Atlas Copco Enhances Strategic Bridge Construction with Advanced Dewatering Solutions in the Philippines
Atlas Copco Enhances Strategic Bridge Construction with Advanced Dewatering Solutions in the Philippines
Atlas Copco’s strong presence and industry-leading expertise have significantly contributed to the success of critical dewatering operations on a key infrastructure project in the Philippines. The Dipolog-Dapitan bridge project, a major component of the government’s infrastructure push, is among several transformative initiatives underway on the island of Mindanao. This project is designed to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic development in the southern region of the country. Despite consistently high levels of rainfall and unpredictable weather patterns, safe and efficient working conditions have been maintained throughout the construction phase, thanks to the deployment of Atlas Copco’s state-of-the-art dewatering pumps, which have ensured progress remains on schedule.
Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines after Luzon, spans an expansive 97,530 square kilometers. It holds tremendous potential to become a thriving hub for commerce, tourism, and sustainable energy development. As part of the national strategy to revitalize the region, efforts are being made to relieve traffic congestion and strengthen transportation links across the island. These improvements are being realized through more than 70 flagship infrastructure projects identified as high-impact. With a total estimated value of PHP 2.4 billion, these initiatives include the Mindanao Railway Project, Davao Public Transport Modernization Program, Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge, Davao City Expressway, the Panguil Bay Bridge, and the strategically important Dipolog-Dapitan bridge.
Atlas Copco's units dewatering in Dipolog-Dapitan bridge construction
Tackling Dewatering Challenges
As an essential element of the national infrastructure improvement plan, the construction of a bridge linking the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan in western Mindanao was proposed to support economic growth and regional accessibility. The nature of the project required the majority of structural components—such as bridge columns and foundations—to be installed within water bodies. This necessitated highly effective dewatering operations to allow the work to proceed in dry and stable conditions. Dewatering involves the extraction of groundwater and surface water from the site to create a safe environment for construction crews and machinery to operate.
Beyond the typical hurdles associated with underwater construction, this project posed a series of unique environmental and logistical challenges. In particular, the water levels in the region are highly inconsistent and subject to seasonal variation. From July to November, Mindanao experiences intense rainfall, which has become even more extreme in recent years due to the growing effects of climate change. This heavy precipitation not only contributes to higher water volumes but also increases surface runoff. As a result, a greater concentration of suspended solids is present in the water, complicating the dewatering process further.
To overcome these obstacles, leading civil engineering firms tasked with executing the project required a dewatering solution that was both durable and dependable, capable of withstanding the severe environmental conditions on-site. Moreover, the equipment needed to deliver superior performance while remaining adaptable to varying site demands. For these reasons, contractors turned to their long-standing and trusted partner—Atlas Copco. The company’s innovative technology and proven track record made it the ideal choice for addressing the demanding dewatering specifications on the Dipolog-Dapitan bridge initiative.
Powerful Pumping Solutions
Atlas Copco responded by supplying multiple units from its self-priming centrifugal dewatering pump series. The models deployed for this project included the skid-mounted PAS 200MF 310 and the highly mobile VAR 6-250 trailer pump. Both pumps are part of Atlas Copco’s extensive and well-engineered dewatering equipment range, specifically designed to deliver optimal performance, resilience, and user-friendly operation. These pumps are commonly used across various challenging applications, including construction site dewatering, mining operations, emergency flood response, and municipal tasks such as sewage bypass systems.
Atlas Copco self-priming pumps delivering in Mindanao
The PAS 200MF pump is an advanced dewatering solution equipped with an air separator and a vacuum pump. This design enables rapid and automatic priming, allowing for efficient handling of liquid containing solid particles up to 100 mm in diameter. Its ability to manage high suction lifts makes it exceptionally versatile and efficient in harsh site conditions.
Meanwhile, the VAR 6-250 is a robust wet prime pump that is trailer-mounted for ease of transport and rapid deployment. It is capable of handling solids up to 75 mm in size, making it ideal for emergency applications like flood control and demanding construction environments. The combination of the PAS and VAR pumps provided the project team with the performance, durability, and adaptability required to manage the complex dewatering demands encountered during the construction of the Dipolog-Dapitan bridge.
In addition to the equipment itself, Atlas Copco also delivered invaluable on-the-ground support services. This included local after-sales assistance, ensuring that the construction teams had immediate access to technical expertise and maintenance support whenever needed. This high level of service further reinforced confidence among local contractors, allowing them to operate smoothly with minimal downtime.
Boosting Efficiency and Staying on Schedule
The introduction and use of Atlas Copco’s PAS and VAR dewatering systems have brought about measurable improvements in overall project efficiency. These advanced pumps have outperformed traditional dewatering equipment, enabling the project team to adhere to tight timelines and maintain safe working conditions. The bridge is currently on track to meet its scheduled completion date of June 2024, reflecting the reliability and effectiveness of Atlas Copco’s solutions.
By delivering tailor-made equipment that aligns precisely with the project’s operational demands, Atlas Copco has empowered construction professionals to meet key milestones while maximizing productivity. The company’s deep understanding of both the technical requirements and the regional context ensured a seamless integration of equipment into the construction process.
Jeffrey Sedenio, Philippines Country Manager at Atlas Copco Power Technique, commented on the collaboration:
“We are proud to partner with the leading civil engineering constructors in the region, pushing for the development of the Philippines. Our collaboration on various projects, including the boundary bridge connecting Dipolog and Dapitan, exemplifies our shared commitment to innovation, efficiency, and quality. Together, we're not just building structures; we're forging connections, driving progress, and shaping the future of infrastructure on Mindanao and beyond.”
Conclusion
The successful integration of Atlas Copco’s high-performance dewatering pumps into the Dipolog-Dapitan bridge project illustrates the company’s commitment to supporting critical infrastructure development across Southeast Asia. Through reliable equipment, technical expertise, and robust after-sales support, Atlas Copco is playing an essential role in shaping a more connected, resilient, and prosperous future for Mindanao and the entire Philippines.
compressorparts0769@gmail.com