Case Study: New South Bend Water Storage Tank
•Case Study: New South Bend Water Storage Tank
While the University of Notre Dame has certainly contributed to the fame and fortune of South Bend, Indiana, a recent addition to the city's landscape has created its own unique interest. The newly constructed, 157-foot-high water storage tank tower is fast becoming an icon for South Bend, symbolizing the city's commitment to industrial development and growth. The presence of the water storage tank is complemented by the colorful, aesthetically pleasing Sherwin- Williams protective coatings that were applied to the structure last summer.
"The construction of the water storage tank was part of a master plan that forecasted the need for an elevated water supply because of increased industrial and residential development in South Bend's northwest area," says John Wiltrout, Director of Treatment, the South Bend Water Works. "This is a very appealing area for business and industry, and the tank is working like a beacon to bring in new growth."
Wiltrout is responsible for all water treatment activities from operations to maintenance and handles reporting requirements to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The 27-year-veteran says his job is to ensure compliance of the water quality standards for the distribution system, while meeting the consumption needs of all users.
The $2.36 million water storage tank project includes the land, roadway, engineering and tank and was designed, erected and painted by Chicago Bridge & Iron during the summer of 2002. The 1.5-million-gallon spheroid tank quenches the water needs of the city's 107,000 residents as well as its industrial and commercial users.
While there are other tank storage designs which utilize several structural "legs" for support, the spheroid shape is constructed with a single giant leg support and was selected because of easy maintenance. "There are no hidden places or crevices where I-beams connect and moisture can collect creating an environment for rust to form," says Wiltrout. "The spheroid design makes painting easier and the structure looks nice as well."
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•Case Study: New South Bend Water Storage
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