BBR Network delivers quality for energy

Twin LNG tanks in Gijon, Asturias, Spain

At the Spanish seaport of Gijon, two identical Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage tanks with a combined capacity of 300,000 m3 have been constructed concurrently for the Enagas regasification plant.

Security and resistance are the primary design considerations for this type of tank which must resist earthquakes and strong winds. Only the best construction material and technologies should be used – hence the BBR VT CONA CMI system for cryogenic applications was chosen for the post-tensioning.

The two vessels are cylindrical concrete tanks – with an 80 m external diameter and more than 40 m high. In total, more than 600,000 kg of post-tensioning steel was used in each tank, divided between vertical and horizontal tendons.

A key factor is the choice of grout – we chose a thixotropic grout for grouting the tendons. In addition to standard grout tests, we made a battery of inclined tube tests and wick-induced tests to demonstrate the suitability of the grout, obtaining excellent results.