05 April 2007Bushfire CRC Release Study on Tank Performance
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BCRC Fire Testing Report
A recent research project involving the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (BCRC) and the CSIRO has revealed that different types of rainwater tanks can play an important role in defending houses against the threat of a bushfire.
The research investigated the effects of typical Australian bushfire exposures on both residential and commercial water tanks of steel and plastic construction.
Anecdotal evidence already exists to suggest that steel water tanks offer greater protection to both residentail and commreical properties in the event of a bushfire than alternative materials because of its non-combustibility.
Results:
Of the different material tested, sprial wound steel tanks performed best under all conditions.
All steel manufactured tanks maintained structural integrity when faced with a 30-minute flame immersion test, simulating an adjacent structural fire.
Steel construction liner tanks maintained structural integrity during all tests. The liner proved able to retain water during and after the fire front, which is critical for the protection of property and assets in the event of a bushfire.
Polyethylene tanks suffered considerable distortion during simulation of a bushfire passage. The tanks demonstrated structural deformation during the 30-minute flame exposure, resulting in the tank splitting itself and melting down.
Polyethylene tanks were at risk of total failure when adjacent combustible items are present, in the form of forest litter, fences or other polyethylene tanks.
The findings of the research indicates that steel tanks similar to those tested are suitable for supplying water during bushfires.
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