Appendix D - Brine Tank Assessment Report_Redacted.pdf
PDF 2 MB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 36C25722B0024
About this file
This report summarizes an assessment of an underground brine storage tank at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. The tank, located in the mechanical yard, consists of two chambers divided by a concrete wall and measures approximately 30 feet long by 12 feet wide. Both chambers contain salt and water and empty into a smaller mixing chamber. The assessment found significant cracking throughout the concrete tank top and walls, with loose chunks present. Steel corrosion and concrete spalling were seen on the reinforcing beams. The bottom of the tank was reported to be deteriorated as well. Given the observed condition, replacement of the tank rather than repair is recommended. Options discussed include an underground plastic or fiberglass tank, or above ground plastic or fiberglass tanks, with advantages and disadvantages outlined for each. Nearby utilities would need to be identified and protected during replacement.
The related federal contract opportunity is for Project 671-18-106 to replace water softeners at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 17. No further details are provided on requirements, response dates, or other terms.
View the file
Other files
Show all 41
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
APPENDIX D – BRINE TANK
ASSESSMENT REPORT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
AUDIE L. MURPHY MEMORIAL VA HOSPITAL
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Department of Veterans Affairs
Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
September 26, 2018
September 25, 2018
Brine Tank Assessment
OEI conducted a field assessment of the underground brine tank on the morning of September 11, 2018.
Joshua McClure, PhD, PE, CFM, PMP, and Tim Jensen, PE, of OEI assessed the tanks with the help of
Bryant De La Cruz, PE, of JQ Infrastructure. VA facilities staff assisted with removal of the tank lid and pumping down the liquid in the tank. The tank was assessed using visual assessment and cameras, including a pole mounted camera used to reach inside the tank. Only the eastern chamber could be inspected because the other tank was full of water and salt. The eastern tank still contained salt and some water; therefore, the bottom of the tank could not be observed.
The existing brine tank is located near the northeast corner of the mechanical yard (Figure 1), which is located on the northeast corner of the campus (Figure 2). It is an approximately 30-feet long by 12-feet wide rectangular concrete box that is divided into two equally sized chambers (Figure 3). The depth of the tank is unknown, but is reportedly 6 to 10 feet deep. The two chambers empty into a smaller (7.5 feet x 7.5 feet) mixing chamber. The top of the concrete chamber has a concrete top that is flush with the surrounding concrete paving. Each chamber top (Figure 4) has two 3-foot diameter manholes for access and inspection, an 8-inch diameter pipe with cap (Figure 5), and a smaller manhole for access to fill valves. Based on input from the VA staff, the tank is filled with salt every few months, and the water level is controlled by manually opening water valves (Figure 6) on the north side of the tank. Brine flows from each chamber into the mixing chamber through a 3 to 4 inch pipe in each chamber (Figure 7). The mixing chamber is reported to have a valve for controlling which chamber(s) feeds the mixing chamber.
A guard rail (Figure 8) protects the tanks and equipment along the west, south, and east side of the brine tank.
Figure 1. Location of brine tank
Brine Tank
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 2. Map of Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
Figure 3. Tank Diagram
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 4. Concrete chamber top
Figure 5. 8-inch diameter pipe with cap
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 6. Fill valve
Figure 7. Outlet pipe
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 8. Guard rail
The top of the tank was cracked significantly throughout (Figures 9, 10 and 11), including larger loose concrete chunks (Figure 12). The observable tank walls were in fair condition, with some cracking
(Figures 13 and 14), especially along the dividing wall (Figures 15 and 16). Most of the cracks were appeared to be structurally superficial, but may have allowed salt corrosion of the reinforcing steel based on the staining of the concrete surface (Figure 17). While the bottom of the tank could not be observed, the VA staff reported that the bottom of the tank was “broken up”, indicating likely steel corrosion and spalling. Each chamber has a concrete reinforcing beam running north-south between the manholes. Significant steel corrosion and concrete spalling were evident (Figures 18, 19 and 20) along the eastern chamber’s beam.
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 9. Cracked tank top
Figure 10. Cracking on bottom of tank top
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 11. Cracking and spalling on bottom of tank top
Figure 12. Larger loose concrete chunks
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 13. Cracked tank wall
Figure 14. Cracked tank wall (top left corner)
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 15. Cracking along dividing wall
Figure 16. Cracking along dividing wall (part)
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 17. Corroded steel staining outlet pipe
Figure 18. Steel corrosion and concrete spalling along beam on bottom of tank top
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106
Figure 19. Salt fill pipe penetration
Figure 20. Splitting of beam
Considering the observed condition of the concrete top and reinforcing beams, as well as the reported condition of the tank bottom, it is recommended that the tank be considered for replacement rather than repair. While design of replacement or repairs is not included in this contract, several considerations for replacing the tanks is discussed below. Multiple options are available for brine tank replacement, including another underground concrete tank, plastic/fiberglass underground tank(s), and above ground plastic/fiberglass tank. VA staff indicated that a plastic or fiberglass tank would be preferable to concrete to avoid the corrosion issues experienced with the existing tank. The advantages of a properly constructed underground tank are that the space above them can be used for other purposes (driveway, parking etc.). The disadvantage is that they are harder to maintain. Above ground
San Antonio, TX 78229
Project # 671-18-106 tanks can be easier to access and maintain, but take up above ground space. Above ground tanks can generally be made taller, thus requiring a smaller overall footprint, which is advantageous if the area above the tank is to be reserved as it is now. An above ground tank may require a change in operation since not all salt delivery services may be able to pneumatically convey salt into the above ground tank.
If the new tank is located in the same location as the existing tank, then the existing brine line into the building can likely be used, although it may need to be rehabilitated. There are likely numerous utilities in the vicinity of the brine tank. These could be impacted by replacement or relocation of the tank. They will need to be located during the design process and consideration given to protection and/or relocation as necessary.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .