Why Aluminum Dome Covers?
An aluminum geodesic dome covers a tank with a lightweight, self-supporting structure: the triangulated frame carries its own weight and environmental loads to the tank rim, so the span stays clear with no interior columns in the tank. Aluminum needs no coating or painting program, resists corrosion in water and most wastewater atmospheres, and keeps dead load low, which matters when an existing tank wall was never designed to carry a heavy cover. For the most aggressive high-H2S environments, such as anaerobic digesters, fiberglass is often the better fit; our material guide compares the two.
Wall-Supported vs. Tank-Supported
Aluminum domes are specified in two mounting configurations, and the right one depends on your tank structure. A wall-supported dome bears on the tank wall itself, while a tank-supported configuration carries the dome on the tank structure as detailed in the project drawings. Both are covered by CSI Section 13132, with separate spec documents for each:
Tank-Supported Spec – Section 13132 Wall-Supported Spec – Section 13132
Not sure which configuration your tank calls for? Send your tank drawings and the RPS Design Team will recommend the right mounting and provide spec language for your project documents.
Sourcing & Compliance
Please note: the aluminum materials for dome triangles are not produced in the U.S.A. For projects with Build America, Buy America (BABA) or other domestic sourcing requirements, contact RPS to review compliance options — including our Elgin-fabricated aluminum flat covers and aluminum launder covers, which are BABA compliant for SRF and federally funded projects.
Installed Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between wall-supported and tank-supported domes?
The mounting configuration: a wall-supported dome bears on the tank wall, while a tank-supported dome is carried on the tank structure per the project drawings. Both are specified under CSI Section 13132, and the choice depends on what your tank was designed to carry. RPS reviews your drawings and recommends the right configuration.
Are aluminum domes BABA compliant?
The aluminum materials for dome triangles are not produced in the U.S.A., so aluminum geodesic domes generally do not meet Build America, Buy America requirements. For BABA-funded projects, contact RPS to review options: our Elgin-fabricated aluminum flat covers and launder covers are BABA compliant, and our team can help determine the right cover approach for your funding requirements.
When should I choose aluminum over fiberglass?
Aluminum suits clear-span applications where low dead load and zero coating maintenance matter, in water and typical wastewater atmospheres. For continuous high-H2S exposure, such as digester covers, fiberglass is usually the better material. The aluminum vs. fiberglass guide walks through the decision in detail.
Can an aluminum dome be installed on an existing tank?
Yes — retrofits are common. The mounting configuration depends on what your existing tank wall and structure were designed to carry, which is why RPS works from your tank drawings or field dimensions before recommending wall-supported or tank-supported mounting.
What’s included in the submittal package?
Dimensional shop drawings showing anchor locations and openings, design calculations for your project’s loads, and the certifications your specification requires. RPS works directly with the engineer of record on RFIs and submittal review.
Get a Quote
Covering a water or wastewater tank? Send your tank diameter, drawings, and application. The RPS Design Team will recommend the right dome configuration and provide a complete submittal package for your engineer’s review. RPS is a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (#WBE2601717); purchases can count toward WBE participation goals.
gina-wwtp@rpsengineering.com · 847-931-1950
