Superior Construction Services

Tank construction begins with the sub-base and floor. A minimum 6”-thick leveling course of granular material placed on top of the sub-grade allows for a free-draining work area, facilitating construction and ensuring close tolerances in the construction of the finished floor. The proper preparation of the tank’s sub-base is important to ensure an adequate tank foundation. Our engineers conduct a geotechnical evaluation as necessary for each tank project.

Under-floor piping details are incorporated to meet inlet/outlet, overflow, and drain requirements. In earthquake zones or areas with uneven backfill elevations, seismic cables are utilized to prevent any lateral displacement between the footing and the cylindrical wall. The wall footing itself is a structural member designed to support
the wall, roof, and live loads under tank full and empty conditions.

A reinforced concrete membrane floor, with a minimum of 1/2 of 1% reinforcing each way, transfers the liquid load directly to the granular leveling course and sub-grade. The membrane floor, in conjunction with a custom-designed PVC water stop, provides water-tightness and the ability to settle differentially without being subjected to high secondary bending stresses.

Where site conditions necessitate the use of a structural floor, design details and construction procedures are chosen which are compatible with the pile supports, rock anchors, or other foundation systems employed.