CROM Prestressed Concrete Tank Designed to Withstand Category 5 Hurricanes.
In the wake of Hurricane Kartina’s impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Port of Gulfport was faced with overcoming one of the largest natural disasters in the nation’s history. As part of the multi-faceted Port of Gulfport Restoration Project, its existing water tower, which had been a local landmark, required relocation. In doing so, the Port decided to replace it with a unique, custom-designed tank that resembled a lighthouse to enhance the aesthetics of the Port and pay tribute to its rich maritime heritage.
Located just 25 feet from the Gulf, this CROM pre-stressed concrete water tank was designed and constructed to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds and wave action of 15 feet. It includes two variable frequency drive pumps and an emergency standby generator. Its stout stature (60 feet tall and 30 feet in diameter) and structural, pile-supported floor are designed to prevent uplift and/or overturning during major hurricane events.
The unique flat roof is equipped with a working lantern room on top. The flared base is constructed of reinforced shotcrete, as is the frame around the painted nautical flags which spell out the city’s name, Gulfport.
This landmark tank is now an important part of the Port’s fire suppression system and its distinctive shape inspired the Port’s logo that was adopted in 2017.
Storm surge the tank is designed to withstand.
After much discussion about the aesthetics of the Port and what we could do to give back to the community, we decided we should do something a little different. Engineers designed a completely new type of stage tank to house the lighthouse on top. With pride, we offer this new landmark to the City of Gulfport.
– Nick Foto, Port of Gulfport Deputy Program Manager for Port Restoration
