Expert: jonewall - 1/31/2010

Question
QUESTION:   I have just started a greywater irrigation/rainwater catchment business in CA and have just got my first customer. I am installing some water tanks and don't know where to find information about loading.
 The structure is framed 2x12"s @ 24"OC with 5/8"(?) tongue and groove over it. I am worried about a 250 gallon tank (~2100lbs full) that is 34" in diameter.

 Will the structure support the one 250gallon tank?

 If not will supporting the structure under the tank be enough? If that doesn't work I am going to install 4x 60 gallon tanks that are 24" in diameter each (~500lbs full).

 Along with this specific question, is there anywhere i can find weight allowance/square foot for types different types of framing? I really hope it doesn't involve diving into the 10000 page code book.

Thank you
Wes

ANSWER:   Wes

what kind of tanks are you using   steel or fiberglass

why do you have to put tanks on a wood support?

why can you not put tanks on ground?

if you have to raise above ground    consider solid concrete blocks  advise

give me more details   is this a roof water run off system ?   storage of rain water ??

distribution lines ???

if you go to a lumber yard for materials they should be able to give you the information you are looking for.

jon e

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jon,
 The tanks are polyethylene. They are rainwater collection tanks and need to be raised up high enough to create some pressure for the hose. There is an existing structure that would be perfect for the tank/barrels but i dont know much about framing.
thanks

Answer
wes

1.  The structure is framed 2x12"s @ 24"OC with 5/8"(?) tongue and groove over it.


the area of the support  2' x length =  sq of support area WHAT IS LENGTH ???

2. I am worried about a 250 gallon tank (~2100lbs full) that is 34" in diameter. X LENGTH______________  = SUPPORT AREA

fiberglass tank is  __________lbs.   total filled with water is __________ lbs

IS THE SUPPORT LAYING ON THE GROUND OR????
IF YES/NO   DOES GRADE SLOPE AWAY FROM SUPPORT ????

THERE ARE MORE QUESTIONS AND VARIABLES THAT NEED TO BE ANSWERED TO DIRECT YOU .
WOOD SUPPORTS REQUIRE MAINTENANCE ( PAINT ? )
I WOULD SUGGEST USING SOLID MASONRY BLOCK STACKED 2 HIGH AT EACH END OF THE TANK ON A CEMENT OR GRAVEL LEVELING BASE. OR IF YOU USE HOLLOW CORE BLOCKS THE CORES SHOULD BE FILLED WITH CEMENT MORTAR

GOOD LUCK
JON E