Relocatable Tank Using Cable-Tensioned Precast Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constructing large fluid storage tanks is challenging due to transportation, construction logistics, hoop stress, wind loading, and the need for extensive civil preparation and remediation, especially in remote locations, and existing demountable tanks face limitations on size and require additional tensioning forces that can compromise tank integrity.
Innovation Solution
A relocatable tank design using precast wall panels and a cable tensioning system with support members featuring apertures and elongate slots to maintain shape, allowing for modular assembly and disassembly, and incorporating a liner system with water ballast tubes to secure the liner without a minimum liquid level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixed tanks with concrete foundations are used, then structural stability is improved, but construction time and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into modular precast concrete panels that can be assembled and disassembled independently, eliminating the need for time-consuming concrete foundation construction while maintaining structural stability through the modular framework design
Solution Approach 2:
The tank transitions from a fixed concrete foundation structure to a relocatable modular framework that can be quickly assembled, disassembled, and relocated, allowing the same structure to provide stable support while enabling rapid deployment and site changes
2Volume of stationary object
If larger tank sizes are constructed, then storage capacity is improved, but hoop stress and wind loading increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tank combines precast concrete panels with steel support members and cable tensioning systems to create a composite structure that leverages the compressive strength of concrete and the tensile strength of steel cables to resist hoop stress and wind loading in large-scale tanks
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tensioning system uses tensioned cables to apply radial support forces to the concrete panels, creating a pneumatic-like pressure distribution that effectively resists hoop stress without requiring proportionally thicker walls
3Strength
If support framework is added to reinforce tank walls, then structural strength is improved, but space requirements and foundation area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steel support members are positioned within the outer perimeter of the concrete panels, with the panels forming an outer protective layer and the steel framework nested inside, allowing wall reinforcement without increasing the external footprint or foundation area
4Adaptability or versatility
If demountable tanks are used, then relocation capability is improved, but tank size limitations are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is constructed from multiple precast concrete panels that can be easily assembled and disassembled, enabling large-scale tanks to be built using modular components while maintaining the ability to relocate the entire structure by simply disassembling and moving the panels
5Stability of the object's composition
If minimum liquid level is maintained to prevent liner movement, then liner stability is improved, but operating capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Water ballast tubes are installed at the bottom of the tank to provide downward weight on the liner, counteracting the upward forces from wind and liquid level changes, thereby stabilizing the liner without requiring a minimum liquid level to be maintained in the tank
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, cost-effective construction and relocation of large tanks with improved structural integrity, reduced environmental impact, and adaptable sizing, while minimizing construction time and remediation efforts.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning system comprising a plurality of cables configured to extend around an outside of the continuous wall
Implementation Method 2
Large tanks often suffer from hoop stress and, when empty, wind loading
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a liner system with water ballast tubes to secure the liner without a minimum liquid level
Data Source
AI summary
A relocatable tank, and method of constructing same, have a plurality of precast wall panels retained by a cable tensioning system between a plurality of support members to form a continuous, preferably generally circular, wall. At least some of the support members comprise at least one aperture and at least one elongate slot to receive respective cables of the tensioning system to retain a shape of the tank. The tank can be easily assembled at a site with prefabricated parts and easily deconstructed when no longer needed and be relocated and reinstalled in a range of sizes if desired. The relocatable tank is typically installed on a compacted earthen pad with no requirement for a concrete footing, unless the tank is used in regions with high seismic or wind activity. A liner system comprised of either a single or double arrangement is installed to fluidly seal the tank. The inclusion of water ballast tubes means no minimum liquid level is required to secure the liner in a designated position.