Elevated Water Tank for the Universal Exhibition in Rome

Abstract

As part of the general water services for the Universal Exhibition in Rome, an elevated tank has been built, which will meet all the water requirements of this Exhibition, and constitutes one of its outstanding landmarks. The structure of the water tank is reinforced concrete. The central stem, containing the pipes, stairs and lifts, extends through the tank itself and ends in a circular central spillway. The shape of the tank is very original, and has made it possible to fit into it an observation balcony, where a bar or restaurant can also be installed. The sloping supports withstand the horizontal thrusts due to wind pressure. The weight of the water is taken up by a circular ring, from which eight cantilever beams extend inwards. These do not reach to the centre, as this space is taken up with the services. The foundation consists of a circular slab, made of concrete, in the shape of truncated cone, 28.5 m diam. at the bottom, and 27.2 m at the top, and is 2.3 m thick. This slab rests on 301 piles. The water tank rises to a height of 51 m and can hold 2,500 m³ of water. It is absolutely watertight.