Storage facility with integral foundation

Abstract

A process of constructing a storage facility, such as a tank, and the resultant storage facility product having an integral foundation is disclosed. Piles having conjoining sides are driven into the earth along a storage facility perimeter and pressure grouted to form a watertight perimeter. The piles penetrate into the earth to a depth where either the percolation of any acquifier into the storage facility or the leakage of product from the storage facility can be prevented. After installation of the piles. Soil is thereafter excavated below the existent ground level from the interior of the closed pile perimeter to the storage facility depth. The excavated soil is placed in a preferably compacted embankment immediately exterior of the piles perimeter where it extends above the ambient ground level. This compacted embankment together with the subterranean portion of the pile perimeter is maintained in a closed fluid-tight relation by the soil pressure arching adjacent piles compressively together. During excavation, wales are placed against the storage facility sides. When the excavation reaches the full tank depth, the tank bottom is finished typically by a concrete rat slab. A conventional top is then provided.