Tank Pad Preparation

GENERAL GUIDELINES ON PAD PREPERATION FOR ABOVE GROUND TANKS.

 

This page should be used as a guide only, as different tank models have different requirements. For full installation instructions for a specific model, please refer to the data sheet for that model.

 

POLY SLIMLINE TANKS

CONCRETE SLAB
A concrete slab is the best pad for any poly slimline tank, and is essential for any slimline tanks with a width of 500mm or less. The surface of the slab must be flat, level, smooth, and larger than the base of the tank. The slab must be engineered to support the weight of the tank when full. Usually, a 100mm thick slab with F62 reinforcing on firm, near level ground is sufficient for most slimline tanks.

FILL MATERIAL
A pad of fill material such as sand or crusher dust can be suitable for most poly slimline tanks with a width 500mm or more. The fill material must be granular and have a grain size less than 5mm. Crusher dust (very fine road base) is the preferred material. The fill material must be min 75mm thick and shored (for example with garden sleepers) to protect against erosion. It must be compacted prior to tank delivery, and the surface of the material must be flat, level, and larger than the base of the tank. The pad must be inspected regularly for any signs of erosion, subsidence, or animal burrowing, as any of these things may cause the tank to leak and will void the tank warranty.

TANK STAND
A tank stand can be suitable for most poly slimline tanks with a width 500mm or more. The top of the stand must be flat, level, smooth, and larger than the base of the tank. If using sleepers or similar for the deck of the tank stand, the gap between the sleepers should not exceed 10mm. The stand must be engineered to support the weight of the tank when full, and will require footings to support the legs of the stand. An engineer should be consulted.


POLY ROUND & UNDERDECK TANKS

CONCRETE SLAB
A concrete slab is the best pad for any poly round or underdeck tank. The surface of the slab must be flat, level, smooth, and larger than the base of the tank. The slab must be engineered to support the weight of the tank when full. Usually, a 100mm thick slab with F62 reinforcing on firm, near level ground is sufficient for most smaller tanks. Larger tanks may require footings and or additional reinforcing; an engineer should be consulted.

FILL MATERIAL
A pad of fill material such as sand or crusher dust can be suitable for most poly round and underdeck tanks. The fill material must be granular and have a grain size less than 5mm. Crusher dust (very fine road base) is the preferred material. The fill material must be min 75mm thick and shored (for example with garden sleepers) to protect against erosion. It must be compacted prior to tank delivery, and the surface of the material must be flat, level, and larger than the base of the tank. The pad must be inspected regularly for any signs of erosion, subsidence, or animal burrowing, as any of these things may cause the tank to leak and will void the tank warranty.

TANK STAND
A tank stand can be suitable for most poly round & underdeck tanks. The top of the stand must be flat, level, smooth, and larger than the base of the tank. If using sleepers or similar for the deck of the tank stand, the gap between the sleepers should not exceed 10mm. The stand must be engineered to support the weight of the tank when full, and will require footings to support the legs of the stand. An engineer should be consulted.

 

STEEL SLIMLINE, MODLINE & SQUARE TANKS

CONCRETE SLAB
A concrete slab is the required pad for any steel slimline, modline or square tank. The surface of the slab must be flat, level, smooth, and larger than the base of the tank. The slab must be engineered to support the weight of the tank when full. Usually, a 100mm thick slab with F62 reinforcing on firm, near level ground is sufficient for most slimline tanks. Larger tanks may require footings and or additional reinforcing; an engineer should be consulted. Clear access is required from the street to the slab.

TANK STAND
A tank stand can be suitable for most steel slimline, modline or square tanks. The top of the stand must be flat, level, smooth, and larger than the base of the tank. If using sleepers or similar for the deck of the tank stand, the gap between the sleepers should not exceed 10mm. The stand must be engineered to support the weight of the tank when full, and will require footings to support the legs of the stand. An engineer should be consulted.


STEEL ROUND TANKS

CONCRETE SLAB
A concrete slab is the best pad for any steel round tank. The surface of the slab must be flat, level, smooth, and larger than the base of the tank. The slab must be engineered to support the weight of the tank when full. Usually, a 100mm thick slab with F62 reinforcing on firm, near level ground is sufficient for most smaller tanks. Larger tanks may require footings and or additional reinforcing; an engineer should be consulted.

FILL MATERIAL
A pad of fill material such as sand or crusher dust can be suitable for larger steel round tanks with a diameter of 2m or larger. It is not suitable for use with a steel round tank less than 2m diameter. The fill material must be granular and have a grain size less than 5mm. Crusher dust (very fine road base) is the preferred material. The fill material must min. 100mm thick and be shored (for example with garden sleepers) to protect against erosion. It must be compacted prior to tank delivery, and the surface of the material must be flat, level, and larger than the base of the tank. The pad must be inspected regularly for any signs of erosion, subsidence, or animal burrowing, as any of these things may cause the tank to leak and will void the tank warranty.

TANK STAND
A tank stand can be suitable for most poly round & underdeck tanks. The top of the stand must be flat, level, smooth, and larger than the base of the tank. If using sleepers or similar for the deck of the tank stand, the gap between the sleepers should not exceed 10mm. The stand must be engineered to support the weight of the tank when full, and will require footings to support the legs of the stand. An engineer should be consulted.

 

This page provides general guidelines for pad preparation for above ground tanks. It should be used as a guide only, as different tank models have different requirements. For full installation instructions for a specific model, please refer to the data sheet for that model.