CALIRAYA WATER TANK INSPECTION REPORT

A site visit in Caliraya was conducted last Tuesday, September 15, 2015. I accompanied the visit to
inspect and provide recommendations regarding the 3 existing water tanks in the area, two 50,000
gallon and one 80,000 gallon capacity. Photos were attached in this report for the conditions of the
three water tanks.

I. First 50,000 gallon tank

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
 (e) (f)

Figure 1: (a) 50,0000-gal Elevated Water Tank, (b) Honeycomb formation in the pedestal,
(c) and (d) Rusted Structural Members, (e) Rusted Base Plate Connection, and
(f) Rusted Member Connection

The elevated water tank with a capacity of 50,000 gallons was the first one we visited. Its steel
structure was entirely corroded with rust. The steel members sizes were reduced by around 2 3
mm due to rust. In addition, the connections of every member, both bolted and welded
connections, were also damaged by the rust. Furthermore, the pedestal of the water tank had
honeycomb formation in the concrete.
II. Second 50,000 gallon tank

(a)

(b) (c)
 (d) (e)

(f) (g)

Figure 2: (a) 50,000-gal Water Tank, (b) (f) Rusted Base Plate Connections, (g) Rusted Member
Connections

The second elevated water tank also had a capacity of 50,000 gallons. It also was in the same state
as the first elevated water tank. The members corroded with rust as well as its connections. As seen
in Figure 2 (f), the rust had already eaten away the welds at the base plate.
III. 80,000 gallon tank

(a) (b)

(c)
(d) (e)

(f) (g)

(h) (i)
 (j) (k)

(m) (n)

Figure 3: (a) (c) 80,000-gal Water Tank, (d) (g) Rusted Member Connections, (h) (n) Rusted Base
Plate Connections

This elevated water tank has a capacity of 80,000 gallons. It was also in a similar state with the first
two tanks. Its members were corroded with rust as well as its connections. The steel members,
especially at the base plate, has been reduced in thickness by probably 3 4mm, judging by the
amount of rust that can be removed from the members, as seen in Figure 3 (n).
Recommendations

Based on the ocular inspection of the 3 water tanks, I would recommend replacing the whole
structure. The cross-sectional area of the steel members were reduced by an approximate of 10
15%. Moreover, the rust were already corroding the welded connections at the base plate, as well as
the bolted connections of the cross-bracings. The anchor bolts at the base plate were also corroded
with rust, which would weaken its anchorage to the concrete pedestal as well as the strength of the
bolt itself. With the connections damaged by the corrosion, the stability of the structure would be at
risk.

Retrofitting might be an option to stabilize the steel structure itself, by adding additional members
to compensate for the part of steel that are corroded and strengthening the welded connections. On
the other hand, the foundation would not be able to handle the additional dead weight produced by
retrofitting.

The tank itself might still be usable, which varies depending on the remaining plate thickness after
it was corroded by the rust, if it still within the limits of allowable design thickness. The welded
connections of the shell and the bottom plate should also be checked.