FREE WEBINAR: Tank Buoyancy and Anti-Flotation Measures
- Delaware - Onsite Septic System Contractors
- Indiana - Professional Engineers
- Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA - CIOWTS
- Maine - Plumbing Inspectors
- Maine - Site Evaluator
- Maine - Voluntary Certification for On-Site System Contractors
- Massachusetts - Soil Evaluator
- Massachusetts - System Inspectors
- National Environmental Health Association - NEHA
- Nebraska - Onsite Wastewater System Contractors
- New Hampshire - Designers & Installers
- New York - Land Surveyors
- New York - Professional Engineers
- North Carolina - Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
- Ohio - Sewage Treatment System Contractors
- Wisconsin - Commercial Plumbing Inspector Certification
- Wisconsin - Journeyman Plumber
- Wisconsin - Master Plumber
- Wisconsin - POWTS Inspector Certification
- Wisconsin - POWTS MAINTAINER Registration
- Wisconsin - Soil Tester Certification
This live webinar was recorded to view at your convenience.
Watch NowAbstract
An important consideration in the installation of septic, pump, or holding tanks is the risk of flotation due to the presence of groundwater above the bottom of the tank. The goal of this presentation is to prompt regulators, designers, and installers to think about buoyancy for the installation of any tank installation. When a rigid object such as an empty septic, pump, or holding tank is partially or fully submerged in groundwater, an upward force is exerted on the object that is equal to the weight of the displaced groundwater. This presentation will develop two very simple models for evaluating buoyant force. Engineering controls, such as ballast systems, concrete pads, and helical anchors and associated best installation practices are evaluated. This presentation will include a discussion of Archimedes’ principle, basic geotechnics of buried tanks, uplift forces, buoyancy control function, and buoyancy control best practices.
Speaker Biography
David Lentz, P.E., Regulatory Director
Dave Lentz manages Infiltrator Water Technologies’ government affairs department, with responsibility for regulation of the company’s effluent dispersal, tank, and treatment product lines. Nationally, Infiltrator is involved in rule making, legislation, and industry standards development supporting the onsite wastewater treatment system industry. Dave has 25 years of experience related to soil and groundwater systems. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in structural engineering and a Master’s degree in geotechnical engineering, and is a licensed professional engineer.