Design of the Digester Tanks of the Atotonilco Water Treatment Plant in Mexico

Abstract

This paper discusses the design processes of the 15 000 m3 post-tensioned concrete digesters of the Atotonilco Water Treatment Plant in Mexico. It introduces the project with a brief description of the plant and focuses on the structural challenges faced by the engineers during the design phases, and the measures taken to resolve these issues pertaining to the tanks. This challenging design was solved by a double post-tensioned system, circumferential and vertical, fixed into the wall, which ensures the structural integrity of the tank under the design loads, compatible with the desired rapid methods of construction for the 30 digesters of the plant.