What additional support can a buried tank utilize to maintain its integrity?

A buried tank can utilize compacted backfill as an additional support method to maintain its integrity because proper compaction of backfill material around the tank provides essential structural support. This stabilizes the tank and helps prevent soil movement that could lead to deformation or failure. The compaction assists in evenly distributing external loads that the tank must endure, such as soil weight and potential surface traffic.

Additionally, well-compacted backfill can enhance drainage around the tank, which minimizes the risk of corrosion due to water accumulation. This practice is particularly important for maintaining the longevity and functionality of underground storage tanks, especially in environments where soil conditions can vary or be unstable. These benefits underscore the importance of ensuring proper backfill techniques during installation or retrofitting processes.

While other options such as reinforcements or coatings serve their roles, compacted backfill directly influences the tank’s immediate structural support and stability, which is critical when it is buried underground.