Project Description
Post-Tensioned Water Tank for Regional Resilience
Drinking water storage capacity for Shepparton, Mooroopna and surrounding communities will increase by 40 per cent as part of a $22.4 million infrastructure investment at Goulburn Valley Water’s Shepparton operations centre.
The centrepiece of the upgrade is a 36‑megalitre post‑tensioned concrete water tank, designed to deliver long‑term durability, crack control and watertight performance, critical requirements for potable water infrastructure.
Client: DYWIDAG Systems International Construction Pty Ltd
Scope highlights include expert installation of multi‑strand post‑tensioning, incorporating a post‑tensioned base slab and base ring with a 19‑strand anchorage system arranged in two layers of tendons.
Complex Installation and Precision Stressing
The project involved a complex stressing sequence, with each tendon stressed simultaneously and half‑ring tendons anchored at an angle to achieve the required force distribution. The installation was executed safely, accurately and successfully, meeting both performance and construction program requirements
Why Post-Tensioning is Used in Water Tanks
Post‑tensioning applies a controlled compressive stress to concrete members using high‑strength steel tendons. This counteracts tensile forces that develop as the tank fills, significantly reducing the likelihood of cracking and leakage.
For water storage structures, post‑tensioning improves crack control, durability under sustained hydrostatic loading, and long‑term lifecycle performance.
Structurally Efficient Design with Reduced Reinforcement
By actively placing the concrete in compression, post‑tensioning reduces reliance on conventional reinforcement typically required in reinforced concrete tanks. The result is a structurally efficient solution with enhanced durability and reduced maintenance over the asset’s service life.
Post-Tensioning Approaches for Water Storage Tanks
Three post‑tensioning configurations are commonly used in tank and reservoir construction:
• Internal bonded post‑tension tendons
• Internal unbonded post‑tension tendons
• Externally applied unbonded post‑tensioning using double‑extruded monostrand tendons
