies.

• Order of Magnitude Options Study: During the options study, WGA identified several wash plant improvement options and assessed them against Dampier Salt’s project objectives using a multi-criteria analysis framework. This included conceptual engineering, OPEX and CAPEX estimations and construction schedule development to support the assessment.

WGA provided Dampier Salt with clear, data-driven recommendations for future maintenance and remediation. By balancing cost, safety, and longevity, we helped the client make informed decisions about options to extend the wash plant’s operational life and ensure continued performance.