Imagine a disaster story: a water tank splits and collapses because the base wasn’t built properly. A full 1,000 liter tank is incredibly heavy, and if its foundation isn’t strong and level, cracks and tipping are almost guaranteed.
The key to a safe water tank is its foundation. It has two main jobs: holding the weight of the full tank and containing any spills. A well-designed foundation provides complete support for the tank’s bottom. Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the foundation can handle the weight of the tank and its contents.
Don’t take a chance with your water tank’s foundation. Make sure it’s built and maintained by professionals. It’s not a DIY project unless you have the expertise. Avoid low-quality materials – a secure foundation is an investment in your safety and peace of mind.
Storage Tank Foundation Inspection and Maintenance
The first phase of any construction project typically involves laying the foundation, which is crucial for determining the stability of the structure. This principle applies equally to storage tanks, where the integrity and reliability of the foundation are paramount.
To ensure your tank’s foundation remains strong and stable, regular maintenance and inspections are essential.
These inspections offer numerous benefits and cover critical aspects:
- Monitoring the condition of the tank foundation helps prevent uneven settling, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion in supported areas.
- Regular inspections enable early detection of damage, allowing for timely repairs to address issues exacerbated by weather changes or seasonal variations.
- Compliance with federal regulations is assured through regular inspections and maintenance, including testing by qualified cathodic protection inspectors as required by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Establishing a consistent inspection schedule facilitates proactive maintenance to tackle issues such as wear and tear, erosion, settling, leaks, and other evolving conditions.
- Regular inspections also help mitigate the risk of major failures. Implementing advanced leak detection methods in water tank maintenance reduces the likelihood of such incidents, leading to lower operational costs and extending the lifespan of industrial storage tanks.
How to Choose the Best System for Water Storage Tank Foundation
The tank foundation plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of stored water, necessitating precise alignment with the style and capacity of the water tank in terms of type, design, and system.
Due to its critical role in ensuring the safety and stability of the entire tank, the foundation should be meticulously planned and constructed by certified tank specialists. As a responsible owner, consider the following recommendations:
- Select an optimal site!
Conduct geological testing and research to determine the soil composition and its susceptibility to seismic activity. These tests will reveal if the soil contains potential hazards like peat, soft clay, loose silt, or fine sand. Additionally, they can identify any remnants from prior use of the site, such as filled-in basements, underground storage tanks, or former bomb shelters.
- Consider piling in challenging soil conditions
When relocating surface reservoir sites is not feasible, piling becomes necessary. This involves drilling holes or driving posts into a concrete, steel, or stone foundation. These underground supports provide additional reinforcement to the tank, minimizing the risk of significant and uneven settling.
- Concrete foundations are constructed to withstand natural forces
In regions prone to seismic activity or earthquakes, concrete footings are often essential to secure the tank firmly to the foundation, preventing substantial movements.
- Always opt for superior tank types
Stainless steel tanks are widely favored for multiple reasons. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but their durability and reliability have been extensively proven. Despite potentially higher initial costs, their reduced maintenance expenses make them a cost-effective option in the long term.
- Choose the top tank service provider in your region!
Trust licensed firms, engineers, and geoscientists to offer precise guidance on the ideal foundation for your upcoming storage project. Make sure they stay informed about technological advancements, adhere to industry standards, and comply with local regulations.
Does Your Water Tank Foundation Require Expert Maintenance?
A strong tank foundation guarantees readiness for any circumstance, supporting the tank’s weight and full capacity through various weather conditions.
NFPA 25 Inspections by American Tanks specializes in expert installation, inspection, and upkeep of water tank foundations, tailored to any size or location.
Call NFPA 25 Inspections by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@nfpa25inspections.com
