TECHNICAL CHALLENGE: Large-Capacity Prestressed Concrete Tank Construction
Salt Lake County's rapid growth required a 5-million-gallon prestressed concrete water storage tank to serve thousands of Kearns area residents. This project demanded precision AWWA D110 Type III prestressed concrete construction with advanced seismic design for Utah's Wasatch Fault zone proximity.
Engineering Requirements:
- 5,000,000-gallon storage capacity utilizing wire-wound prestressed concrete construction
- AWWA D110 Type III compliance with precast wall panel construction methodology
- Seismic Zone 3 design, requiring advanced dynamic analysis and restraint systems
- Advanced concrete mix design optimized for freeze-thaw durability and long-term water quality protection
- Specialized coating systems, ensuring decades of potable water storage without contamination
- Integration with existing distribution, requiring precise hydraulic modeling and valve coordination
Geotechnical and Structural Challenges:
- Expansive clay soil conditions, requiring specialized foundation design and soil treatment
- High groundwater table necessitating advanced dewatering and waterproofing systems
- Seismic considerations, requiring restraint cable systems and flexible joint design
- Thermal stress management, accommodating temperature variations in a large concrete mass
PROJECT RESULTS: Concrete Construction Excellence Recognition
2023 Excellence in Concrete Award - Structures-Public Works Category
Technical Achievements:
- 5-million-gallon capacity serving continued municipal growth and development
- Seismic compliance exceeding Utah Building Code requirements for critical facilities
- Zero service disruption during construction and complex tie-in procedures
- 50+ year design life with advanced durability engineering and protection systems
- Superior water quality protection through specialized coating and materials selection
Construction Performance:
- Ahead of schedule completion demonstrating advanced project management capabilities
- Zero safety incidents during complex prestressed concrete construction operations
- Budget performance delivering taxpayer value through efficient construction methods
- Quality verification through comprehensive testing and inspection protocols
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE FOR CONCRETE SPECIALISTS:
Prestressed Concrete Mastery:
- AWWA D110 design standards for large-capacity water storage applications
- Wire-wound prestressing techniques utilizing automated tensioning and monitoring systems
- Advanced concrete technology, including high-strength mixes and supplementary materials
- Quality control protocols ensuring long-term structural integrity and water quality protection
Specialized Construction Skills:
- Large-scale tank construction, requiring precision coordination and specialized equipment
- Seismic design implementation for critical infrastructure in high-seismic zones
- Municipal infrastructure integration, coordinating with existing water distribution systems
- Advanced testing and commissioning procedures for critical water storage facilities
Professional Recognition:
- Excellence in Concrete Award, enhancing professional credentials and technical portfolio
- AWWA standards expertise demonstrating mastery of water industry technical requirements
- Municipal infrastructure specialization in Utah's high-growth construction market
ENGINEERING SOLUTION: Advanced Prestressed Concrete Technology
AWWA D110 Type III Construction: CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION-PRESTRESSED expertise utilizing industry-leading prestressed concrete techniques. The Type III design provides maximum quality control during construction with precast wall panel technology.
Advanced Concrete Engineering:
- High-strength concrete mix design utilizing 5,000 PSI compressive strength with supplementary cementitious materials
- Prestressing wire placement following AWWA D110 specifications with precise tension monitoring
- Precast wall panel construction, cast in a controlled environment for superior quality assurance
- Post-tensioned foundation ring providing enhanced foundation stability and crack control
Specialized Construction Techniques:
- Wire-wound prestressing utilizing high-strength steel wire with automated tensioning equipment
- Controlled concrete placement with advanced mix proportioning and temperature monitoring
- Precision panel erection, requiring specialized lifting equipment and alignment procedures
- Advanced curing protocols optimized for high-strength concrete development
Quality Assurance Engineering:
- Materials testing program exceeding AWWA requirements for concrete strength and durability
- Prestressing force verification utilizing load cells and elongation measurements
- Leak testing procedures, ensuring watertight construction before commissioning
- Long-term monitoring systems for structural health assessment and maintenance planning
