Ground Preparation for Construction of Oil Storage Tanks using TechDrain Prefabricated Vertical Drain at Iran

South of Iran, Iran |  Omran Sazeh Kashigari

Overview

Industrial scale tanks are large and heavily loaded structures. These tanks are constructed with relatively thin wall that are used for storing fluids. Unforeseen ground deformations can have undesired impact on tank and ultimately affecting tank performance and may result in tank failure. Therefore, stakeholders decided to use TechDrain PVD to prevent ground deformations at later stage.

Challenge

Oil storage tanks were located in area where the soils are weak and compressible. Bearing capacity under heavy loads is always a challenge and, if shallow foundations result in settlement and damage over time, can be costly. It was necessary to do ground improvement to increase soil bearing capacity and control settlement, deep foundations to transfer loads to competent bearing strata, or drainage to accelerate consolidation of saturated soils before construction. With consideration that tanks are relatively thin structures, unforeseen and unaccounted ground deformations can impede the performance of the tanks, and ultimately lead to tank failure. Hence, implementation of specific foundation techniques has become common practice when in-situ ground conditions are not able to provide foundations with the required bearing or deformation limitations.

Solution

Conventionally, Ground improvement was done by using stone column for shallow depths and by using sand drain but for deep clayed soil, it becomes costly and time consuming not that effective functionally.

Tailored solution was needed to mitigate excessive deformations and avoid future problems. Now days, it is common practice to use TechDrain PVD instead of sand drains for deep soil ground improvement.

Ground improvement techniques are soil replacement, preloading, sand drain, stone columns, prefabricated vertical drains. Many projects have been undertaken by implementing one or more ground improvement techniques for effective and fast results. In this project, PVDs installation and preloading is adopted for faster mitigation liquefaction of soil.

Project Outcome & Performance

Client was really happy with prompt supply of Best quality materials by TechFab India industries Ltd. India. TechFab India has supplied13, 80,000 LM of TechDrain PVD TD-3540U in two months.

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Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)

Oil storage tanks are large, thin‑walled structures that carry heavy loads. Weak, compressible soils at the site posed risks of settlement and deformation, which could compromise tank performance or even lead to failure. Ground improvement was essential to ensure stability and safety.

The soils had low bearing capacity and high compressibility. Heavy loads from the tanks could cause uneven settlement over time. Conventional solutions like stone columns or sand drains were costly, time‑consuming, and less effective for deep clayey soils.

TechFab India supplied TechDrain Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs), which accelerate soil consolidation by providing drainage paths for pore water. Combined with preloading, this method improved soil strength and reduced settlement risks before tank construction.

PVDs are faster to install, more cost‑effective, and functionally superior for deep clayey soils. They minimize soil disturbance, shorten consolidation time, and deliver reliable long‑term performance compared to sand drains.

  • Provide vertical drainage paths for pore water.
  • Accelerate consolidation under surcharge loads.
  • Reduce settlement time from years to months.
  • Improve soil bearing capacity for heavy structures.

TechDrain PVD TD‑3540U, supplied in large quantities to meet project requirements.

TechFab India successfully supplied 13,80,000 linear meters of TechDrain PVD within two months. The client, Omran Sazeh Kashigari, was highly satisfied with the quality, timely delivery, and technical support provided.

By delivering a tailored, high‑performance ground improvement solution for critical oil storage infrastructure, TechFab India demonstrated its ability to meet international project demands with speed, quality, and reliability.