Storage tank

Abstract

A storage tank ( 10 ) for storing a fluid, such as water, having a wall defined by a plurality of panels ( 12 ) which are retained by opposed side edges between adjacent support members ( 11 ). The support members have a base portion ( 13 ) and a support portion ( 15 ) and are free-standing on the base portion ( 13 ) on an earthen floor allowing the tank ( 10 ) to be constructed at sites without concrete foundations such as a concrete pad or ring. Preferably all that is required prior to construction of the tank ( 10 ) is for the site to be graded (if necessary). The tank also has a liner ( 20 ) that lines the interior surfaces of the wall and the floor.

1 . A storage tank for storing a fluid, the storage tank comprising:
 a wall defined by a plurality of panels and a plurality of support members, wherein each of the support members has a base portion extending perpendicularly to the wall and a support portion that receives a reinforcement assembly, and each panel is retained by opposed side edges between respective support portions.   
     
     
         2 . A storage tank according to  claim 1 , further comprising a liner located on an inner side of the wall. 
     
     
         3 . A storage tank according to  claim 2 , wherein the liner lines an inner surface of the tank defined by an inner surface of the wall and a floor of the tank. 
     
     
         4 . A storage tank according to  claim 3 , wherein the floor of the tank is the surface upon which the support members are placed. 
     
     
         5 . A storage tank according to  claim 3 , wherein the floor is earthen. 
     
     
         6 . A storage tank according to  claim 1  wherein the base portion of each of the support members is planar and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective support portion. 
     
     
         7 . A storage tank according to  claim 1  wherein the support portion of each of the support members has an inner flange and an outer flange separated by a web portion. 
     
     
         8 . A storage tank according to  claim 1  wherein the support portion of each of the support members is an I-beam welded to the respective base portion. 
     
     
         9 . A storage tank according to  claim 1  wherein the panels are substantially planar concrete panels. 
     
     
         10 . A storage tank according to  claim 9  wherein the panels are prestressed reinforced concrete panels. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A storage tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement assembly does not increase the footprint of the tank. 
     
     
         13 . A storage tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement assembly comprises one or more cables that extend around the wall of the tank. 
     
     
         14 . A storage tank according to  claim 13 , wherein the support members each have an aperture in the respective support portion to receive the one or more cables. 
     
     
         15 . A storage tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the tank does not require concrete foundations. 
     
     
         16 . A method of assembling a tank on a site, the method comprising the steps of:
 arranging a plurality of support members around the site by placing a base portion of the support member onto a surface of the site such that the support members are self standing;   mounting a plurality of panels between adjacent pairs of self standing support members to form a continuous wall that defines the perimeter of the tank: and applying a reinforcement assembly to a support portion of the support members.   
     
     
         17 . A method of assembling a tank on a site according to  claim 16  further comprising the step of grading the site prior to arranging the plurality of support members. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method of assembling a tank on a site according to  claim 16  wherein the step of applying a reinforcement assembly comprises running a tensioning line around the perimeter of the wall. 
     
     
         21 . A method of assembling a tank on a site according to  claim 20 , wherein the step of running a tensioning line around the perimeter of the wall comprises running one or more cables through apertures in the support portions of the support members. 
     
     
         22 . A method of assembling a tank on a site according to  claim 21 , further comprising the step of tensioning and securing the one or more cables with cable wedges. 
     
     
         23 . A method of assembling a tank on a site according to  claims 16  further comprising the step of installing at least one liner to an inner surface of the wall and a floor of the tank. 
     
     
         24 . A storage tank according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the support members is a stressing support member, the stressing support member including a flange and a tab connected to the flange. 
     
     
         25 . A storage tank according to  claim 24 , wherein the stressing support member has a standard aperture and an offset aperture located in the tab connected to the flange. 
     
     
         26 . A storage tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the base portion of the support member has a longitudinal axis which extends perpendicularly to the wall.