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Analysis
of
50,000 Gallon Elevated Water Storage Tank
Client: Don Henley
Date: October 2015
Prepared by:
MTG Engineers & Surveyors, Inc.
5930 Summerhill Road
Texarkana, TX 75503
Phone: 903‐838‐8533
TBPE Firm No. 354
Elevated Tank Report
Linden, Texas
1 INTRODUCTION
MTG Engineers & Surveyors, Inc. conducted an engineering analysis of the 50,000 gallon
elevated tank in Linden, Texas. Raley & Associates assisted MTG by providing structural
engineering and Utility Service Group (a tank refurbisher) assisted by providing inspection and
contracting assistance.
The tank is currently 80 years old. It is due to be decommissioned with the Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) from use in storing water. It is in need of minor structural
repairs. With structural repairs, recoating and future preventative maintenance, it is expected
that the tank could last at least another 100 years.
The remainder of this report details our findings.
2
SCOPE OF WORK
The scope of work included the following:
An opinion of structural integrity for the tower foundations, supports and bowl,
An opinion of structural integrity for the appurtenant items of the tower including
ladders, walkways and bracing,
An opinion of the structural integrity for the fire station building,
Recommendations for repair to allow for another 80 years of use.
3
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Conceptual planning for the Linden water system including the elevated tank was begun
around 1932. The project was developed by Chicago Bridge and Iron Works of Chicago, Illinois
through their Birmingham, Alabama facility. Erection of the tower was complete in 1934.
Copies of the available plans are located in Appendix 1 of this report.
The tank totals 125 feet 5 inches to the bowl overflow with components consisting of the
following:
Multi‐leg (four) support structure with a 50,000 gallon holding capacity,
Steel construction,
Elevated Tank Report
Linden, Texas
Reinforced concrete foundations (each 7.5 feet square by six feet deep),
Steel superstructure (three tiers of struts and posts) with steel rod bracing,
Balcony with handrail
Cast iron pipe riser (8 inch diameter)
Appurtenant structural items (upper walkway for riser maintenance, conical steel roof
and access ladders),
Appurtenant non‐structural items for instrumentation, power, siren and antennas,
Red lead paint.
Since 1934 the tank has served Linden with continuous service in providing water storage and
system pressure. Linden has been notified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(TCEQ) to repair or decommission the tank. After study of these two options, it was
determined that tank:
Lacked sufficient elevation to provide needed pressure plane, and
Lacked sufficient volume to serve municipal needs.
Linden then constructed alternate tank facilities with plans to decommission the older tank.
4
INSPECTION OF TANK
MTG along with our structural engineer and tank contractor met on site to inspect the tank.
The inspection consisted of visual observations of the foundations, steel superstructure and
tank components. Samples of paint were obtained to determine if lead was present in the
paint.
Photographs of the tank and findings can be found in Appendix 2.
In general, the tank was found to be in good shape for a structure almost eighty years old.
Keey structural elements of the elevated tank ‐‐ foundation, legs, beams, struts, wind rods and
braces – remain strong and function as constructed. Many items require minor repair. The
only critical repair needed is the reinforcement of the anchor bolt at the southwest corner
foundation. It is to be noted that anchor bolts can be reinforced with high‐grade epoxy
insertions for a quick and cost effective repair. More discussion can be found later in this
report.
Elevated Tank Report
Linden, Texas
Following are tank items requiring some repair:
The connection of the tower post to the foundation is through a single two inch
diameter anchor bolt. The anchor bolt at the southwest foundation has deteriorated
to the point that it probably no longer functions as designed. Two other bolts show
potential deterioration.
The ladder connections for both the balcony and riser access require bracing.
The cast iron finial and revolving ladder connection at the tank top are deteriorated.
The access hatch to the tank bowl is undersized.
There are no safety guides on ladders or rails.
The connection of the riser to the bowl shows some rust.
The level indicator is in place but not functioning.
From discussions with the city it is understood that there may be loose internal
supports to the tank bowl. From a review of the plans and discussions with Utility
Service Group, there are no internal supports integral to the design, but may be spider
rods. These rods were commonly used to keep the tank round during construction but
are not structural.
It is to be noted that most of these items are minor in nature and not unexpected in a
structure of this age and type. Some of these items are to meet newer codes.
5
INSPECTION OF ADJACENT FIRE HOUSE BUILDING
An old fire station is located just north of the tank. The building has a timber frame and
stucco walls. There are two stories. Building foundations are both cast in place concrete
and/or concrete block.
Several of the timber columns have been replaced with steel supports. Floor joists, roof joists
and wall studs show signs of rot and termite damage. The roof has collapsed on the north
end.
Elevated Tank Report
Linden, Texas
6
LABORATORY TESTING
Samples of the exterior tank coating were sent for laboratory testing to determine if lead is
present in the paint. The results were positive for lead. Copies of the laboratory report can be
found in Appendix 3.
7
TANK DECOMMISSIONING
To address TCEQ concerns, the City of Linden has elected to remove the tank from active
service for water storage and system pressure. The schedule for this effort is November 2015.
Decommissioning of the tank can be through either an air gap in the riser or by severing and
capping water lines to/from the tower. At this time, it appears that the latter option will be
used.
8
TANK RECOMMENDATIONS
A structural analysis using the 2012 International Building Code shows that the tank support
system meets current building codes provided the below recommendations are followed and
made.
The structural integrity of the tank is good. Repairs are needed to ensure that the tank
remains structurally sound. The recommended repairs are as follows:
Provide additional foundation to tank connection at the southwest foundation. This
can be accomplished by additional anchor bolts and connection to the post bearing
plate as shown in Appendix 4 detail. At the remaining anchor bolts, exercise the nut
to inspect the bolt. If any other bolt shows distress then repair with the same detail.
Provide new welds and/or bracing at the connection points for the ladders to the
tower.
Replace the cast iron finial ball and secure the revolving ladder connection to the
tank. This will be non‐functioning; however, it retains the original appearance.
Elevated Tank Report
Linden, Texas
The access hatch to the tank bowl is undersized for current OSHA requirements for
tank entry. The current hatch should be replaced with a similar hatch style to allow
access for future maintenance.
Safety climb systems for connecting climbing harnesses should be placed on ladders
and rails.
The connection of the riser to the bowl shows some rust, and the rust should be
removed and repainted.
Openings in the bowl require screens or attachments to include the roof vent and
overflow (flapper valve).
Cabling, conduits, instrumentation, antennas and wiring should be removed.
A new rigid conduit with wiring for power should be installed.
The water level indicator is not operational, but can be left in place for restoration.
Ballast is required to maintain structural integrity. Water or an inert dry material of
sufficient weight to compensate for the loss of water may be required to maintain
tank stability.
The TCEQ does not require recoating if the tank is decommissioned from use to store
water. Recoating is nevertheless good practice because it provides protection for the
steel from rust and thus extends the useful life of the structure. It is therefore
recommended that the tank be recoated on both the interior and exterior surfaces.
Because of the lead in the existing paint, removed paint requires collection and
disposal in an approved landfill facility. Specific coatings are noted in Appendix 5.
In addition to this report, the findings of Raley & Associates can be found in Appendix 4 and
the findings of Utility Service Group in Appendix 5.
9
FUTURE USE OF TANK
With the decommissioning of the tank for water storage and system pressure, the tank could
be restored. The recommended repair items all need to be addressed.
The tank is structurally strong enough to be used as an icon or monument. Decorative or
accent lights can be placed on the tower, although aircraft warning lights are not specifically
required. The tank could be adorned with flags, banners, lights and other light weight items.
Antennas are suitable as a future use.
Elevated Tank Report
Linden, Texas
All future uses of the tank involving appurtenant or attached items should be reviewed by a
professional engineer before mounting to determine suitability and installation details.
10
CLOSING SUMMARY
The City of Linden water tank commissioned in 1934 is scheduled to be decommissioned from
use as a water tank in late 2015. This study was conducted to determine the viability of
continued use of the tank as an icon or monument.
Inspections of the tank showed areas requiring attention and work. The problems found were
not unexpected given the age and maintenance of the tank.
With the recommended repairs, it is expected that the tank would last at least 100 years. It is
to be noted that a new paint coating is required approximately every 10 years or so for
exterior paint and every 15 to 20 years for interior paint to protect the steel and realize the
full durability potential.