01.05 Which is less expensive – underground or aboveground tanks?

Aboveground tanks will typically be less expensive, but not dramatically once all requirements are met for foundations, security, overfill prevention and other requirements.

Special requirements that will increase the costs of an aboveground tank:

1. fire-rated tank construction.
2. heating of tanks and piping.
3. double containment of aboveground piping with steel pipe secondary.
4. special fire suppression.
5. special access stairs and platforms for tank top access.
6. security fences or architectural enclosure walls.
7. seismic requirements for aboveground piping supports.

Special requirements that will increase the cost of an underground tank:

1. Excavation requirements that include shoring, dewatering, rock excavation, or underground utility protection.
2. Piping lengths and slopes that require additional burial depth for the tank.
3. Full ballast capacity design for the hold-down concrete slab.