Pyes Pa potable water storage tanks & geodesic dome  

This 10,000m³ bolted-steel liquid storage tank is one of two that Rendertech has supplied to Tauranga City Council to meet the city’s fast-growing demand for water. Sited in the residential area of Pyes Pa, it had to look good as well as meet regulations.

THE CHALLENGE

With Tauranga’s rapid commercial and residential growth over the last few years, lots more water is required to meet rising demand. As part of a wider strategy to update and expand its water infrastructure, Tauranga City Council contracted Rendertech to design and erect its Pyes Pa Reservoir.

OUR SOLUTION

Since the tank would be a feature on the local residents’ skyline, aesthetic concerns were part of the brief. As with the Eastern Reservoir project, we worked with US-based Tank Connection to design and fabricate the modular RTP (rolled, tapered panel) steel tank and its accompanying aluminium geodesic dome. A New Zealand Chartered Professional Engineer verified the design to ensure it complied with local regulations. The aluminium dome was coated to match the tank and reduce sunlight reflection.

We subcontracted the civil works to RZG Construction of Mt Maunganui, who prepared the 40m diameter reinforced concrete base. Throughout the project we worked closely with Tiaki Engineering Consultants, the council’s representative.

Factory finish, easy install
The tank panels were factory finished in a controlled environment; this ensured a high-quality coating and spared the need for any on-site painting. Erecting the tank was a ‘top-down’ process using Rendertech’s hydraulic jacking system. This not only kept working at heights to a minimum, but also reduced the need for any heavy machinery at the site. The aluminium dome provided a strong, lightweight and self-supporting structure that was easy to install and presents a low, rounded elevation. Tree plantings have further softened the tank’s visual profile.

Equipment used
RTP steel tank; aluminium geodesic roof.