Reinforced backfill for underground storage tanks

[coopernik]

Hello,

I am working as geotechnical consultant in Europe. We carry out a big project : The construction of underground storage tanks for crude oil.

There are 4 tanks. Each tank has a capacity of 40 000 m3.b

We designed the backfill reinforced with geosynthetics to prevent any problems with distribution of earth pressure around the tanks. The larger part of the project consists of an irregular excavation.

My contractor has a problems with the performance of reinforced backfill with regards to required 100 year lifetime of construction.

Anybody heard about the underground storage tanks with the backfill reinforced with geosynthetics?
Any example from U.S. experience?

What is your opinion about a longtime performance of geosynthetics materials?

My point of view is simple. I accept any designs consists longtime performance of geosynthetics because in this case it´s not about geosynthetics, polimers, materials, but it´s all about the behaviour of the soil itself.

waiting for your answers
Piotr Pawlikowski
Prague, Czech Republic

 

[JML4TCM]

Geosynthetic reinforced walls and slopes are typically designed for a 75 to 100 year design life. Once in the ground geosynthetic reinforcement will last a very long time. Contact one of you local geosynthetic manufacturers. Polyfelt or Tencate in Europe could help.