Water Tank Pressure Relief
Water Tank Pressure Relief
(OP)
I'm designing an in ground concrete tank for a fish hatchery. The water table is high and the tank would need a 54 inch thick mat to resist buoyancy. Is it feasible to use a pressure relief valve for this type of application?






RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief
Steve Wagner
RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief
Also that you might get some groundwater in the tank during normal operation. Will that bother the fishies?
RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief
RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief
You might also consider how water-tight the valve would be after many years of operation in mud and silt.
RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief
SteveWag- Those were the valves I was looking for.
JedClampett- Good ideas. I've just learned that the design water table isn't as high as I had feared, so the problem goes away.
kslee1000- Not sure I understand your question. I was thinking that, in the event of the ground water reaching the design level when the tank is empty, the valves would allow ground water into the tank to offset the buoyant force. No drainage would be needed to lower the groundater during operation.
RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief
If frequent draining of the tank is required, I have installed a sump to accept a pump suction and put a foundation drain around the tank. This will allow ground water to be lowered so the tank can be drained. If ground water is above the valves the water in the tank will be at the same level as the ground water. I usually use three 4' valves in a 50' tank and provide a stone water way (ditch filled w/ stone under the base slab) from the valves to the foundation drain
RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief
Especially since global warming will have melted most of the polar ice caps? LOL
RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief
For your original question, as pointed out by stevewag, the answer is "yes", it is one feasible option. I was only trying to point out that it is more involved, and there is more than one method, to manage the high ground water situation.
In addition, no matter what type of system is adopted, early warning (on system failure) and emergency set-ups are equally important. We had a case in Michigan, the concrete water tank (emptied for maintenance) was pushed up and the structure failed after a rain storm. The reason for the excessive uplift pressure was not a big surprise - clogged drains in conjunction with failed pumps.
RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief
We have used uplift piles and rock anchors, and in Florida, we just use mass (thick members).
RE: Water Tank Pressure Relief