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Buried tanks
Buried tanks require a continuous waterproofing and containment barrier matched to burial depth, soil and groundwater pressure, stored fluid chemistry and tank-shell condition. This engineering guide frames the application intent without replacing the current system specification or product technical data sheet.
Use and application
The application intent is waterproofing of buried tanks. Start by qualifying the substrate, exposure, service level and maintenance constraints. Humidity Primer and Impermax Aqua 2K are typical reference products for this application. Compare the current Products and Systems documentation, and use the associated application context at Steel tanks containers to keep the scope distinct.
01
Burial, groundwater and tank shell
External faces see soil loading, groundwater and backfill abrasion; internal faces see the stored fluid, cleaning cycles and inspection access. Concrete shells bring porosity, alkalinity and cracking risk; steel shells need controlled preparation and corrosion management. Joints, shell-to-base transitions, manways, pipe penetrations, sumps and terminations need the same continuity as the main field before the lining route is fixed.
02
Layers and references
Define the sequence from prepared substrate through primer or bond coat, functional membrane or body coat, reinforcement where specified, and protective or finish layer where required. Use the current technical data sheet for preparation, mixing, consumption, thickness, overcoat windows and cure; the Calculator supports quantities, while Systems and the product references establish the applicable route.
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Common mistakes
- Treating external burial exposure and internal fluid immersion as the same service condition without checking chemistry and hydrostatic load.
- Applying over damp, contaminated or weak substrate, or over inadequately prepared metal, without a documented preparation and moisture check.
- Omitting manways, pipe penetrations, shell-to-base transitions and terminations, or closing the lining before checking continuity, adhesion, thickness and cure.
04
Operating sequence
1. Record burial depth, groundwater, stored-fluid chemistry, tank dimensions and service scenario. 2. Survey concrete or metal shell condition and map joints, manways, penetrations, sumps and repair zones. 3. Select a compatible route in Systems and verify every layer against the current technical data sheet. 4. Calculate quantities with the Calculator. 5. Approve a representative area, document preparation and application controls, inspect continuity and release the tank only when the project requirements are met.