Concrete Tank Installation

[CBard]

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We are currently in the construction phase of a wastewater treatment system. We have a tank being installed that has 7 reinforced concrete sections with vertical joints. At two of the joints the contractor is unable to push it home, leaving roughly a 2 inch gap all the way around. The water depth in this tank will be approximately 7 feet. The manufacturer is acknowledging it is most likely due to cold temperatures, but claiming that because the gasket is fully seated it is a non-issue. They are proposing to finish by filling the gap with a hydraulic cement. Is there anything else I should consider and would this be common practice? Thanks.

 

[darthsoilsguy2]

i would bet the gasket is pinched at some locations through the joint and won't look like the "Fix" detail you provided. Tarp the structure, warm it up, and push it home.

 

[bimr]

The sketch you provided does not show much bearing surface if you have the 2-Inch gap. It would seems that this is not adequate. It seems that it would make sense to take the panel apart and see what is preventing the joint from closing.

 

[CBard]

Documentation was submitted by the manufacturer to demonstrate their proposal was sufficient. None of the documentation proved to me it would be adequate to fill the gap with hydraulic cement and the tank will be rejected. Thank you for your help.

 

[zelgar]

Thanks for the update. I hope this put your project too far behind on schedule.

 

[darthsoilsguy2]

sometime spellcheck isn't enough zelgar

 

[nackra]

I would expect some variations in fabrication tolerances. Have any gaskets "rolled"?

You may need to use some hydraulic or screw jacks to spread the pinch points so the gasket joints will push home.

 

[zelgar]

Naw, I'm just a sadist.