Example- Rectangular water tank design

Design an under ground rectangular water tank with two equal compartments as shown in figure
1below.

Concrete: Unit weight γ = 25 kN/m3

Soil: Unit weight γ = 18 kN/m3
Unit weight of water γw = 10 kN/m3
Soil: Submerged unit weight γ = (18 – γw) = 8 kN/m3
Coefficient of friction Φ = 30o
Surcharge = 12 kN/m2
Consider the possibility of water logging up to 1 m
below the ground level.
Design crack width = 0.2 mm.
Use fck = 30 MPa concrete and fyk = 500 MPa steel.
Assume walls and slabs are 400 mm thick. The roof is not
integrally connected to the walls and is simply supported
on the external walls but continuous over the central
dividing wall.
Figure 1- Rectangular water tank
Solution
1. Check Uplift
Total weight W of the tank when empty:
W={(5 × 10 × 8) – ((5 – 0.4 – 0.4) × (10 – 0.4 – 0.4 – 0.4) ×(8 – 0.4 – 0.4))} × 25 = 3347.2 kN
As this is a favourable load, using a load factor of γG, inf = 0.90,
W × γG, inf = 3012.48 kN
Uplift Pressure of water under the floor due to 4 m head of water
Uplift pressure = 10 × 4 = 40 kN/m2
Uplift force = 8 × 10 × 40 = 3200 kN
Additional weight required. Use a factor of safety against flotation of 1.1 is
= (3200 × 1.1) – 3012.48 = 507.52 kN.
This can be provided by extending the base as shown in figure 2

Figure 2- New design of base to increase total weight of tank

1
The submerged unit weight of the soil = 18 – 10 = 8 kN/m3.
Pressure due to 1 m high dry soil plus 3.6 m of submerged soil = 1 × 18 + 3.6 × 8 = 46.8 kN/m2
Submerged weight of slab = (25 – 10) × 0.4 = 6.0 kN/m2.
If b = width of the projecting base slab, then
{[(10 + 2b) × (8 + 2b) – 10 × 8] × (46.8 + 6.0)} × γG, inf = 507.52
If b = ____ m, the additional weight is _____ kN.
For safety and construction purpose let us double it and take b as 0.65m
If b = 0.65 m, the additional weight is _____ kN.
2. Pressure Calculation on Longitudinal Walls
Case 1: Tank empty
Coefficient of active earth pressure:
ka = (1 – sinφ)/ (1 + sinφ) = (1 – 0.5)/ (1 + 0.5) = 0.33
Pressure due to surcharge = ka × 12 = 4 kN/m2
The wall is 5000 – 400 – 400 = 4200 mm high.
For the top (1000 – 400) = 600 mm, unit weight of soil = 18 kN/m3.
Below this level, submerged unit weight of soil = 8 kN/m3.
In addition to the soil pressure there is also the pressure due to ground water.
The pressures at different levels shown in figure 3 are:
(i) At 400 mm below ground
p = 4 kN/m2 due to surcharge + ka × 18 × 0.4 = 6.4 kN/m2
(ii) at 1000 mm below ground
p = 4 kN/m2 due to surcharge + ka × 18 × 1.0 = 10.0 kN/m2
(iii) at 4600 mm below ground (pressure due to ground water)
p = 10 + ka × 8 × (4.6 – 1.0) + 10 × (4.6 – 1.0) = 55.6 kN/m2

2
 Figure 3 - Pressure distribution on the wall
Case 2: Tank full
Ignore any passive pressure due to soil and assume that the ground is dry.
(i) At 400 mm below ground
p = 10 × 0.4 = 4.0 kN/m2
(ii) At 4600 mm below ground
p = 10 × 4.6 = 46 kN/m2
3. Check Shear Capacity
Effective depth:
d = 400 – 40 mm cover – 12 mm bar /2 = 354 mm
Case 1: Tank empty
Although part of the lateral pressure is transferred to the sides of the wall, towards the middle of
the wall, most of the load is transferred to the base. Using a load factor of γF = 1.2, total shear force
at base is approximately
VEd = (γF = 1.2) × [0.5 × (6.4 + 10.0) × 0.6 + 0.5 × (10.0 + 55.6) × 3.6] = 147.6 kN/m
Case 2: Tank full
Total shear force at base is approximately
V = (γF = 1.2) × [0.5 × (4.0 + 46.0) × 4.2] = 126.0 kN/m
Check whether thickness is sufficient
Use Eurocode 2 equation (6.9) check VEd < VRd, max
VRD,max = cw bw z  fcd/(cot+tan)
αcw = 1.0, bw = 1000 mm, z = 0.9d = 319 mm,
fcd = (fck = 30)/ (γc = 1.5) = 20 MPa, ν1 = 0.6 (1 − fck/ 250) = 0.528

3
Section 6 of clause 6.2.3(109) Eurocode 2-Design of concrete structures: Part 3: Liquid retaining
and containment structures, recommends that cot θ can be conservatively assumed to be 1.0.
VRd, max = [1.0 × 1000 × 319 × 0.528 × 17/( 1+ 1)] × 10−3 = 1429 kN/m
Section thickness is adequate!!!.
4. Minimum Steel Area
Calculate the minimum steel required to control early-age thermal cracking
h = 400 mm, c = 40 mm,
Taking external restraint as dominant
Act = bw × h =1000 × 400 = 40 ×104 mm2, kc = 1.0.
Using the values for h and k in Table 19.1, interpolate the value of k
k = 1.0 – (1.0 – 0.65) × (400 – 300)/ (800 – 300) = 0.93
fct, eff = 1.74 MPa, for fck (t) at t = 3 days
Act = 400 × 1000 = 40 × 104 mm2, σs = fyk = 500 MPa ,
As, min = kc k fct, eff Act / σs = 1.0 × 0.93 × 1.74 × 40 × 104 /500 = 1294 mm2
Provide on each face ∅12 at 160 mm = 707 mm2/m. Total As = 2 × 707 = 1414 mm2/m.
ρ = As/Act= 1413/ (40.0 ×104) = 3.53 × 10−3
Check whether shear reinforcement can be avoided
The shear capacity of a member without any shear reinforcement is given by code equations (6.2a),
(6.2b) and (6.3N). Assuming no prestressing,

cRD,c K(1001 fck )1/3 bd

VRd,c= max{ , if cp=0
Vmin

200
k = min{1 + √ = 1 + √200 = 1.75 , k=1.75
0.18
cRD, c = = 0.12, d
c 354
2
As 707
= 1000∗354 = 0.002
1 = min{bd , 1 = 0.002
0.02
1
cRD,c K(1001fck)1/3 bd = 0.12 ∗ 1.75(100 ∗ 0.002 ∗ 30)3 ∗ 1000 ∗ 354 = 135.08kN/m

3 1 3 1
Vmin = 0.035k 2 fck 2 = 0.035 ∗ 1.752 ∗ 302 = 0.444 kN/m

4
 135.08kN/m
VRd,c= max{ , VRd,c = 135.08kN/m < VEd = 148kN/m not OK!!!
0.443 kN/m

Increase reinforcement provided to increase shear resistance and avoid the need for shear
reinforcement.
Provide ∅12 at 90 mm centres on each face. As = 1257 mm2/m
As 1257
= 1000∗354 = 0.00355
1 = min{bd , 1 = 0.00355
0.02

VRd,c = 163.6 kN/m > (VEd = 148 kN/m)

There is no need for shear reinforcement!!!
NB: Instead of increasing the area of steel, the other option is to increase the thickness of the wall
which might be cheaper!
5. Design of Walls for Bending at Ultimate Limit State
For calculating moments in the walls of the tank, ready-made tables of moment coefficients are
available. These coefficients have been obtained from elastic analysis of thin plates using
analytical methods based on multiple Fourier series or using the finite element method. Typical
results are shown in Table 1for the case of side and bottom edges being clamped and the top edge
being free as shown in figure 4.

Figure 4- Notation for Table 1.

Table : Moment coefficients

5
 i) Design of Transverse/Side Walls
Although the pressure on the wall is not strictly hydrostatic, the wall can be designed as a 7.2 m
wide × 4.2 m high slab clamped on three sides and free at top and subjected to a hydrostatic loading
giving base pressures of 55.6 kN/m2 for case 1 and 46.0 kN/m2 for case 2. Since the pressure
difference is not large, design for case 1 and use the same steel area for case 2. Near the base the
wall will bend about a horizontal axis and away from the base, and the wall bends as a horizontal
clamped beam spanning between the end walls.
(a) Vertical bending moment at base
b = 7.2 m, a = 4.2 m, b/a = 1.71.
From Table 1, interpolating between b/a of 1.5 and 2.0,
Bending moment coefficient ≈ (0.084+ 0.058)/2 = 0.071
Vertical bending moment M at SLS:
M = 0.071 × 55.6 × 4.22 = 69.64 kNm/m (SLS)
Vertical bending moment at base at ULS
M = (γF = 1.2) × 69.64 = 83.57 kNm/m (ULS)
𝜇𝑠𝑑 = M/ (b d2 fcd) = 0.022 < 0.196
kz =z /d = 0.983
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 83.57 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.98 × 354) = 554 mm2/m.
Provided steel of ∅12 at 90 mm c/c = 1257 mm2/m on each face is more than adequate.

6
 (b) Horizontal bending moment at fixed vertical edges
From data in Table 1, interpolating between b/a of 1.5 and 2.0,
Bending moment coefficient = (0.064+ 0.039)/2 = 0.052
M at SLS = 0.052 × 55.6 × 4.22 = 51.0 kNm/m
M = (γF = 1.2) × 51.0 = 61.2 kNm/m (ULS)
𝜇𝑠𝑑 = M/ (bd2fck) = 0.016 < 0.196
kz = z /d = 0.988
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 61.2 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.99 × 354) = 401 mm2/m
(c) Direct tension in walls
In case 2 there is also direct tension in the horizontal direction in the wall due to water pressure
inside the tank on the 10 m long walls. Average pressure p is approximately
p = 0.5 × 46.0 = 23 kN/m2
Ignoring the resistance provided by the base, tensile force N per meter is
N = (0.5 × 5.0 × 23) = 57.5 kN/m at SLS.
N = (γF = 1.2) × 57.5 = 69 kN/[Link] ULS
Steel area required to resist this force is approximately
As = N/ (0.87 fyk) = 69 × 103/ (0.87 × 500) = 158 mm2/m
On each face this is equal to 158/2 = 79 mm2/m.
Adding this steel area to the moment steel needed for horizontal bending,
As = 401 (bending) + 79 (direct tension) = 480 mm2/m
Provided steel of ∅12 at 90 mm c/c = 1257 mm2/m on each face is more than adequate.

Note: In the calculations for design of a section subjected to bending and direct tension that follow, the
procedure that has been adopted is to calculate the steel area required separately for bending and direct
tension and add the two values to obtain the total steel area required. This procedure is approximate.
The correct method is to consider moment-axial force interaction as in the case of columns and use a
column design chart to check the adequacy of reinforcement provided

(d) Horizontal bending moment at mid-span

From data in Table 1, interpolating between b/a of 1.5 and 2.0,
Bending moment coefficient = (0.027+ 0.021)/2 = 0.024
M at SLS = 0.024 × 55.6 × 4.22 = 23.54 kNm/m

7
 M = (γF = 1.2) × 23.54 = 28.3 kNm/m (ULS)
𝜇𝑠𝑑 = M/ (b d2 fck) = 0.008 < 0.196
kz = z /d = 0.99
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 28.3 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.99 × 354) = 186 mm2/m
As = 186 (Bending) + 79 (Direct tension) = 265 mm2/m
These values are smaller than the bending moment of at support.
Provide on both faces H12 at 90 mm c/c in the horizontal direction. As on each face = 1257 mm2/m
Crack Width Calculation in Transverse Walls (for combined action of Horizontal bending moment at
fixed vertical edges and tension force)

h = 400 mm, cover = 40 mm, Steel: ∅12 at 90 mm c/c.

Applied forces at serviceability limit state:
M = 51.0 kNm/m, N = 57.5 kN/m (tension)
fck = 30 MPa, fyk = 500 MPa, αe = 15.6 allowing for creep
b = 1000 mm, d = 354 mm, As = As′ = 1257 mm2/m
(a) Calculate the neutral axis depth including compression steel area

ℎ ℎ
(𝑀 − 𝑁 ( )) 𝐴𝑠 𝛼𝑒 (𝑑 − 𝑥) − 𝐴′𝑠 𝛼𝑒 (𝑥 − 𝑑 ′ ) {𝑀 − 𝑁 (𝑑 − 𝑑 ′ − )}
2 2
𝑥2 𝑥 ℎ
= 𝑏 {𝑁 (𝑑 − − ) + 𝑀}
2 3 2
400
(51 × 106 − 57.5 × 103 ( )) × 1257 × 15.6 × (354 − 𝑥)
2
400
− {51 × 106 + 57.5𝑥103 (354 − 46 − )} × 1257 × 15.6 × (𝑥 − 46)
2
𝑥2 𝑥 400
= 1000 {57.5 × 103 (354 − − ) + 51 × 106 }
2 3 2
Simplifying:
𝑥 3 − 29927.5 𝑥 2 − 1.8964 × 106 𝑥 + 3.258 × 108 = 0
Solving by trial and error, x = 78 mm.
(b) Calculate the compressive stress in concrete
Substituting the values in equation,

8
 𝑓𝑐 𝑥 (𝑥 − 𝑑′ ) ℎ
𝑏𝑥 (𝑑 − ) + 𝐴′𝑠 𝛼𝑒 𝑓𝑐 (𝑑 − 𝑑 ′ ) = 𝑀 − 𝑁 ( )
2 3 𝑥 2
1 78 (78 − 46)
{1000 × 78 (354 − ) + 1257 × 15.6 × (354 − 46)} 𝑓𝑐
2 3 78
400
= 51 × 106 − 57.5 × 103 × ( )
2
Solving, fc = 2.6 MPa
(c) Calculate the tensile stress in steel
𝑑−𝑥 354 − 78
𝑓𝑠 = 𝛼𝑒 𝑓𝑐 ( ) = 15.6 × 2.6 × ( ) = 143𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑥 78
(d) Check maximum bar diameter and maximum spacing
Taking steel stress as approximately 160 MPa, for a crack width of 0.2 mm, the maximum bar
spacing is 200 mm > 90mm OK !!!
The maximum bar diameter from Table 7.2N is 25 mm. The bar diameter is modified by using
Eurocode 2 equation (7.6N) as follows.
fct, eff = 0.3 × fck 0.67 = 2.9 MPa
σc = axial stress = N/(b h) = -57.5 × 103/(1000 × 400) = −0.14 MPa (tensile)
h = 400 mm < 1000 mm, h*=h for h < 1.0 m, h*/h = 1.0 k1 = 2h*/3h = 2/3
𝑓𝑐𝑡,𝑒𝑓𝑓 ℎ𝑐𝑟
∅𝑠 = ∅∗𝑠 × × 𝑘𝑐 × 0.5 ×
2.9 (ℎ − 𝑑)
hcr = depth of tensile zone immediately prior to cracking.
As the tensile force is very small, cracking is governed by bending moment. hcr can be taken as
approximately h/3 = 400/3 = 133 mm
For rectangular sections
c σ
0.4 [1 − k (h/h∗)f ]
𝑘𝑐 = { 1 ct,eff = 0.43 , 𝑘𝑐 = 0.43
1
The modified bar diameter. ∅𝑠 , is
𝑓𝑐𝑡,𝑒𝑓𝑓 ℎ𝑐𝑟
∅𝑠 = ∅∗𝑠 × × 𝑘𝑐 × 0.5 ×
2.9 (ℎ − 𝑑)
∅∗𝑠 = 25𝑚𝑚 from Eurocode 2 Table 7.2N
2.9 155
∅𝑠 = 25 × 2.9 × 0.43 × 0.5 × (400−354) = 16𝑚𝑚 > 12mm OK!!!

9
Both spacing and maximum bar diameter satisfy the requirements for 0.2 mm crack width
OK!!!
ii) Design of Longitudinal Walls
The wall is designed as a 4.4 m × 4.2 m slab clamped on three sides and free at top and subjected
to a hydrostatic loading giving at base pressures of 55.6 kN/m2 for case 1 and 46.0 kN/m2 for case
2. Since the pressure difference is not large, design for case 1 and use the same steel area for case
2 as well.
(a) Vertical bending moment at base
b = 4.4, a = 4.2, b/a ≈ 1.0.
From Table 17.9, using the coefficient for b/a = 1.0,
Moment at SLS = 0.032 × 55.6 × 4.22 = 31.4 kNm/m (SLS)
Moment at ULS = (γF = 1.2) × 31.4 = 37.7 kNm/m (ULS)
𝜇𝑠𝑑 = M/ (b d2 fcd) = 0.01 < 0.196
kz = z /d = 0.99
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 37.7 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.99 × 354) = 247 mm2/m
Provided steel of ∅12 at 90 mm c/c = 1257 mm2/m on each face is more than adequate.
(b) Horizontal bending moment at fixed vertical edges
From Table 17.9, using the coefficient for b/a = 1.0,
Moment at SLS = 0.028 × 55.6 × 4.22 = 27.5 kNm/m
Moment at ULS = (γF = 1.2) × 27.5 = 33.0 kNm/m (ULS)
𝜇𝑠𝑑 = M/ (b d2 fck) = 0.009 < 0.196
kz = z /d = 0.99
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 33.0 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.99 × 354) = 216 mm2/m
(c) Direct tension in walls
In case 2 there is also direct tension in the horizontal direction in the wall due to water pressure on
the 8 m long walls. Average pressure p is approximately
p = 0.5 × 46.0 = 23 kN/m2
Ignoring the resistance provided by the base, tensile force N per meter at SLS is
N = 0.5 × 8.0 × 23 = 92.0 kN/m
Tensile force N per meter at ULS is
10
 N = (γF = 1.2) × 92.0 = 110.4 kN/m
Area of steel required
As = 110.4 × 103/ (0.87 × 500) = 254 mm2/m.
Area of steel per face = 254/2 = 127 mm2/m.
Adding this steel area to the moment steel needed for horizontal bending, total area of steel needed:
As,total = 216 (bending) + 254 (axial tension) = 470 mm2/m.
Provided steel of ∅12 at 90 mm c/c = 1257 mm2/m on each face is more than adequate!!!
(d) Horizontal bending moment at mid-span
From Table 17.9, using the coefficient for b/a = 1.0,
Moment at SLS = 0.013 × 55.6 × 4.22 = 12.8 kNm/m.
Moment at ULS = (γF = 1.2) × 12.8 = 15.4 kNm/m (ULS)
𝜇𝑠𝑑 = M/ (b d2 fck) = 0.004 < 0.196
kz = z /d = 0.99
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 15.4 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.99 × 354) = 101 mm2/m
Adding this steel area to the steel needed for axial tension, total area of steel needed:
As,total = 101 (bending) + 254 (axial tension) = 355 mm2/m.
Provided steel of ∅12 at 90 mm c/c = 1257 mm2/m on each face is more than adequate!!!
Crack Width Calculation in Longitudinal Walls
h = 400 mm, cover = 40 mm, Steel: ∅12 at 90 mm c/c.
Applied forces at serviceability limit state:
M = 27.5 kNm/m, N = 92.0 kN/m.
fck = 30 MPa, fyk = 500 MPa, αe = 15.6 allowing for creep.
b = 1000 mm, d = 354 mm, As = As′ = 1257 mm2/m.
(a) Calculate the neutral axis depth including compression steel area

ℎ ℎ
(𝑀 − 𝑁 ( )) 𝐴𝑠 𝛼𝑒 (𝑑 − 𝑥) − 𝐴′𝑠 𝛼𝑒 (𝑥 − 𝑑 ′ ) {𝑀 − 𝑁 (𝑑 − 𝑑 ′ − )}
2 2
𝑥2 𝑥 ℎ
= 𝑏 {𝑁 (𝑑 − − ) + 𝑀}
2 3 2

11
 400
(27.5 × 106 − 92 × 103 ( )) × 1257 × 15.6 × (354 − 𝑥)
2
400
− {27.5 × 106 + 92𝑥103 (354 − 46 − )} × 1257 × 15.6 × (𝑥 − 46)
2
𝑥2 𝑥 400
= 1000 {92 × 103 (354 − − ) + 27.5 × 106 }
2 3 2
Simplifying:
𝑥 3 − 29927.5 𝑥 2 − 1.8964 × 106 𝑥 + 3.258 × 108 = 0
Solving by trial and error, x = 50 mm.
(b) Calculate the compressive stress in concrete
𝑓𝑐 𝑥 ℎ
𝑏𝑥 (𝑑 − ) = 𝑀 − 𝑁 ( )
2 3 2
𝑓𝑐 50 400
1000 × 50 × (354 − ) = 27.5 × 106 − 92 × 103 × ( )
2 3 2
Solving, fc = 1.1 MPa
(c) Calculate the tensile stress in steel
𝑑−𝑥 354 − 50
𝑓𝑠 = 𝛼𝑒 𝑓𝑐 ( ) = 15.6 × 1.1 × ( ) = 104𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑥 50
(d) Check maximum bar diameter and maximum spacing
The calculations can be done as for transverse walls. The steel stress is very low. The crack width
can be expected to be smaller than 0.2 mm
Detailing at Corners
Proper detailing of steel at corners is extremely important to realize the full strength of the sections.
Section 6 of clause 6.2.3(109) of Eurocode 2-Design of concrete structures: Part 3: Liquid retaining
and containment structures, recommends using the strut−tie method to determine the required
reinforcement for opening and closing corners. Fig. 19.13 shows a schematic reinforcement layout
for closing and opening joints, where full lines represent reinforcement and dashed lines concrete
struts. Note that in the case of opening joint, the diagonal reinforcement is in tension. Refer to
Annex.2: Frame corners in Eurocode 2 where design of frame corners using strut−tie method is
given in detail

12
Figure 5- Reinforcing corner for closing and opening joints
6. Design of Base Slab at Ultimate Limit State
The slab is subjected to concentrated loads from the walls and bending moments at the ends from
the walls. There is also a small amount of direct tension from the internal pressure in the tanks but
this has been ignored in the following design.
(i) Longitudinal direction
(1) Tank empty
(a) Load on end walls:
Vertical load from roof slab: = (5.0/2) × 0.4 × 25 = 25.0 kN/m
Surcharge: (5/2) × 12 = 30.0 kN/m
Weight of wall: 4.2 × 0.4 × 25 = 42.0 kN/m
Weight of soil on the 0.65 m projection is equal to:
= 0.65 × (18.0 × 1.0 dry soil at top + 8.0 × 3.2 submerged soil)
= 28.3 kN/m
Total = 25.0 + 30.0 + 42.0 + 28.3 = 125.3 kN/m
Using a load factor γG = 1.35,
Concentrated load from the end walls is = 1.35 ×125.3 = 169.2 kN/m
From previous calculation of wall design, moment from the external pressure
= 0.071 × 55.6 × 4.22 = 69.64 kNm/m at SLS
Using a load factor γF= 1.20,
Moment from external pressure = 1.2 × 69.64 = 83.57 kNm/m at ULS
(b) Load on central wall:
Vertical load from roof slab: = 5.0 × 0.4 × 25 = 50.0 kN/m

13
 Surcharge: 5 × 12 = 60.0 kN/m
Weight of wall: 4.2 × 0.4 × 25 = 42.0 kN/m
Total = 50.0 + 60.0 + 42.0 = 152.0 kN/m
Using a load factor γG = 1.35,
Concentrated load from the central walls is = 1.35 ×152.0 = 205.2 kN/m
Moment from the external pressure = 0.
(c) Uplift pressure:
There is an uplift pressure of 10 × 4.0 = 40 kN/m2.
Using a load factor γF= 1.20,
The uplift pressure is 1.20 × 40.0 = 48.0 kN/m2
(d) Net pressure p on the ground:
p = (2 × 169.2 + 205.2)/9.6 – 48.0 = 8.63 kN/m2
Figure 6 and Figure 7 show respectively the forces on the base slab and the corresponding bending
moment distribution

Figure 6 - ULS forces on the base slab in the longitudinal direction, tank empty.
Maximum bending moment: Tension at bottom = 83.57 kNm/m at the ends.
Maximum bending moment: Tension at top = 169.2 kNm/m at 2.92 m from the ends.
Maximum shear force = 169.2 kN/m at the ends.

14
Figure 7- Bending moment distribution in base slab in the longitudinal direction, tank empty.
(2) Both tanks full and no ground water
(a) Load on end walls:
Vertical load from roof slab: = (5.0/2) × 0.4 × 25 = 25.0 kN/m
Surcharge: (5/2) × 12 = 30.0 kN/m
Weight of wall: 4.2 × 0.4 × 25 = 42.0 kN/m
Weight of soil on the 0.65 m projection = 0.65 × 18.0 × 4.2 = 49.1 kN/m
Total = 25.0 + 30.0 + 42.0 + 49.1 = 146.1 kN/m
Using a load factor γG = 1.35,
Concentrated load from the end walls is = 1.35 ×134.8 = 197.2 kN/m
From previous calculation of wall design, moment from the hydrostatic pressure, vertical bending
moment at base (SLS):
M = 0.071 × (10 × 4.2) × 4.22 = 52.60 kNm/m
Using a load factor γF= 1.20,
Moment from external pressure at ULS = 1.2 × 52.60 = 63.12 kNm/m
(b) Load on central wall:
205.2 kN/m as in Case 1.
Moment from the external pressure = 0.
(c) Load from water in the tank:
Using a load factor γF= 1.20,

15
 load due to 4.2 m depth of water is = 1.2 × 4.2 × 10 = 50.4 kNm2/m
(d) No uplift pressure
(e) Net pressure p on the ground:
p = (2 × 197.3 + 205.2)/9.6 + 50.4= 112.9 kN/m2

(f) Net uniformly distributed load on base slab:

As the load due to water inside the tanks and the base pressure are both uniformly distributed on
the base slab, one need to consider only the base pressure due to walls for determining the bending
moment in the base slab.
Net uniformly distributed load on the base slab is 112.9 – 50.4 = 62.5 kN/m2.
Figure 8 and Figure 9 show respectively the forces on the base slab and the corresponding bending
moment distribution.
Maximum bending moment: Tension at top = 374.6 kNm/m at 3.2 m from the ends.
Maximum shear force = 197.3 kN/m at the ends.

Figure 8 - ULS forces on the base slab in the longitudinal direction, tank full.

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Figure 9- Bending moment distribution in base slab in the longitudinal direction, tank full
Design of reinforcement:
The maximum bending moment causing tension at top is 374.6 kNm/m from tank full and the
maximum bending moment causing tension at bottom is 83.57 kNm/m from tank empty case.
Steel at top:
M = 374.6 kNm/m, b = 1000 mm, cover = 40 mm, φ = H25,
d = 400 – 40 – 25/2 = 347 mm, fck = 30 MPa
kz = 0.104 < 0.196
𝜇𝑠𝑑 = z /d = 0.915
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 374.6 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.915 × 347) = 2712 mm2/m
Provide ∅25 at 180 c/c = 2727 mm2/m.
Steel at bottom:
M = 83.57 kNm/m, b = 1000 mm, cover = 40 mm, φ = H12,
d = 400 – 40 – 12/2 = 354 mm, fck = 30 MPa
𝜇𝑠𝑑 = 83.57 × 106/ (1000 × 3542 × 30) = 0.02 < 0.196
kz = z /d = 0.98
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 83.57 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.98 × 354) = 554 mm2/m

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 Provide ∅12 at 180 c/c = 566 mm2/m.
(ii) Transverse direction
The slab is subjected to concentrated loads from the walls and bending moment at the ends from
the walls.
(1) Tank empty
(a) Load on end walls:
Vertical load = (γG = 1.35) × 123.1 = 166.2 kN/m (from previous calculation for
longitudinal wall).
Moment from the external pressure = (γF = 1.2) × 0.032 × 55.6 × 4.22
= 37.7 kNm/m.
(b) Uplift pressure:
Uplift pressure = (γF = 1.2) × 10 × 4.0 = 48 kN/m2
(c) Net pressure p on the ground:
p = 2 × 166.2/7.6 – 48.0 = –4.3 kN/m2
Although calculation indicates that the slab will not be in equilibrium, this is not strictly true
because of the presence of the loads on the central wall. Since the overall stability against flotation
of the structure has been established, calculation will be continued assuming equilibrium is
maintained. Calculation will be somewhat approximate but not seriously so. Figure 10 shows the
forces on the base slab. Figure 11 shows the bending moment distribution on the base slab.

Figure 10 - Forces on the base slab in the transverse direction, tank empty

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Figure 11 - Bending moment on the base slab in the transverse direction, tank empty
Maximum bending moment causing tension at bottom = 37.7 kNm/m.
Maximum moment causing tension at top = 280.03 kNm/m.
Maximum shear force = 166.2 kN/m at the ends.
(2) Both tanks full and no ground water
(a) Load on end walls:
Vertical load = (γG = 1.35) ×144.2 = 194.7 kN/m (from previous calculation
forlongitudinal wall).
Moment from the hydrostatic pressure = (γF = 1.2) × 0.032 × (10 × 4.2) × 4.22
= 28.4 kNm/m.
(b) Uplift pressure:
There is no uplift pressure.
(c) Net pressure p on the ground:
p = 2 × 194.7/7.6 = 51.23 kN/m2
Figure 12 shows the forces on the base slab. Figure 13 shows the bending moment distribution on
the base slab.
Maximum moment causing tension at top = 298.9 kNm/m.
Maximum shear force = 194.7 kN/m at the ends

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Figure 12 - ULS forces on the base slab in the transverse direction, tank full

Figure 13 - Bending moment distribution on the base slab in the transverse direction, tank full
Design of reinforcement:
The maximum bending moment causing tension at top is 298.9 kNm/m from tank full case and the
maximum bending moment causing tension at bottom is 37.7 kNm/m from tank empty case.
Steel at top:
M = 298.9 kNm/m, b = 1000 mm, cover = 40 mm, φ = H25,
d = 400 – 40 – 25/2 = 347 mm, fck = 30 MPa
𝜇𝑠𝑑 = 0.083 < 0.196
kz = z /d = 0.93
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 298.9 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.93 × 347) = 2200 mm2/m
Provide ∅25 at 220 c/c = 2231 mm2/m
Steel at bottom:
M = 37.7 kNm/m, b = 1000 mm, cover = 40 mm, φ = H12.
d = 400 – 40 – 12/2 = 354 mm, fck = 30 MPa.

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 𝜇𝑠𝑑 = 37.7 × 106/ (1000 × 3542 × 30) = 0.01 < 0.196
kz = z /d = 0.99
As = M/ (0.87 fyk z) = 37.7 × 106/ (0.87 × 500 × 0.99 × 354) = 247 mm2/m
Provide ∅10 at 300 c/c= 262 mm2/m.
Shear strength check:
Maximum shear force is 194.7 for the transverse direction with the tank being full
(i) Check the adequacy of the thickness
i.e. VEd < VRd, max using Eurocode 2 equation (6.9)
VRD,max = cw bw z  fcd/(cot+tan)

αcw = 1.0, bw = 1000 mm, d = 347 mm, z = 0.9d = 312 mm,

fcd = (fck = 30)/ (γc =1.5) = 20 MPa, ν1 = 0.6 (1 − fck/ 250) = 0.528

In section 6 of clause 6.2.3(109), Eurocode 2-Design of concrete structures: Part 3: Liquid

retaining and containment structures, recommends that cot θ can be conservatively assumed to be
1.0

VRd, max = [1.0 × 1000 × 312 × 0.528 × 20/(1 + 1)] × 10−3 = 1647 kN/m (6.9)

Section thickness is adequate!!!

(ii) Check whether shear reinforcement can be avoided

The shear capacity of a member without any shear reinforcement is given by code equations (6.2a),
(6.2b) and (6.3N). Assuming no prestressing

cRD,c K(1001 fck )1/3 bd

VRd,c= max{ , if cp=0
Vminbd

200
k = min{1 + √ d = 1 + √347 = 1.76 , k=1.76
0.18 200
cRD, c = = 0.12,
c
2

Steel at top = As = ∅25 at 180 = 2727 mm2/m

As 2727
= = 0.0079
1 = min{bd 1000∗347 , 1 = 0.0079
0.02

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 1
cRD,c K(1001fck)1/3 bd = 0.12 ∗ 1.76(100 ∗ 0.0079 ∗ 30)3 ∗ 1000 ∗ 347 = 222.8kN/m

3 1 3 1
Vmin ∗ b ∗ d = 0.035k 2 fck 2 = 0.035 ∗ 1.72 ∗ 302 = 52.05 kN/m

222.8kN/m 222.8kN
VRd,c= max{ , VRd,c = > VEd = 194.7kN/m OK!!!
52.05 kN/m m

Final reinforcement:
In longitudinal and transverse directions steel at top is H25 at 180 c/c.
In the longitudinal direction, steel at bottom is H12 at 200 c/c and in the transverse direction
steel at bottom is H10 at 300 c/c.

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