Construction Materials

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS / TECHNIQUES FOR TANKS
1) Reinforced Concrete Construction

2) Acrylic construction
3) Crystallization waterproofing
4) Fiberglass reinforced plastic construction
5) All glass construction
Reinforced Concrete Construction
For tanks of sizes larger than 10000 gallons, reinforced cement block or concrete is suitable.
Though its strength and durability is satisfactory for tank construction,problems arise when concrete is
immersed in salt water for a long period. Because of salt water in the tank and the porous nature of
concrete and concrete block, corrosion is a major consideration.
An impervious coating of epoxy or butyl rubber is necessary as these materials are relatively inert and
will not cause water contamination as well. Furthermore, when concrete is immersed in water
continuously free lime is released, making the water alkaline and hence a thorough washes of the tanks
Acrylic construction
ACRYLIC CONSTRUCTION
Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic, often used as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative
to glass.
Properties of Acrylic glass Maximum Temperature: 194°F 90°C
Tensile Strength 7,000 psi
Clear and transparent
Minimum Temperature: -76°F-60°C
Good UV Resistance
40% lesser weight than glass
Rigid
When using acrylics for aquarium construction, care must be taken as it is susceptible to scratching,
hence it is not suitable for tanks holding organisms with shells and teeth
Flexibility
Acrylic sheet is much more flexible than glass or many other building materials
Electrical Properties:
Acrylic sheet is an excellent insulator. Its surface resistivity is higher than that of most plastics.
Size of Acrylic sheet
Acrylic sheet is made in over 250 colors, in thicknesses from 030 to 4.25 and can transmit ultraviolet
light or filter it out. All the acrylic panels are made of casted large monolithic acrylic blocks of high
quality. Acrylic windows by Hydro sight are available in standard sizes up to 6m width and 3m height.
Panels can be extended by bonding two or even more blocks together
I panels can be cut to desired dimensions All acrylic panels have the following ributes:
Resistance against UV Light. Acrylic will not yellow A clear distortion free
view
Ease of care and clean
Good heat insulation
Very good thermo formability.
Excellent weather resistance
Low dimensional tolerances
Withstands higher pressure
Predictable long term behavior
Extremely high stability and break resistance
Crystallization waterproofing
Crystallization Waterproofing is a unique, surface applied penetrative capillary water proofing system
that provides total and permanent waterproofing solution to water leakage, ingress or seepage in
concrete structures or any substrates. Crystallization Waterproofing is a blend of selected cement, high-
grade silica aggregates and moisture activated chemicals. In the presence of water, the active chemicals
present will penetrate in to the water bearing capillaries of concrete and react with lime to produce
insoluble crystals. This crystalline growth will seal the pores and hair line cracks in the concrete and thus
effectively block further passage of water.
FIBERGLASS REINFORCED PLASTICS
Fiberglass reinforced plastics are composite plastic materials.
The base material of fiberglass reinforced plastics in polyester resin, usually with glass cloth or mat
reinforcing Polyester resins have good strength, toughness, and chemical resistance characteristics and
adhere easily to other materials.
It is suitable for mid size tanks (300 to 1000 gallons)
However it is not transparent and must be used with other transparent materials such as glass and
acrylic where viewing is required.
ALL GLASS CONSTRUCTION
. Commercial glass is an alloy typically containing traces of oxides of Sodium and Calcium Newer types of
glass are now available such as borosilicate, crystal glass containing lead, etc Glass is theoretically
strong, hard, and resistant to weathering and to most chemicals. It is non toxic however its brittle
property reduces its actual strength considerably.
• Nevertheless, with proper care, glass can be very durable. Most tank failures start at the sealant rather
than from the glass.
• Where there are risks or impact or accidents, safety glass or tempered glass can be used as extra
safety precaution.

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CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS / TECHNIQUES FOR TANKS

1) Reinforced Concrete Construction

Reinforced Concrete Construction

Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic, often used as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative

Properties of Acrylic glass Maximum Temperature: 194°F 90°C

Tensile Strength 7,000 psi

Clear and transparent

Minimum Temperature: -76°F-60°C

40% lesser weight than glass

Size of Acrylic sheet

Ease of care and clean

Good heat insulation

Very good thermo formability.

Excellent weather resistance

Low dimensional tolerances

Withstands higher pressure

Predictable long term behavior

Extremely high stability and break resistance

Fiberglass reinforced plastics are composite plastic materials.

It is suitable for mid size tanks (300 to 1000 gallons)

ALL GLASS CONSTRUCTION

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