I wasn't sure whether to put this under "Building", but I figured I'd find more Oftec types here than over there.
I have myself a Harlequin HZA1400 tank, and have a concrete base measuring 2400mm x 1700mm. It has 250-300mm of hardcore and a 100mm concrete topping.
However, the tank needs to be raised on piers, and I've had varying advice from my builder and a local builder's merchant:
Builder: Build the piers from 200 no-frog bricks, simply stack without using mortar, cap with two 900x600x50 slabs, then place the tank on top.
Fair enough, I could do that myself!
So I rang around for the best price on bricks, only to be told:
Use hollow blocks laid on their sides, and fill the voids with concrete, and cap with THREE 900x600x50 slabs.
However, I've found the Oftec guidelines for oil tank installation and it says to build the piers with mortar, and cap with reinforced lintels.
What is acceptable? Can blocks be used instead of bricks?
I know the easy answer is "go by the rules" but I'd like to be sure of my facts before I tell my well-respected builder that his approach may not be correct.
Thanks in advance for your help.
I have myself a Harlequin HZA1400 tank, and have a concrete base measuring 2400mm x 1700mm. It has 250-300mm of hardcore and a 100mm concrete topping.
However, the tank needs to be raised on piers, and I've had varying advice from my builder and a local builder's merchant:
Builder: Build the piers from 200 no-frog bricks, simply stack without using mortar, cap with two 900x600x50 slabs, then place the tank on top.
Fair enough, I could do that myself!
So I rang around for the best price on bricks, only to be told:
Use hollow blocks laid on their sides, and fill the voids with concrete, and cap with THREE 900x600x50 slabs.
However, I've found the Oftec guidelines for oil tank installation and it says to build the piers with mortar, and cap with reinforced lintels.
What is acceptable? Can blocks be used instead of bricks?
I know the easy answer is "go by the rules" but I'd like to be sure of my facts before I tell my well-respected builder that his approach may not be correct.
Thanks in advance for your help.