Why Choose Precast for Slurry Stores?
Slurry storage is one of the toughest jobs for any concrete structure. The combination of liquid retention, aggressive materials, and vehicle surcharges means that the wrong solution can quickly lead to deterioration. Our precast walls are designed to handle these challenges, providing strength, speed of installation, and long-term durability.
Whether you need an above-ground tank, a below-ground lagoon, or a partially buried store with ramp access for cleaning, we can produce the appropriate precast units for your project. By eliminating exposed steel, using watertight jointing systems, and applying protective coatings, we help extend the lifespan of your slurry store and reduce ongoing maintenance.
Key Benefits of Precast for Slurry Storage
- Watertight joints – joints can be sealed with systems such as Sikaflex® TS Plus, hydrophilic strips, or other engineer-specified solutions to contain liquids safely.
- Corrosion resistance – no exposed reinforcement and the option for increased concrete cover or epoxy coatings for aggressive environments.
- Versatile layouts – suitable for above-ground, below-ground, or partially buried stores, with ramp access formed using the same precast walls.
- Fast installation – factory-manufactured units arrive ready to install, reducing disruption and allowing stores to be constructed quickly.
- Engineered to standards – manufactured in line with relevant British Standards and designed to handle surcharge loads from soil and farm vehicles.
Suitable Products For Precast Slurry Stores
Best for: New slurry stores where walls need to be tied into the slab
Cast directly into a new floor slab, these walls offer a durable solution for slurry storage where long-term liquid retention is vital.
- Integrated toe cast into the slab for stability
- Square edge detail for sealed joints
- Optional protective coatings to extend lifespan
- Heights available up to 3.8m
Best for: New slurry stores with increased height for maximum slurry storage capacity
Installed into a reinforced trench footing or cradle, vertical panels are a practical solution where cast-in walls are not viable.
Standard panel heights up to 6m
Designed for surcharge loading from soil and vehicles
Smooth mould finish to front face
Panels can be coated or sealed for liquid retention
Best for: Larger or deeper slurry stores where increased strength and watertightness are critical
A heavy-duty option for deeper slurry stores or sites requiring extra durability. HD walls also feature the option for hydrophilic joint seals, providing superior watertight performance.
Heights up to 5m
Hydrophilic joint sealing system available
Option to increase concrete cover for reinforcement protection
Suitable for forming ramps and below-ground walls
What to Consider Before You Build a Slurry Store
- SSAFO Compliance & Watertightness Requirements – Slurry is highly aggressive, so every store must meet SSAFO and Environment Agency expectations for containment. Plan your joint-sealing method early: Sikaflex® TS Plus for panel joints, Hydrophilic strips for HD cast-in walls, and double sealing where high-risk containment is required. Confirm the watertightness level before selecting a wall system.
- Above-Ground vs Below-Ground Construction – Above-ground stores rely entirely on wall stability and sealed joints, while below-ground or partially buried stores must also support external soil. HD cast-in walls and vertical cantilever panels provide the necessary strength for these dual-loading situations. Ramps can be created using the same walling system.
- Foundation Type & Base Quality – Your base design determines which wall system is suitable: Cast-in walls tie directly into new concrete slabs. HD cast-in walls rely on reinforced foundations for deeper stores. Vertical cantilever panels sit in reinforced trench footings. Level foundations, construction joints and correct reinforcement ensure long-term stability and watertight performance.
- Exposure to Aggressive Slurry & Corrosion Protection – Slurry can cause poorly protected concrete to deteriorate rapidly. Consider increasing reinforcement cover, applying protective internal coatings, and sealing joints on one or both faces. HD cast-in walls provide the best long-term resilience in aggressive environments.
- Surcharge loads from Soil & Machinery – Slurry stores must account for not only liquid pressure but also external loads from soil for below-ground stores and loads from machinery during emptying or maintenance. Vertical cantilever and HD cast-in systems are designed to withstand these surcharge conditions.
- Wall Height, Storage Capacity & Site Layout -Standard precast heights range from 3m to 5m, depending on the product. Select wall heights based on slurry volume, pumping strategy, and whether ramps or split-level access are needed. Taller walls generally improve efficiency and reduce overall footprint.
- Installation Access & Lifting Requirements – Precast units arrive ready for installation using cast-in lifting points and clutches. Ensure safe access routes for cranes, telehandlers, or HIAB off-loading, especially on busy working farms or AD plants where other operations are ongoing during the build.
- Handrails, Guardrails & Working-at-Height Safety – If handrails are required, they should be fixed with resin anchors to prevent damaging the wall’s integrity. Plan the installation of handrails early so they can be fitted safely once the wall is completed.
Slurry Store Questions We Get All The Time
Joints between precast units can be sealed with slurry-resistant products such as Sikaflex® TS Plus, hydrophilic strips (HD walls), or alternative systems specified by the project engineer. For maximum protection, joints can be sealed on both faces.
Above-ground stores rely on wall stability and watertight joints, while below-ground or partially buried stores also need to retain soil outside the walls. Precast units can be used in either scenario, with ramps often formed for machinery access during cleaning.
Yes, all our walls are manufactured to the relevant British Standards (such as BS EN 1992 & BS EN 206) and can be detailed to meet SSAFO and Environment Agency guidance when required.
Yes, handrails or guardrails can be fixed into the wall tops using resin anchors, ensuring safe access without compromising the integrity of the concrete.
In standard applications, units are designed for a 50-year lifespan. However, due to the aggressive nature of slurry this is reduced to around 20 years. It is recommended that the walls be sealed with a specialised coating after installation to maximise the lifespan of the precast units.