Slatted Tank - Support Pilars

[Xiaomi]

Looking at putting up a slatted tank which will require a central support pillar to bridge the span (30ft x 30ft).

What is the best practice for installing these support columns and does it matter where the mixing point is in relation to it? I was hoping to put the mixing point in closest corner to the shed entry. Intention for this was to minimise the dead space behind the mixing pump.
Is there any effect of the pumped slurry on these pillars - I presume the sidewards force of the pumped slurry will have an effect of some sort.

 

[e3120]

If it's only 30x30 with a pillar plonked in the middle, slurry will just flow round the outside and the pillar shouldn't be any bother/under strain.

A lot of years ago I remember a block-built one not holding a lot (part of the problem) going for a jaunt when mixing. Just make sure it's properly tied into the floor.

 

[Xiaomi]

Thanks - I presume they need to be poured concrete and reinforced with re-bar? Could they be block built?
My concern (and I don't know how valid it was) was that the force of the slurry exiting the mixing pump would put a lateral load on the pillar which could cause collapse. So, as long as the tank is relatively full then it should be okay?

 

[dave6470]

its safer to put the mixing port outside the building

 

[Xiaomi]

Outside isn't an option unfortunately.

 

[upnortheast]

Ours has 12 inch concrete pipes ( 2nds ) tied into the floor with rebar & filled up with concrete.

 

[bkg]

Ours has 12 inch concrete pipes ( 2nds ) tied into the floor with rebar & filled up with concrete.View attachment 970733

Just for sh1!s and giggles how much is that costing ? More details please and picture s thanks.

 

[upnortheast]

Was 12 years ago. dread to think what todays price would be

 

[Xiaomi]

Ours has 12 inch concrete pipes ( 2nds ) tied into the floor with rebar & filled up with concrete.

Is that the standard approach for these pillars - seems a better system that block built.

 

[upnortheast]

Don't think there is a standard way. That was our shed man's preferred method. Was on a farm where they had tried to shutter pillars. Never again was the summary.

 

[e3120]

Ours were shuttered, 2 piece round moulds. Didn't seem any bother. Also saw them done with 4 x 2ft pans, back when whole tank was done the same way. When men were men...

 

[Xiaomi]

Builder suggested a built pillar tied and centre poured - I've got a preference for the upnortheast implementation., but should be equivalent.

Does anyone have block pillars - apart from the one e3120 said that failed?

 

[upnortheast]

Ours has 12 inch concrete pipes ( 2nds ) tied into the floor with rebar & filled up with concrete.View attachment 970733

Shed man hired one of those hopper things you see dangling from tower cranes on building sites. Adaptor so it went on pallet forks and filling the pipes was easy.

 

[Bald Rick]

Builder suggested a built pillar tied and centre poured - I've got a preference for the upnortheast implementation., but should be equivalent.

Does anyone have block pillars - apart from the one e3120 said that failed?

Don’t use block as you need a round pillar to allow slurry to flow.

You can buy cardboard formers from a company in Essex or you could use twin wall but it has to be big enough to take the beam.
Make a skeleton of weld mesh for the interior of the pillar and double mesh the concrete directly under each pillar. There is a lot of weight bearing down on them especially if you are using 15’ slats.

If I remember, I will put up some pics which explain better than text

 

[Gerbert]

Ours has 12 inch concrete pipes ( 2nds ) tied into the floor with rebar & filled up with concrete.View attachment 970733

How will that be mixed? Never seen it done that way with pillars. Overhere it is done with walls so to make a channel the width of the slats. Then a wall with a hole to put a fan type mixer through.

 

[upnortheast]

How will that be mixed? Never seen it done that way with pillars. Overhere it is done with walls so to make a channel the width of the slats. Then a wall with a hole to put a fan type mixer through.

4 slat access points to drop stirrer in

 

[Xiaomi]

Each access pt covering approx 60ft x 40ft?
No problems mixing or is it kept watery for stirring?

 

[jamesy]

Appropriately sized twin wall cut to length as a firm for pillar?

 

[Davy]

Appropriately sized twin wall cut to length as a firm for pillar?

Split the twin wall and bolt a length of angle down the lengths so you can bolt the two half's together and reuse them.

 

[zyklon]

Haven’t seen tanks done with pillars in years. Thing of the past around my way. A complete nightmare to erect and of no benefit. Walls are a far better job and tank mixing is simple. Any large pillar tanks around me have had air bubbler mixing systems fitted due to mixing issues.