2014 – Design Considerations for Water Storage Structures on Porous Foundation in South West Western Australia

Michael Ashley and Robert Wark

The construction of service reservoirs has been an integral part of the development of water supply systems throughout Western Australia, and many such developments have occurred in coastal regions. The porous and highly soluble limestone foundations that are found in coastal regions pose specific challenges and risks for the long term management of these structures. Minimising leakage rates has been traditionally driven by economic losses. However, it has become apparent that the leakage has caused long term structural damage to the foundations of the structures.
Based on four case studies from south west Western Australia, this paper describes the extent of the problem, investigation and testing methods, design challenges and construction issues to be considered when constructing water storages on porous foundations.

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