Project Scope
Ingenia was engaged by McMahon Services for a project involving the supply, construction, and installation of a new elevated storage tank and water main pipeline at Hermannsburg in the NT. This elevated water tank was crucial for supplying drinking water to the Aboriginal community of Hermannsburg, located 130 km west of Alice Springs..
Executing this elevated storage tank project in a remote location brought several unique challenges. The tank, with its substantial size of 8.5m in diameter and 3.4m in height, was designed to hold 160 kl of drinking water. Ingenia’s team developed the structural support for the tank, including the top platform, accessways, structural frame, foundations, ladder access, and pipe supports, while also reviewing the US bolted tank design.
Challenges
Key challenges included integrating a specialised tank hold-down system, managing the weight of the frame and platform segments to stay within crane capacity limits, and optimising the structural design for efficient steel mass. A reduction in upper platform mass enabled the use of a 250-tonne crane to lift the platform and tank in a single operation, with the combined structure weighing 22 tonnes and reaching a height of 21m.
Conclusion
This elevated storage tank project was successfully completed through effective teamwork, coordination, and communication among all parties, from the initial design phase to final installation and commissioning. The outcome ensures a reliable water supply for the Hermannsburg community, reflecting Ingenia’s commitment to practical engineering solutions in challenging environments.
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