In the early 1900’s, a small community in the mountains of western Maryland, installed two potable water tanks that were open top and below grade. Over the years, they began leaking water into the basements of nearby residences, so several upgrades to the tanks were planned. The upgrades included the addition of metal dome roofs, electronic security systems with fencing, and a waterproof lining system. Contractors were invited to view the facility and bid the lining system while the tanks were still in service – first mistake. In hindsight, the inability to see the tanks empty at this stage was the catalyst of many problems encountered down the road on the project. Many of the problems that presented themselves as the job progressed were hidden when the job was bid because the tanks were full, and the contractors couldn’t anticipate or prepare for them. Some of the unforeseen problems included groundwater migrating through the floor and walls, expansion joints in excess of 2-inches wide and 8-inches deep on the floor of one of the tanks, and the questionable structural integrity of the tanks themselves.

Subject
Coating application, Protective coatings, Water, Coatings, Materials, Domes, Walls, Solids, Polyurea, Joints, Contractors, Concrete coatings, Lining
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2008
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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