Concrete Tanks - Precast Modular/Segmental Water Tanks/ Cast-In-Situ Concrete Tanks for Dairy Effluent Storage, Water Retention, Irrigation, Fuel storage and Chemical Storage

Tanks are essential in contemporary agriculture, offering functions such as irrigation and the storage of farm effluent. Additionally, large concrete tanks are utilized for storing fuel, chemicals, and more.

Although tanks may appear straightforward, designing large storage tanks requires complex considerations. Ignoring these can lead to unsafe structures, with repairs being costly and lengthy. Therefore, it is crucial to design tanks correctly, considering all pertinent site-specific and loading conditions.

Key Considerations for Tank Design in NZ

Here are the main forces and effects to be taken into account in the structural design of water and liquid retaining tanks:

a)    Water tightness (control of crack width)

b)    Earth pressure loads

c)     Groundwater loads

d)    Seismic forces from internal water:

• Impulsive component: where the liquid behaves as a rigid mass

• Convective component: the sloshing effect (waves inside the tank)

e)    Seismic forces from the tank structure and surrounding soil

f)      Water pressure, including hoop forces

g)    Various effects:

• Temperature gradients

• Shrinkage and swelling effects

• Ground movements, construction loads, and wind

For most concrete tanks, hoop stresses and crack width considerations are the primary factors that influence the design and performance. Durability requirements like water tightness also play a crucial component in the design and detailing of concrete water/liquid retaining structures.

AB Consulting Engineers provide professional design services for storage tanks tailored to specific technical requirements and local conditions. Whether designing for potable water, Farm Effluent, industrial chemicals, or fuel storage, we ensure compliance with all relevant engineering standards to deliver safe and durable solutions.