Tank footing

Abstract

A footing for a tank is formed of separate, monolithic sections that are connected together in-situ to form the footing. Each section comprises in-use top and bottom surfaces and in-use inner and outer sides. An elongate cavity extends from the bottom surface inwardly of the section, and buttresses extend inwardly of the section to in part define the cavity. At least one buttress extends inwardly of the cavity with respect to the inner side, and at least one buttress extends inwardly of the cavity with respect to the outer side.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a footing for a tank, particularly but not necessarily a water tank, and a tank assembly. The disclosure also relates to sections that can be located together to form the footing, as well as to a method of constructing the footing. The tank footing finds particular application with tanks that comprise an external tank wall and an internal liner, however, it should be understood that the tank footing is not limited to such tank configurations.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Water tanks are vital for storing water in various settings, including domestic, agricultural and industrial environments. Some such tanks comprise a structural wall supported by a footing and a liner configured to retain water safely and effectively within the tank. The functionality and durability of the tank can be dependent on the footing design, which seeks to provide robust structural support and to also protect the liner from potential environmental hazards, including attack by vermin.

[0003] Known footing designs often fail to account for certain vulnerabilities that may compromise the liner's integrity and the overall performance of the water tank. Such shortcomings can lead to increased maintenance requirements and reduced tank longevity.

[0004] FIG. 1 shows a known (prior art) form of footing 1, in the form of a concrete ring 2 that is poured and set around a base 3. The base 3 is levelled and may be in the form of sand or gravel positioned inside the ring 2. FIG. 2 shows the known footing 1 supporting the underside of a circular wall 4 of a tank 5. FIG. 3 shows the tank 5 of FIG. 2 provided with an internal liner 6 that holds and preserves water within the tank 5. The liner has a vertical section 7 and a bottom 8 that sits on top of the base 3. To form the known footing 1, it is necessary to form up and pour concrete on-site and logistics may make this difficult if the tank 5 is located in a remote region or difficult-to-access location. In addition, some such footings may require internal steel bar reinforcing to be suitable for purpose, adding additional complexity and cost.

[0005] It is to be understood that, for any prior art referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY

[0006] Disclosed herein is a footing for a tank. The tank may be of a type that comprises a tank wall (e.g. external tank wall) that is configured to be supported on the footing. The tank wall may be of steel and may be galvanised and / or painted / coated. Further, the tank may be of a type that has a tank liner located within and spanning across the tank wall (e.g. as set forth in FIGS. 2 and 3). The tank liner may be a polymer (e.g. HDPE). It should be understood that the footing can be employed with other tank configurations, although it is particularly suited to internally lined tanks.

[0007] In accordance with the disclosure, the footing may be formed of separate, monolithic sections. That is, the sections may be formed as single pieces (i.e., the sections do not comprise multiple ‘sub’ components assembled to form the sections). Each of the sections may be arranged (e.g. joined / connected) together in-situ to form the footing, i.e., multiple sections may be arranged (e.g. joined / connected) together to form the footing. In this way, a footing can be easily and rapidly erected on site and may require only minimal site excavation and levelling. The requirement for concrete formwork and steel reinforcing rods can be eliminated altogether.

[0008] In accordance with the disclosure, each section may comprise in-use top and bottom surfaces and in-use inner and outer sides. An elongate cavity may extend from the bottom surface inwardly of the section (i.e., towards an internal volume of the section located between the top, bottom and side surfaces). The cavity may itself define a space between the top, bottom and opposing surfaces, that opens outwardly therefrom. In this regard, the cavity may also be considered a ‘cut-out’ portion that opens outwardly from the bottom (underside) of the section. As explained below, the provision of the cavity can enable the internal underside of each section to be provided (e.g. formed) with structural support / load-bearing features, and can also ‘light-weight’ each section.

[0009] In this regard, buttresses may (e.g. be formed to) extend inwardly of the section (i.e., towards the internal volume of the section), so as to, in part, define the cavity. The forming of the cavity in the underside of the section may be such as to form or define each buttress. At least one buttress may extend inwardly of the cavity with respect to the inner side (i.e., the at least one buttress may extend from a location near the inner side towards the outer side and into the internal volume of the section). At least one buttress (i.e., another buttress) may extend inwardly of the cavity with respect to the outer side (i.e., the at least one other buttress may extend from a location near the outer side towards the inner side and into the internal volume of the section). The at least one inner side buttress and the at least one outer side buttress may be aligned with respect to each other, or alternatively, they may be offset or spaced apart along the elongate length of the cavity. As above, each buttress can provide a structural support / load-bearing function in the footing, to support the weight of a tank that overlies the footing in use.

[0010] The footing as disclosed herein can enhance stability and wall support. The footing as disclosed herein can also address persistent challenges to liner protection (i.e. in those applications where the tank comprises an internal liner). In this regard, the footing can assist in the prevention of ingress of vermin, such as rodents, etc. which seek to burrow beneath the footing to access the liner and water held within the liner. The footing as disclosed herein can be rapidly assembled on site.

[0011] Each section may comprise a plurality of buttresses (e.g., the cavity may be configured to define a plurality of buttresses along the cavity and with respect to each of the inner side and outer side of the section). In this regard, a plurality of buttresses may extend inwardly of the cavity with respect to the inner side. For example, five inner side buttresses may be provided in the cavity, with each extending inwardly with respect to the inner side. A plurality of buttresses may also extend inwardly of the cavity with respect to the outer side. For example, five outer side buttresses may also extend inwardly with respect to the outer side. More or less buttresses may be provided along either side of the cavity. The plurality of buttresses extending with respect to both inner and outer sides of the section may be spaced (e.g. evenly) along the elongate length of the cavity.

[0012] In each section, buttresses located in adjacency (i.e., adjacent buttresses) may be separated by a recess. The recesses can form a part of the cavity. For example, the plurality of buttresses may be separated (i.e., interposed) by a corresponding plurality of recesses, such that the buttresses and recesses together form or define parts of the cavity. The recesses can be generally prism-shaped so as to form additional ‘cut-out’ portions of the cavity formed in the underside of each section. In this regard, the buttresses and recesses can together define a boundary of the cavity as a ‘tooth-like’ structure, i.e., whereby surfaces of respective buttresses and cavities can alternate inwardly of and along the opposing sides of the section. Each section can also be formed with a central, elongate cavity ‘spine’ that separates opposing inner and outer side buttresses and that also divides inner and outer side recesses. In this regard, the recesses can ‘fan out’ from opposing sides of the elongate cavity spine.

[0013] The buttresses and recesses that are configured with respect to the cavity may provide a particular advantage to sections when formed with hollow, thin-walls (i.e., when the sections are manufactured (e.g. rotationally-moulded) with a void therein so as to form a hollow section). As above, the buttresses can provide structural / load-bearing support to allow each section to support an in-use loading component / force applied thereto by the tank wall. For example, when the tank external wall is located in-use on the top surface of each section, the walls of each buttress can serve to transfer that load to underlying ground and can also serve to prevent a weight applied by the tank wall from crushing each section (the tank wall may e.g., be further loaded from water contained within the tank or within the tank liner). Thus, each buttress in each section can serve to prevent excess, inward deflection of the top surface in use.

[0014] Each section may be arcuate in shape when viewed in profile such that, when adjacent sections are arranged (e.g. joined / connected) end-to-end, they can form an in-use circular footing for the tank. Such an arcuate shape can be particularly suited to use with circular tanks. In this regard, each section may form a fraction of the circular footing. For example, one section may form one sixteenth of the circular footing. In other forms, the sections may be sized to form larger or smaller fractions (i.e., arcuate lengths) of the circular footing. In other variations, for differently shaped tanks, some sections may be straight, and other sections may be curved / arcuate.

[0015] The sections may be arranged and may e.g. be joined / connected in close abutment in-use. For example, when the adjacent sections are arranged and e.g. joined / connected in end-to-end relation, the sides, tops and bottoms of the sections can align about their respective planes. This can allow the tops, bottoms and sides of the joined sections to present a substantially continuous face extending between each of the respective connected sections. Advantageously, this can allow e.g. components of the tank to locate across the aligned surfaces of two adjacent sections without there being gaps therebetween (i.e., that would otherwise occur as a result of deviations, interruptions, discontinuities, etc., between the sides, tops and bottoms of the adjoined sections). The sections may be alike, e.g., having substantially the same profiles and dimensions. Advantageously, this can provide modularity, allowing a series of alike sections to be used for constructing the entire circular footing, and can also thereby reduce manufacturing complexity (i.e., otherwise required for multiple section profiles). Moreover, utilising the alike sections can allow e.g., damaged sections of an assembled circular footing to be easily replaced by another alike section.

[0016] Each of the sections may comprise connection sites located either side of a join between respective sections. The connection sites may be regions of the sections located adjacent to, i.e., near the ends of the adjoining sections. The connection sites may be for coupling the sections together, i.e., being a site for coupling the sections together by a connector.

[0017] The connection sites may be provided at the inner and outer sides of each section. That is, the connection sites may extend along the inner and outer sides near the ends of the respective adjoining sections. The connection sites may be in the form of holes configured to receive fasteners. For example, the holes can be pilot holes configured (i.e., sized) to guide fasteners therethrough. The fasteners can work in conjunction with a respective joining plate (i.e., one or more fasteners can connect a respective joining plate to the holes of the connection sites of adjoining sections). Each joining plate thereby bridges (i.e., connects) across the join between the two sections such that the adjoining sections become joined / connected (i.e., secured) together.

[0018] Each of the sections may be formed of plastic. For example, the sections may be formed of polyethylene (e.g. HDPE). The sections may be formed from other suitable materials that can provide light weight, robust, structurally appropriate sections when formed.

[0019] Each section may be formed by a moulding process. The moulding process may be one that is optimised for formation of thin-walled sections (i.e., so that the sections can be hollow). For example, each of the sections may be formed by rotational moulding. In other examples, each of the sections may be formed by blow moulding. In another form, each section may be solid (i.e., not hollow, other than the cavity).

[0020] Each section may be of a sufficient depth such that it is able to be embedded in a surrounding ground surface. That is, the depth of the section, i.e., a distance between the top and bottom surfaces, is such that the section can be embedded into the ground surface. The ground surface may comprise a granular or particulate material thereat. The granular or particulate material may be present at or may be added to a site. For example, both an interior and a perimeter of the footing may be surrounded by a granular or particulate material that is brought to and employed at the site. The sections may be embedded such that the granular or particulate material may surround, i.e., be arranged adjacent to the outer and inner sides of the sections. Each section may also locate on top of the granular or particulate material (i.e., such that the bottom surface sits on the granular or particulate material). In use, the granular or particulate material may also extend at least partway up into the cavity of each section.

[0021] The sections may be embedded within the granular or particulate material to a distance whereby erosion of the granular or particulate material that is arranged adjacent to the footing is minimised or prevented. Such erosion may be caused by e.g., water run-off from the tank which passes across at least a portion of the sections and / or by ground water flowing past the tank. Advantageously, preventing such erosion can minimise or prevent the formation of e.g., holes, voids, etc., in the granular or particulate material that can create passages for water flow and e.g., rodents / vermin.

[0022] The sections may have a depth such that the granular or particulate material can contact up and against the outer sides of the sections (e.g., to provide a marked depth thereat). In some forms, the granular or particulate material may be arranged to extend partially up e.g., the outer sides, and in other forms, the granular or particulate material may be arranged to be generally level (i.e., aligned) with the top surface of each section.

[0023] Each section may be of a sufficient depth such that it is able to be embedded in the surrounding ground surface to a distance whereby granular or particulate material that is arranged adjacent to the footing is of such a depth as to deter rodents / vermin from burrowing under the footing. For example, the section may have a depth such that, when embedded in the ground surface, at least a portion of the outer side of the section is embedded below the surrounding surface. Depending on the type of granular or particulate material, the portion below the surface can be at a depth such that, if e.g. a rodent was to attempt to burrow thereunder, the granular or particulate material would ‘cave-in’, i.e., collapse around the rodent. Hence, embedding the sections at such a depth advantageously deters rodents / vermin from burrowing thereunder.

[0024] The footing may comprise the sections arranged end-to-end, i.e., such that ends of respective sections are located against (e.g. to abut) each other. In this end-to-end configuration, the arranged sections may define a continuous footing. That is, the top, bottom and side surfaces can be continuous such that the sections together form a continuous circular (ring-like) footing.

[0025] When the footing is formed by such an end-to-end arrangement, the footing may further comprise a granular or particulate material arranged adjacent to and bounded by the footing, i.e., bounded by the circular footing. That is, the granular or particulate material may be arranged against the inner sides of the sections, i.e., to extend at least partially up the inner sides or arranged to be generally level, i.e., aligned with the top surface of each section.

[0026] In this arrangement, the footing may further comprise a granular or particulate material arranged adjacent to and surrounding the footing for a perimeter thereof. That is, the granular or particulate material may be arranged against the outer sides of the sections, i.e., to extend at least partially up the outer sides or arranged to be generally level, i.e., aligned with the top surface of the section.

[0027] In some forms, the granular or particulate material that surrounds the footing may be a rock or aggregate-type material, whereas the granular or particulate material located within the footing may be a sand or sedimentary-type material. The rock or aggregate-type material can serve to prevent rodent / vermin burrowing in the first place, whereas the sand or sedimentary-type material can promote material collapse onto and possible suffocation of a burrowing rodent / vermin.

[0028] When the granular or particulate material that is bounded by the footing comprises sand, the sand may be provided so as to entirely fill a space defined and bounded by the footing. In this regard, the sand may be filled up to the top surface of the adjoining sections (i.e., to be levelled therewith). As set forth in more detail later, this levelled surface can allow a liner of the tank to locate on, be supported by, and extend across the top surface of the footing sections and the sand bounded therebetween.

[0029] As above, utilising sand within the bounds of the footing may be particularly advantageous as the sand can readily collapse when e.g., rodents / vermin attempt to burrow under the footing and up towards the liner. For example, if a rodent were to burrow underneath a given section and contact, i.e., reach the sand material, any further burrowing would result in the burrow collapsing, thereby deterring the rodent from continuing, and potentially suffocating the rodent.

[0030] As above, the granular or particulate material that surrounds the perimeter of the footing may comprise gravel or aggregate material, such as crushed stone. The granular or particulate material may also be provided so as to be levelled with the top surfaces of the sections. The gravel or aggregate material can assist with prevention of rodent / vermin burrowing in the first place, can improve drainage / run-off of water from the sections, can minimise erosion thereof, and may also serve to lock the sections of the footing in place. Advantageously, the drainage / run-off can also minimise or prevent corrosion of the tank (e.g., where the tank wall is of metal).

[0031] Also disclosed herein, in another aspect, is a footing for a tank. The footing may be formed of separate, monolithic sections. That is, each section may comprise a unitary component (i.e., not being an assembly of more than one component). For example, each section may be a hollow, thin-walled vessel. Each section may be formed by a rotational moulding process. In other forms, each section may alternatively be formed as a solid body (e.g. injection moulded).

[0032] The sections may be arranged (e.g. joined / connected) together in-situ to form the footing. For example, the sections may be transported to a worksite in their separate, monolithic form, and may then be arranged (e.g. joined / connected) onsite. The sections may be transported to a worksite in a stacked format. Each section can comprise in-use top and bottom surfaces and in-use inner and outer sides.

[0033] In accordance with the disclosure, the top surface can be defined as an uninterrupted generally planar surface. That is, the top surface may comprise a single, unbroken surface that extends continuously between the inner and outer sides of the section and opposite ends of the section. In this regard, such a top surface may be a flat surface without any intervening features such as flanges, ramped surfaces, indentations, grooves, etc. The top surface may thereby form a suitable (flat) surface for supporting a tank wall at a location between the inner and outer sides and opposite ends of the section. Because it is an uninterrupted generally planar surface, the top surface may also support various tank wall sizes / thicknesses at various tank positions thereon.

[0034] The footing may comprise a plurality of sections that are each as otherwise configured as set forth above and hereafter.

[0035] Also disclosed herein is a section for a tank footing. The section may be as otherwise set forth above and hereafter.

[0036] Also disclosed is a method of assembling a footing for a tank. The method may comprise arranging a plurality of sections at a ground surface. Each section may be as set forth herein. The sections may be arranged in close abutment. For example, the sections may be arranged in an end-to-end relation, such that the top surfaces of the sections form a substantially continuous footing surface. Such a footing surface may be generally flat, i.e., whereby the top surfaces align about a single plane.

[0037] The method may further comprise joining / connecting adjacent ones of the plurality sections to each other, i.e., the sections located in end-to-end adjacency can be connected together. Such adjacent sections may be connected such that the substantially continuous footing surface is maintained in-use. The connection between adjacent sections may be as set forth herein, i.e., the adjacent sections may be connected by e.g., a joining plate fastened by fasteners to connection sites located at either footing, each plate extending across and providing a join / connection between the sections.

[0038] A granular or particulate material may be arranged at the ground surface adjacent to the footing. That is, once the footing has been arranged at the ground surface, the granular or particulate material may then be located at the ground surface and adjacent to the footing. The granular or particulate material may be located to be bounded by the footing, i.e., filling a space within the boundary defined by the footing. Granular or particulate material may also be arranged at the ground surface adjacent to the perimeter of the footing. That is, the granular or particulate material may surround an outside of the footing.

[0039] The granular or particulate material that is bounded by the footing may comprise sand and the granular or particulate material that surrounds the perimeter of the footing may comprise gravel or aggregate material. The granular or particulate material may be arranged as set forth herein, i.e., being levelled with the sections of the footing. Advantages of utilising the sand and gravel or aggregate material may also be as set forth herein, e.g., for drainage, support, minimising erosion, deterring vermin / rodents, etc.

[0040] A tank wall may be located on the continuous footing surface. The tank wall may be configured to locate centrally about the footing, e.g., the tank wall can locate generally evenly between opposing sides of the footing to extend therefrom in an in-use upward direction. A liner for the tank may be installed within the tank wall. The liner may extend up the tank wall and extend across the levelled material (e.g. sand) that forms a base surrounded by the footing. The levelled material (e.g. sand) may provide an even surface, i.e., generally aligned with the top surface of the section, so that a bottom of the liner can generally coincide with a lower end of the tank wall, with minimal deviation. For example, if the material (e.g. sand) was not levelled with the top surface, a step would exist therebetween that may allow e.g., a tear to form in the liner, or provide access to vermin / rodents, or result in forces / stresses on the tank wall, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sections may be shaped to provide a perimeter underneath the tank. That is, the sections may correspond with at least part of a shape, i.e., a perimeter shape, of the tank.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sections may be curved to form a ring, i.e., a circular structure, when connected end-to-end. The resultant footing can suit a curved / cylindrical tank wall.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sections may be formed of plastic (e.g. high density polyethylene). In some embodiments, the sections may be rotationally moulded from plastic. The resulting sections may each be hollow.

[0044] In some embodiments, each section may include voids to reduce the weight of the section. As a above, the voids may in part be defined by the elongate cavity that extends from the bottom surface inwardly of the section. The voids may in part be defined by the hollow interior of each section.

[0045] In some embodiments, each section may have opposing top, bottom, end and side walls, where each has respective top, bottom, end and side surfaces.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sections may each include ‘struts’ that reinforce the section between its top and bottom surfaces. The struts may be formed by walls of the section configured as buttresses that are defined and separated by recesses extending inwardly of the bottom wall. The interior of the buttresses and the recesses can also form some of the voids of the section.

[0047] In some embodiments, the struts (e.g. buttresses) provide load / weight transfer / bearing support for the sections. That is, the struts can transfer such loads from e.g., the top surface through to the bottom surface and into the underlying ground.

[0048] In some embodiments, the sections may include connection sites located either side of a join between respective sections, to facilitate coupling of the adjacent sections together.

[0049] In some embodiments, the sections may be shaped to be arranged with one or more adjacent sections to form a substantially continuous top surface to seat a tank (e.g. external tank wall) located on top of the sections.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sections may have a depth dimension, i.e., a distance between the top and bottom walls / surfaces, that allows the section to embed in a surrounding ground surface to a distance sufficient to support, and to minimise or prevent erosion, of particulate or granular material bounded by the footing, and to resist vermin / rodents burying under the footing.

[0051] In another aspect, there is disclosed a section of the above-described footing. As above, the section can be provided with a top surface and a bottom surface. The section may be formed of plastic and may comprise an internal void. The section may be provided with moulded struts to provide reinforcement between the top and bottom surfaces. The struts may take the form of buttresses that are defined by recesses extending between adjacent buttresses, each buttress extending inwardly of the section from the bottom surface.

[0052] In some embodiments, the section may be shaped to be closely arranged (e.g. to abut) and to optionally be joined / connected with one or more adjacent sections end-to-end. The sections may be joined / connected about their respective ends to form a substantially continuous seat for a tank wall to be located on the top surface of each section. Such a ‘seat’ can take the form of a footing as set forth above.

[0053] As above, the section may have connection sites provided at inner and outer sides of the section to facilitate securement of the section to an adjacent section. As above, the connection sites may take the form of holes to receive fasteners of respective joining plates.

[0054] In another aspect, there is provided a tank assembly including a footing, as described above, a tank wall positioned on top of the footing and a liner that extends up the walls and across a base of the tank assembly.

[0055] In some embodiments, the base may be formed of levelled particulate or granular (e.g. sand and / or aggregate) material positioned within a boundary defined by the footing, and positioned around a perimeter of the footing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The tank footing as disclosed herein is described in more detail, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art footing, in which the footing is poured from concrete;

[0058] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tank positioned on the footing of FIG. 1;

[0059] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a liner inside the tank of FIG. 2;

[0060] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of part of a footing according to the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of an assembled footing according to the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of two adjoining sections of the footing of FIG. 4, showing connection sites;

[0063] FIG. 5b is a side view of two adjoining sections showing holes forming the connection sites.

[0064] FIG. 6a is a side view showing a joining plate connecting the adjoining sections of FIG. 5 with fasteners of a first type;

[0065] FIG. 6b is a side view showing a joining plate connecting the adjoining sections of FIG. 5 with fasteners of a second type;

[0066] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating one of the sections according to the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example curvature of one of the sections according to the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG. 9 is an underside view of one of the sections according to the present disclosure;

[0069] FIG. 10a is a partial cross-sectional view of a tank assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 10b is a perspective view of the assembled sections forming a footing according to the present disclosure, with a granular or particulate material being bounded by the footing;

[0071] FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a tank assembled on the footing according to the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 11b is a detailed view of the tank and footing shown in FIG. 11; and

[0073] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an interior of a tank assembled on the footing according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0074] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description and depicted in the drawings are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0075] The prior art footing of FIGS. 1 to 3 is as described above in the Background. The tank and liner as depicted therein can be redeployed on the footing 10 according to the present disclosure and described in more detail below.

[0076] Referring now to FIG. 4a, there is shown a partially completed footing 10 in the shape of a part ring 11 formed of multiple sections 12. The sections 12 are curved, i.e., arcuate, although the sections 12 may be of any configuration, as required (e.g. straight, straight+curve, etc.). As shown, when the multiple (i.e., plurality of) sections are arranged / assembled together in end-to-end relation, they define a circular perimeter (i.e., footing 10) for receiving a tank 45 thereon (see FIG. 10).

[0077] The sections are preferably formed of plastic for being light weight and for ease of manufacturing, transport and assembly. As set forth below, each section may be rotationally moulded from plastic (e.g. HDPE).

[0078] Each section 12 has a top surface 13, a bottom surface 14, inner and outer sides 15, 16, and opposing ends 9.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the plurality of adjacent sections 12 are arranged end-to-end so that the top surface 13 and sides 15, 16 of each adjoining section 12 are substantially continuous, i.e., substantially flush when located against (e.g. when closely-facing or abutting) each other. In particular, the sections 12 form a substantially continuous top surface 13 that forms a substantially continuous seat 17 for the tank 45 to locate thereon (as shown in FIG. 10). Advantageously, providing the substantially continuous seat can provide an ideal surface for supporting, i.e., locating the tank thereupon, as set forth in more detail later. As explained in more detail below, the sections 12 can be joined / connected to each other to provide a more robust means for maintaining the substantially continuous seat 17.

[0080] As shown, the top surface 13 is defined as an uninterrupted generally planar surface. That is, the top surface 13 comprises a single, unbroken surface that extends continuously between the inner and outer sides 15, 16 of the section 12 and between opposing ends 9 of the section. Thus, the top surface 13 is a flat surface without any intervening features such as flanges, ramped surfaces, indentations, grooves, etc. The top surface 13 thereby forms a suitable (flat) surface for supporting (e.g. closely) a tank wall at a location between the inner and outer sides 15, 16, and opposing ends 9. This can allow the top surface 13 to support various tank wall sizes and thicknesses at various tank positions thereon.

[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 5a, illustrative cut-away openings 18, 19, 23 have been illustrated in the top surface 13 to show interior voids 20 defined inside the sections 12. This reveals moulded struts 21, 22 that are configured to provide reinforcement and load bearing / transfer between the top and bottom surfaces 13, 14. The struts 21, 22 may be formed to be transverse or parallel to the direction of each section 12, as required. FIG. 5a shows in more detail the cut-away opening 23, which reveals a transverse strut 21.

[0082] FIG. 5a also shows connection sites 24 provided on adjacent sections 12 in the form of an array of holes 25 formed in the side 15 of the adjacent sections 12, as well as the side 16. In some forms, the holes 25 may simply be pilot holes configured to guide a fastener, e.g., a self-tapping fastener (screw / bolt) therethrough for connecting two adjacent sections, as set forth in detail below. In other forms, as shown in FIG. 5b, the holes may be provided as threaded inserts 50 for receiving threaded fasteners therein.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, a joining plate 26 can be utilised for connecting between (i.e., extending across) two adjacent sections 12. Each plate 26 can be configured to join / connect the sections 12 together by fixing at both the inner and outer sides 15, 16 of each section 12. As shown, the joining plate 26 can comprise apertures 52 configured to align with corresponding holes 25,50 (as shown in FIG. 5) when the plate 26 is located thereat. When aligned, the apertures and the holes can receive the fasteners 27 therethrough for securing the sections 12 together. The fasteners 27 can be of different types, such as hex socket / Allen screw fasteners (see FIG. 6a) and / or external hex screw fasteners (see FIG. 6b), each type optionally including washers / spacers as required.

[0084] In the form shown, four apertures and holes are provided on each side 15,16 near the respective ends 9 of the sections. It is anticipated that more or less holes may be utilised to connect the plate 26 thereat. The apertures 52 as shown are provided as slots to allow for minor misalignment of the apertures 52 with the holes 25,50, e.g., caused by a misalignment of the adjacent sections 12, manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0085] Utilising the plate 26 with apertures 52 can allow the sections 12 to be quickly joined / connected together, e.g., allowing a person assembling the footing to easily access the connection sites with e.g., a power drill. Moreover, by configuring the plates 26 to span across the ends 9 along the sides 15,16, the plate 26 can cover access points to any space that may exist (i.e., that opens out from) between the adjacent ends 9 of sections 12. The sections 12 are thereby held in close facing arrangement / abutment by the plate, advantageously preventing penetration between the sections by vermin / rodents or the like.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows one of the sections 12 with the top surface 13 illustratively broken open at cut-away opening 29 to illustrate another part of the interior void 20 of the section 12. The void 20 reduces the weight of the section 12 for ease of transport and handling. The void 20 is shown to indicate that the section 12 can be hollow.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a plan view of one of the sections 12 of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 provides illustrative (non-limiting) dimensions of a section. The section 12 as shown has an example width “w” of 400 mm, a total inside length “l” of 2060 mm and an outside length “L” of 2200 mm, with a radius of curvature of 5500 mm, i.e., about centre line ‘C’. Other dimensions may apply, as required for a given tank diameter. The sections 12 can be provided in the required size for the tank being installed thereon. For example, the inner and outer sides 15,16 can be provided with a radius of curvature corresponding to that of the tank being installed thereon. In other words, when a plurality of the sections 12 are assembled end-to-end to form the circular footing, the diameter of the assembled footing has a generally matching diameter and radius to that of the tank being installed thereon. As set forth in more detail later, the inner and outer sides may be provided with a radius such that, when the tank is located thereon, walls of the tank locate approximately centrally (evenly) of the sides 15,16.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a section 12. In addition to the internal void 20, the section 12 is provided with a longitudinal cavity 30. The cavity is shaped (e.g. moulded) to define buttresses 31 that extend along either side of the cavity 30, between the top and bottom surfaces 13, 14. The buttresses 31 are separated by recesses 32, with the recesses spaced to fan out from either side of the cavity 30.

[0089] As shown, each section 12 comprises a plurality of buttresses 31. A first plurality of (e.g. five) buttresses 31 extends along and inwardly of the cavity with respect to the section inner side 15 and a second plurality of (e.g. five) buttresses 31 extends along and inwardly of the cavity with respect to the section outer side 16. In this regard, a plurality of buttresses may extend inwardly of the cavity with respect to the inner side. The first and second plurality of buttresses 31 extending and are spaced evenly along the elongate length of the cavity, separated by the recesses 32, with respective buttresses facing each other.

[0090] The buttresses 31 and recesses 32 are defined by internal walls 35 that form the horizontal and transverse struts 21,22 of the void 20. That is, the walls 35 are configured to define the elongate cavity with buttresses and recesses and also define the struts 21,22 of the void 20.

[0091] The buttress and recess walls 35 project inwardly from the bottom surface 14, i.e., upwardly in use from the bottom wall of the section, towards the top surface 13 (i.e., towards a top wall of the section). As shown in FIG. 9, the walls 35 of the buttresses and recesses are configured to taper towards each other from the bottom wall towards an apex 37. The apex 37 can be a point, i.e., a vertex at which the walls 35 converge, or alternatively, the apex can be defined by a planar wall joining between the tapering walls 35. The apex 37 can also be seen inside the void 20 as shown in FIG. 5a, i.e., an internal surface of the apex is shown. The taper facilitates removal of the section from its mould.

[0092] In either form, the apex 37 can be spaced from the bottom surface 14 so as to be located close to the top wall (e.g., as an internal facing surface to the top wall). For example, the apex 37 may be spaced from the internal surface of the top wall by e.g., 20 mm, or alternatively, the apex may be nearly, or at least partly contacting against the internal surface, or the apex may be continuous or contiguous with the top wall / surface 13. Advantageously, when a weight (e.g., of the tank wall and / or water contained by the in-use tank wall) is applied to the top wall of the section 12, the top wall can deflect so as to contact against the apex 37. The apex can transfer the weight / load to the buttress and recess walls 35. In this regard, the apex 37 of the elongate cavity 30 can support the top wall of the section thereupon. Thus, the configuration of the cavity 30 is such as to increase the load bearing capacity of the section 12, as the weight / load applied to the top wall can be distributed through the walls 35 of the buttresses and recesses through to ground that underlies the bottom surface 14.

[0093] The walls 35 and apex 37 of the elongate cavity 30 together also provide structural support / rigidity to the sections through their complex shape. For example, by extending along the section, the walls 35 and apex 37 can improve buckling resistance of the sections, in particular, of the top walls adjacent to and along a centreline thereof (e.g., as indicated in FIG. 8). This can be particularly advantageous for resisting buckling under the compressive loads applied by the tank / tank walls during use. The walls and apex of the elongate cavity 30 can also help distribute stress more evenly across the elongate length of the section. In-use, this can help reduce stress concentrations that can lead to failure of the section 12, e.g., due to creep.

[0094] In further advantages, the elongate cavity 30 with the buttresses 31 and recesses 32, in addition to the section having the void 20, provide a form that can simplify manufacturing. That is, because the sections 12 comprise the void 20 and the cavity 30, the section 12 is generally able to be configured as a hollow, thin walled body, having less material than if the sections were solid bodies. In effect, this reduces the amount of material that needs to be handled and processed to form the section.

[0095] Moreover, reducing the material needed to form the sections 12 thereby lightens the weight of the section. Incorporating the elongate cavity 30 with the buttresses 31 and recesses 32 maintains the rigidity and strength (i.e. by virtue of the buttresses 31) that would otherwise be provided if the sections were formed as solid bodies. Advantageously, such rigidity and strength provided by the cavity walls 35 and apex 37 allow a relatively thin wall section to be employed (e.g. with a general thickness of the walls forming the section 12 ranging between 8 mm and 9 mm thick).

[0096] Referring now to FIG. 10a, a partial cross-sectional side view of a tank assembly 40 is shown. The tank assembly 40 includes the footing 10 embedded in a ground surface 41 to form a perimeter 42 that acts as a boundary / barrier 43 around a base 44. The tank assembly 40 also includes the tank 45 with tank wall 46, tank roof 47 and (optionally) a tank liner. FIG. 10b shows the assembly of sections 12 having been connected together to form the perimeter, i.e., having a ring-like structure that defines the boundary for receiving a granular material, e.g., a finer aggregate material 44 such as sand, which is levelled inside the footing 10, i.e., to the top surface 13 of the section 12. If required / desired, the finer aggregate material 44 can be compacted within the ring. The area outside of the ring can have a coarser material 41 such as gravel or stone placed around its outer side 16, the gravel or stone typically applied / piled up to the top surface 13, and extending out by e.g., at least 1-2 meters from the assembled footing ring.

[0097] Advantageously, having the gravel / stone 41 located against the assembled footing instead of the tank itself (i.e., the tank wall(s) themselves) can help to prevent the tank against corrosion, in turn making the tank last longer. For example, the tank wall 46 can sit on a polymer-based footing 10. The polymer-based material, i.e., being a non-corrosive material, can space the tank wall away from the ground so as to isolate the tank wall from elements of the ground e.g., moisture, etc. that can corrode the tank wall (or components related / connected to the tank wall, e.g., nuts, bolts, etc.). Since the tank wall is a structural component of the tank itself, i.e., supporting water contained therein, it is particularly important that the tank walls maintain their structural integrity, i.e., not having any weakness introduced by corrosion.

[0098] Further advantages of preventing corrosion (by spacing the tank wall with the footing 10), include protecting the tank liner from damage, e.g., tearing, that could result from contact with a corroded portion of the tank wall. For example, a corroded section of the tank wall may create sharp, abrasive surfaces that can pierce or tear the liner. A corroded section of the tank wall may also create an entry / exposure point to the tank liner (e.g. for rodents, etc.). This can result in either a slow leak through the tank liner, or massive failure of the tank liner, i.e., a rapid propagation of the pierce or tear resulting from water pressure against the liner.

[0099] Therefore, the footing 10 can improve both a longevity of the tank wall and can also improve a longevity of the tank liner.

[0100] A further advantage of the sections 12 assembled to form the footing 10 is that, once installed with the sand and gravel as set forth above, there is no need to utilise any further earth moving equipment (e.g., to bring a machine back) once the tank assembly is built. Such an event would otherwise be required with existing prior art tank structures where, as set forth above, erosion through the ground surface may result from heavy rain or run-off adjacent the tank.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 10a and 11a, the tank 45 with its side wall 46 sits on top of the footing 10. The tank wall 46 itself in generally centralised along the elongate length of the section 12. This can also be seen in FIG. 11a, where a portion of the section 12 extends outwardly from an in-use outer side of the tank 45, and in FIG. 12, where another portion of the section 12 extends inwardly from an in-use inner side of the tank 45. The tank 45 along with its roof 47 and an optional internal liner that rests on the base 44. As best shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b, the tank 45 can be fixed to the footing 10 by appropriate ties 48. In the detailed view of FIG. 11b, the ties 48 are in the form of fasteners e.g., screws or coach bolts 49 that are inserted through a flange 53 of the tank wall 46. The flange 53 projects outwardly from a lower end of the wall 46 (i.e., from an in-use outer facing side of the wall 46). The flange 53 is configured to be secured to the footing 10 by the screws 49 or other types of fasteners.

[0102] The width and depth of the footing 10 allows a barrier 43 to be formed that is able to resist or prevent incursion of erosion through the ground surface 41 that may result from heavy rain or run-off adjacent the tank 45. If the base 44 is compromised by erosion, the liner may otherwise slump down below the tank 45 and suffer a tear as a result, resulting in water draining out of the tank 45. The sections 12 forming the footing 10 also present a barrier to vermin / rodents or the like that may, in the absence of the footing forming the barrier 43, burrow under the tank 44 and chew into or rupture the liner.

[0103] As above, the sections 12 are preferably formed of plastic material, such as polyethylene (e.g. HDPE). Such plastic materials are light weight and as such, when used to form the footings 10 set forth herein, make the footings easily transportable and easy to handle, as well as corrosion and rot resistant. This means a footing 10 can be readily constructed, i.e., assembled at a remote or regional location such as a farm, without the logistical needs of forming and pouring a concrete footing, as used in the prior art.

[0104] The sections 12 are modular and light weight, with each section preferably weighing less than 25 kg for ease of handling and installation by e.g. a single user. The sections 12 are therefore easily installed by simply laying the sections on a compact level surface, i.e., pad, in the required size for the tank being located thereon. The sections 12 are also preferably reusable after the lifespan of the tank 45 which enables the sections 12 to be reused at the site or relocated to another site, if needed. In some cases, when sections 12 are damaged and need to be replaced, the modular nature of the sections allows the damaged sections to be replaced with new sections. Alternatively, when a tank is dismantled and the sections 12 no longer used, they may be re-used for constructing another footing, or used for interchanging damaged sections of existing footings.

[0105] In a variation, each section 12 can be formed from an arcuate strip, having in-use top and bottom surfaces and inner and outer sides. The section in this form may not be provided with an internal void, but instead may be a solid form. In such a variation, an overall height of the strip, i.e., a thickness of the strip, can be less than the thickness of the embodiments set forth previously. In effect, the strip can be thinner, i.e., less thick than the sections 12 set forth previously, but equally as strong, i.e., resistant to loading in-use.

[0106] Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

[0107] For example, in some forms, the sections 12 as set forth herein, may be infilled e.g., with a liquid such as water, or alternatively, infilled with a cementitious material. In forms where the sections are filled with cementitious material, reinforcing may be provided between the adjacent sections such that, when filled with cementitious material, provide additional structure to the footing. For example, apertures may be provided in openings at opposing ends of the section 12, the openings being configured for receiving the reinforcing therewithin. Additionally, openings may be provided in e.g., the top surface of the sections for receiving cementitious material therewithin when infilling the assembled sections.

[0108] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the tank footing.

Claims

1. A footing for a tank, the footing formed of separate, monolithic sections that are arranged together in-situ to form the footing, each section comprising in-use top and bottom surfaces and in-use inner and outer sides,wherein an elongate cavity extends from the bottom surface inwardly of the section, and buttresses extend inwardly of the section to in part define the cavity, andwherein at least one buttress extends inwardly of the cavity with respect to the inner side, and at least one buttress extends inwardly of the cavity with respect to the outer side.

2. The footing of claim 1, wherein a plurality of buttresses extend inwardly of the cavity with respect to the inner side, and a plurality of buttresses extends inwardly of the cavity with respect to the outer side, with adjacent buttresses being separated by a recess that forms a part of the cavity.

3. The footing of claim 1, wherein the sections are arcuate in shape when viewed in profile, the sections configured such that, when adjacent sections are arranged end-to-end, they form an in-use circular footing for the tank.

4. The footing of claim 1, wherein the sections are arranged in close abutment in-use so as to present a substantially continuous face between each of the respective adjacent sections.

5. The footing of claim 1, wherein the sections are alike and include connection sites either side of a join between respective sections for coupling the sections together.

6. The footing of claim 5, wherein the connection sites are provided at the inner and outer sides of each section.

7. The footing of claim 1, wherein the sections are alike and include connection sites for coupling the sections together:either side of a join between respective sections; orprovided at the inner and outer sides of each section,wherein the connection sites are in the form of holes configured to receive fasteners of one or more respective joining plates.

8. The footing of claim 1, wherein each section is formed of plastic.

9. The footing of claim 1, wherein each section is formed by rotational moulding.

10. The footing of claim 1, wherein each section is of a sufficient depth such that it is able to be embedded in a surrounding ground surface to a distance,whereby erosion of granular or particulate material that is arranged adjacent to the footing is minimised or prevented; and / orwhereby granular or particulate material that is arranged adjacent to the footing is of such a depth as to deter rodents from burrowing under the footing.

11. The footing of claim 1, the footing comprising the sections arranged end-to-end to define a continuous footing, the footing further comprising a granular or particulate material arranged adjacent to and bounded by the footing, and a granular or particulate material arranged adjacent to and surrounding the footing for a perimeter thereof.

12. The footing of claim 11, wherein the granular or particulate material that is bounded by the footing comprises sand, and wherein the granular or particulate material that surrounds a perimeter of the footing comprises gravel or aggregate material.

13. A footing for a tank, the footing formed of separate, monolithic sections that are arranged together in-situ to form the footing, each section comprising in-use top and bottom surfaces and in-use inner and outer sides, the top surface being an uninterrupted generally planar surface for supporting a tank wall at locations between the inner and outer sides.

14. A section for a tank footing, the section comprising in-use top and bottom surfaces and in-use inner and outer sides,wherein an elongate cavity extends from the bottom surface inwardly of the section, and buttresses extend inwardly of the section to in part define the cavity, andwherein at least one buttress extends inwardly of the cavity with respect to the inner side, and at least one buttress extends inwardly of the cavity with respect to the outer side.

15. A method of assembling a footing for a tank, the method comprising arranging a plurality of sections at a ground surface, each section being as defined in claim 14, the sections being arranged in close abutment such that the top surfaces of the sections form a substantially continuous footing surface.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality sections are joined / connected to each other such that the substantially continuous footing surface is maintained in-use.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the sections are alike and include connection sites provided at the inner and outer sides of each section, either side of a join between respective sections for coupling the sections together, the connection sites optionally in the form of holes configured to receive fasteners of one or more respective joining plate(s), wherein adjacent ones of the plurality sections are joined / connected to each other via the connection sites, fasteners and joining plate(s).

18. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein a granular or particulate material is arranged at the ground surface adjacent to, so as to be bounded by, the footing, and wherein granular or particulate material is arranged at the ground surface adjacent to, so as to surround the perimeter of the footing, and wherein the granular or particulate material that is bounded by the footing comprises sand, and wherein the granular or particulate material that surrounds the perimeter of the footing comprises gravel or aggregate material.

19. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein a tank wall is located on the continuous footing surface, and wherein a liner for the tank is installed within the tank wall.

20. A tank assembly that comprises a footing as defined in claim 1, a tank wall that is able to be positioned on top of the footing and a liner that is able to extend up the tank wall and across a base that is surrounded by the footing, wherein the base is formed of levelled granular or particulate material.

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