Differential Upheaval of Phosphoric Acid Storage Tanks in Aqaba, Jordan

Abstract

Tilting of phosphoric acid storage tanks in the Chemical Fertilizer Factory in Aqaba, Jordan, was noticed a few years after the plant had been put to work. The amount of tilt continued to increase beyond the allowable limit and threatened to hinder the operational procedure of the factory. Field monitoring indicated an increase in the amount of tilt with time. Laboratory studies revealed that the tilt was due to a differential upheaval of the foundation soil resulting from the chemical reaction taking place between the acid that had leaked and the subgrade soil. Based on this study, solutions to rectify the current problem and minimize potentially similar problems have been presented.