Title:
Containment Structures in the Chemical Industry
Author(s):
Lawrence J. Valentine
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
22
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
51-56
Keywords:
chemicals; containment structures; durability; seepage; shrinkage-compensating concretes
DOI:
Date:
1/1/2000
Abstract:
Tank farms, truck racks, and other locations in the chemical industry where liquid chemicals are stored or transferred are designed to contain incidental drips and spills as well as a potential catastrophic tank or vessel failure. This article presents a method of designing and constructing containment structures without joints, seams, or shrinkage cracks which may provide leakage paths to the subgrade. Shrinkage compensating concrete is used to construct these monolithic structures with increased durability and decreased maintenance. Examples are provided of interesting design and construction developments and lessons learned from several projects.