Why Are Water Towers Round?

Round water towers have several structural advantages.

Water towers usually have curved surfaces. They may have a spherical, paraboloid or cylindrical shape. Such round towers enjoy structural advantages over water towers with square or rectangular surfaces.

Economical Structure

A spherical water tower has less surface area than a box-shaped water tower that holds the same amount of water. For this reason, a spherical water tower requires less building material than its box-shaped equivalent and is consequently more economical to build. Other round structures, such as a cylindrical water tower, are also more economical than a squared-off structure but not as economical as the sphere.

Structural Strength

A round structure is stronger than box-like alternatives, according to Monolithic. Therefore, a round structure will more successfully withstand the outward-directed force of the water stored within and the force of wind and rain that impinges upon the structure from without.

Constant Heat Level

Because round structures minimize the surface area through which heat can radiate, they keep the enclosed water at a more constant temperature than a box-like structure. As a result, the water loses less heat in winter and gains less heat during the summer.

References

• Monolithic: Technical Journal---Think Round

Resources

• Science Direct: The Technology of the Hydro-Bulging of Whole Spherical Vessels and ...