Elevated Bulk Storage Structure

Abstract

Elevated bulk storage structures are used to contain materials for various applications. This invention relates to a composite elevated bulk storage system where the form for the concrete pedestal remains as an integral part of the system to be the finished surface of the pedestal.

Description

The invention relates to an elevated bulk storage structure or tank commonly used for elevated water storage but not limited to water storage. Public utilities, manufacturers, producers and other firms use elevated bulk storage for water, various liquids, slurries and dry products.

Elevated water tanks are commonly made of steel, concrete or combinations of the two. Composite tanks using both concrete and steel generally use concrete for the pedestal and steel for the storage vessel. Concrete pedestals have been constructed with methods generally referred to as jump formed, slip formed or other method where a temporary form is used to contain the concrete until set and the form subsequently removed. Exposed concrete is the pedestal's finished surface. Preformed concrete has also been used to build tanks and pedestals. Similarly, the exposed surface is concrete.

Form systems for residential and commercial building applications have been developed where the form contains poured concrete and remains as part of the building after the concrete hardens.

This invention uses a form system for a concrete pedestal that remains as an integral part of the pedestal of the elevated tank. The form can be of synthetic or natural materials that cover the outside and/or inside surface(s) of the pedestal. The form would normally be the finished surface of the structure but could be covered with facing, trim or surface treatment. The form is designed to contain concrete but could contain any filler materials suitable for the loads imposed. The form accommodates doors, windows, vents, pipes and various penetrations.

The storage vessel can be but is not limited to fabricated steel or formed concrete similar to the pedestal. The storage vessels have been made of wood, various metals, and synthetic materials. The storage vessel is secured to the pedestal to accommodate structural loads imposed by the contents, wind, seismic events and other forces as could be present. The pedestal is attached to a foundation to accommodate similar loads.

FIG. 1 shows the general view of the elevated storage structure.

FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of a typical pedestal form system.

Claims

1. An elevated bulk storage structure for water, other liquids, slurries, or dry materials composed of a supporting pedestal and storage vessel where the pedestal portion is formed of concrete and the form or portion of the form becomes a permanent component of the pedestal exterior and/or interior surface.

2. The form in claim 1 is of synthetic materials.

3. The form in claim 1 is of natural materials.

4. The form in claim 1 is the exposed finished surface.

5. The form in claim 1 is covered with trim, facing or surface treatments.

6. The form in claim 1 contains a material other than concrete.

7. The pedestal in claim 1 is cylindrical or of other regular or irregular polygon shape.

8. The pedestal in claim 1 accommodates doors, windows, vents, pipes and other penetrations.

9. The storage vessel in claim 1 is of steel.

10. The storage vessel in claim 1 is of synthetic material.

11. The storage vessel in claim 1 is made with the same form as the pedestal.