The Islamic University of Gaza

Department of Civil Engineering

Design of Rectangular Concrete Tanks

RECTANGULAR TANK DESIGN

The cylindrical shape is structurally best

suited for tank construction, but rectangular
tanks are frequently preferred for specific
purposes

Easy formwork and construction process

Rectangular tanks are used where partitions or
tanks with more than one cell are needed.

RECTANGULAR TANK DESIGN

The behavior of rectangular tanks is

different from the behavior of circular tanks

The behavior of circular tanks is axi-symmetric.

That is the reason for the analysis to use only
unit width of the tank
The ring tension in circular tanks was uniform
around the circumference

RECTANGULAR TANK DESIGN

The design of rectangular tanks is very

similar in concept to the design of circular
tanks

The loading combinations are the same. The

modifications for the liquid pressure loading
factor and the sanitary coefficient are the same.
The major differences are the calculated
moments, shears, and tensions in the
rectangular tank walls.

RECTANGULAR TANK DESIGN

The requirements for durability are the same for

rectangular and circular tanks.
The requirements for reinforcement (minimum
or otherwise) are very similar to those for
circular tanks.
The loading conditions that must be considered
for the design are similar to those for circular
tanks.

RECTANGULAR TANK DESIGN

The restraint condition at the base is needed to

determine deflection, shears and bending
moments for loading conditions.

Base restraint conditions considered in the publication

include both hinged and fixed edges.
However, in reality, neither of these two extremes
actually exist.
It is important that the designer understand the degree
of restraint provided by the reinforcing bars that
extends into the footing from the tank wall.
If the designer is unsure, both extremes should be
investigated.

RECTANGULAR TANK DESIGN

Buoyancy forces must be considered in the design

process

The lifting force of the water pressure is resisted by the

weight of the tank and the weight of soil on top of the
slab

Plate Analysis Results

This chapter gives the coefficients of deflections Cd,

Shear Cs and moments (Mx, My, Mxy) for plates with
different end conditions. Results are provided from FEM
analysis of two dimensional plates subjected to our-ofplane loads.
The Slabs was assumed to act as a thin plate.
For square tanks the moment coefficient can be taken
directly from the tables in chapter 2.
For rectangular tank, adjustments must be made to
account for redistribution for bending moments to
adjacent walls.
The design coefficient for rectangular tanks are given in
chapter3

Tank Analysis Results

This chapter gives the coefficients of deflections Cd and

moments (Mx, My, Mxy). The design are based on FEM
analysis of tanks.
The shear coefficient Cs given in chapter 2 may be used
for design of rectangular tanks.
The effect of tension force, if significant should be
recognized.

RECTANGULAR TANK BEHAVIOR

Mx = moment per unit width about the x-axis

stretching the fibers in the y direction when the

plate is in the x-y plane. This moment
determines the steel in the y (vertical direction).

My = moment per unit width about the y-axis

stretching the fibers in the x direction when the

plate is in the x-y plane. This moment
determines the steel in the x or z (horizontal
direction).
y

Mz = moment per unit width about the z-axis

stretching the fibers in the y direction when the

plate is in the y-z plane. This moment determines
the steel in the y (vertical direction).
y
x

RECTANGULAR TANK BEHAVIOR

Mxy or Myz = torsion or twisting moments for plate or wall in the x-y
and y-z planes, respectively.

All these moments can be computed using the equations

2
Mx=(Mx Coeff.) x q a /1000
2
My=(My Coeff.) x q a /1000
2
Mz=(Mz Coeff.) x q a /1000
2
Mxy=(Mxy Coeff.) x q a /1000
Myz=(Myz Coeff.) x q a2/1000
These coefficients are presented in Tables of Chapter 2 and 3 for
rectangular tanks
The shear in one wall becomes axial tension in the adjacent wall.
Follow force equilibrium.

RECTANGULAR TANK BEHAVIOR

The twisting moment effects such as Mxy may be used to

add to the effects of orthogonal moments Mx and My for
the purpose of determining the steel reinforcement
The Principal of Minimum Resistance may be used for
determining the equivalent orthogonal moments for design

Where positive moments produce tension:

Mtx = Mx + |Mxy|
Mty = My + |Mxy|
However, if the calculated Mtx < 0,

If the calculated Mty < 0

then Mtx=0 and Mty=My + |Mxy2/Mx| > 0

Then Mty = 0 and Mtx = Mx + |Mxy2/My| > 0

Similar equations for where negative moments produce

tension

RECTANGULAR TANK BEHAVIOR

Where negative moments produce tension:

Mtx = Mx-|Mxy|
Mty = My - |Mxy|
However, if the calculated Mtx > 0,

then Mtx=0 and Mty=My - |Mxy2/Mx| < 0

If the calculated Mty > 0

Then Mty = 0 and Mtx = Mx - |Mxy2/My| < 0

Moment coefficient for Slabs with various edge

Conditions

MultiCell Tank
Corner of Multicell Tank:

Moment coefficients from chapter 3, designated as L

coefficients, apply to outer or L shaped corners of
multi-cell tanks.

MultiCell Tank
Three wall forming T-Shape:

If the continuous wall, or top of the T, is part of the long sides

of two adjacent rectangular cells, the moment in the continuous
wall at the intersection is maximum when both cells are filled.
The intersection is then fixed and moment coefficients,
designated as F coefficients, can be taken from Tables of
chapter 2.

MultiCell Tank
Three wall forming T-Shape:

If the continuous wall is part of the short sides of two adjacent

rectangular cells, moment at one side of the intersection is
maximum, when the cell on that side is filled while the other
cell is empty.
For this loading condition the magnitude of moment will be
somewhere between the L coefficients and the F coefficients.

MultiCell Tank
Three wall forming T-Shape:
If the unloaded third wall of the unit is disregarded, or its
stiffness considered negligible, moments in the loaded walls
would be the same L coefficients.
If the third wall is assumed to have infinite stiffness, the
corner is fixed and the F coefficients apply.
The intermediate value representing more nearly the true
condition can be obtained by the formula.
n
End Moments L
L F
n 2
where n: number of adjacent unloaded walls

MultiCell Tank

MultiCell Tank
Intersecting Walls:
If intersecting walls are the walls of square cells,
moments at the intersection are maximum when any
two cells are filled and the F coefficients in Tables 1,
2, or 3 apply because there is no rotation of the joint.
If the cells are rectangular, moments in the longer of
the intersecting walls will be maximum when two
cells on the same side of the wall under consideration
are filled, and again the F coefficients apply.

MultiCell Tank
Intersecting Walls:
Maximum moments in the
shorter walls adjacent to
the intersection occur
when diagonally opposite
cells are filled, and for this
condition the L
Coefficients apply.

Example 1
Design of Single-Cell Rectangular Tank

The tank shown has a clear height of a = 3m. horizontal

inside dimensions are b = 9.0 m and c = 6.0 m.
Height of the soil against wall is 1.5m.

Assume f c 300kg / cm 2 and f y =4200kg / cm 2

The tank will consider fixed at the base and free at

A
E
the top in this example.C

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Design of Wall for Loading Condition 1 (Leakage Test)

Design for Shear Forces (Top Free anbd bottom Fixed)

According to Case 3 for : b/a = 3.0 and c/a = 2.0 (Page 2-17)

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Assume the wall thickness is 30 cm

Check for shear at bottom of the wall

V C s q a

0.5 1 3 3 4.5ton

V u 1.4 V
1.4 4.5 6.3ton
V c 0.75 f c` (b )(d )
0.53 0.75 300(100)(24.3) /1000
16.7 ton V u
d 30 5 1.4 / 2 24.3cm

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Check for shear at side edge of the long wall

V C s q a 0.37 1 3 3 3.33ton

V u 1.4 V 1.4 3.33 4.67ton

This wall is subjected to tensile forces due to shear in the short
wall
Shear in the short wall
V C s q a 0.27 1 3 3 2.43ton
V u 1.4 V 1.4 2.43 3.4ton

N
V c 1
35A
g

`
f c (b )(d )

3.4 1000
0.53 0.75 1
300(100)(24.3) /1000
35 35 100
16.3ton V u

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Note when design of Wall for Loading Condition 3 (cover

in place) (Top hinged and bottom fixed)

Case 4 page 2-23 for the shear coefficient is smaller than

previous case.

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Design of Wall for Loading Condition 1 (Leakage Test)

Design for Vertical Reinforcement (Mx)

Moments are in ton.m if coefficients are multiplied by

qa2/1000= 3*9/1000=0.027
Moment coefficients taken from Table 5-1 for b/a = 3 and c/a = 2
For Sanitary Structures

Required Strength = S d factored load=S d U

f y
Sd
1.0
fs

factored load
where :
unfactored load

0.9 420
f s 165 from diagram
Sd
1.6
1.4 165
M ux 1.6 1.4 0.027 M x Coef . 0.0605 M x Coef .

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Vertical Bending Reinforcement:
Inside Reinforcement (Mu=-7.8 t.m)

The required reinforcing of the interior face of the wall is

M ux 0.0605 129 7.8 ton .m
0.85(300)
2.61(10)5 (7.8)

1 1
0.0036 min
4200
100(24.3) 2 (300)
A s 0.0036 100 24.3 8.75 cm 2 / m

Use 812 mm/m on the inside of the wall.

Outside Reinforcement (Mu=-7.8 t.m)

M ux 0.0605 10 0.605 ton .m

This maximum positive moment is very small and will controlled by

minimum reinforcement.
38

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Design for Horizontal Reinforcement (My)

Horizontal Bending Reinforcement:

Inside Reinforcement

M ux 0.0605 78 4.7 ton .m

0.85(300)
2.61(10)5 (4.7)

1 1
0.0021 min
2
4200
100(24.3) (300)
A s 0.0033 100 24.3 8.0 cm 2 / m

Use 812 mm/m on the inside of the wall.

Outside Reinforcement

M ux 0.0605 24 1.45ton .m

This maximum positive moment is very small and will controlled by

minimum reinforcement.
39

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Note when design of Wall for Loading Condition 3 (cover

in place) (Top hinged and bottom fixed)

Case 4 page 3-39 for the moment coefficient is smaller than

previous case.

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

30 cm

10 cm
812/m
3m
812/m
7.5cm

Slab Reinforcement Details

Walls Reinforcement Details

41

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Design for Uplift force under Loading Condition 3

The weight of the slab and walls as well as the soil resting on the footing
projection must be capable of resisting the upward force of water.
Weight of the Tank

Walls = height length thickness 2.5 t/m3

=3 (9+9+6+6) 0.3 2.5=67.5 ton
Bottom slab = length width thickness 2.5 t/m3
=(9+0.6)(6+0.6) 0.3 2.5=47.5 ton
Top slab = length width thickness 2.5 t/m3
=(9)(6) 0.3 2.5=40.5 ton
Soil on footing overhang =soil area soil height 1.2 t/m3
=[(9.6 6.6)-(9 6)] 1 1.2=11.2 ton
Total Resisting Load =67.5+47.5+40.5+11.2 =166.7 ton

42

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Design for Uplift force under Loading Condition 3

Buoyancy Force

Buoyancy Force=Bottom slab area water pressure

=(9.6 6.6) 1 1.3=82.4 ton
Assume the soil is 1m above the base slab.
Factor of Safety = Total resisting Load/Buoyancy Force
=166.7 /82.4 2.0

43

Example 1 (Design of Roof Slab)

Design of Roof Slab

It is assumed that the tank has a simply supported roof
The slab is designed using plate analysis result of case 10
chapter 2 with a/b =9/6=1.5 page 2-62

For Positive Moment along short span

Coef. Mtx = Coef. Mx + Coef. |Mxy| for +ve B.M. along short span

44

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

For Positive Moment along long span
Coef. Mty = Coef. My + Coef. |Mxy| for +ve B.M. along long span

45

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

For Negative Moment along short span
Coef. Mtx = Coef. Mx - Coef. |Mxy| for -ve B.M. along short span
if Mtx>0 then Mtx=0

46

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

For Negative Moment along long span
Coef. Mty= Coef. My - Coef. |Mxy| for -ve B.M. along long span
if Mtx>0 then Mtx=0

47

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Steel in short direction

Positive moment at center

M tx coef . qu a 2
M tx
,
1000
qu S d 1.2 DL 1.6 LL

Maximun M tx coef . 78

qu 1.6 1.2 0.3 1 2.5 1.6 0.1 1.7t / m

M 1.6 78 1.7 (6) 2 / 1000 7.6 t .m / m DL factors of 1.2 for slab own weight
LL assumed to be 100 kg/m2

0.85(300)
2.61(10)5 (7.6)

1 1
0.0034 min
4200
100(24.3) 2 (300)
A s 0.0034 100 24.3 8.26 cm 2 / m

Use 812 mm/m for bottom Reinforcement

48

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Steel in long direction

Positive moment at center

M tx coef . qu a 2
M tx
,
Maximun M tx coef . 51
1000
M 1.6 51 1.7 (6) 2 / 1000 5.0t .m / m
d 30 5 1.2 0.6 23.2
0.85(300)
2.61(10)5 (5.0)

1 1
0.0025 min
2
4200
100(23.2) (300)
A s 0.0033 100 23.2 7.7 cm 2 / m

Use 812 mm/m for bottom Reinforcement

49

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

Moment near corners

Maximum Mtx and Mty Coef. =49

M tx coef . qu a 2
M tx
,
Maximun M tx coef . 49
1000
M 1.6 51 1.7 (6) 2 / 1000 4.8t .m / m
d 30 5 1.2 0.6 23.2
0.85(300)
2.61(10)5 (4.8)

1 1
0.0024 min
2
4200
100(23.2) (300)
A s 0.0033 100 23.2 7.7 cm 2 / m

Use 812 mm/m for bottom Reinforcement

50

Example 1 (Design of Rectangular Tank)

812/m

812/m

812/m

812/m

1.5m

25cm

Slab Reinforcement Details

51

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

The tank in Figure consists of two adjacent cells, each with
the same inside dimensions as the single cell tank (a clear
height of a =3m. Horizontal inside dimensions are b = 9.0
m and c = 3.0 m). The top is considered free.

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

The tank consists of four L-shaped and two T-shaped units.

The Bending moments in the walls of multicell tanks are
approximately the same as in single tank, except at locations
of where more than two walls intersect.
The same coefficients of single-cell tank can be directly used
except at the T-shaped wall intersections.
L-(L-F)/3 coefficient are applicable for the three intersecting
walls of the two T-intersections
The coefficient are determined as follow:

Determine the BM Coef. In two-cell as if it were two

independent tanks.
Determine L and F factors to be used in adjustment of BM coef.
at T-shaped
Adjust bending moment coef. At T-shaped wall locations.

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

Determine the BM Coef. as if it were two independent Tanks

The BM coef. Are determined using table on page 3-30. For

b/a=3 and c/a=1 are given as follow:

BM coef. (Mx)for single-Cell-Tank Long outer Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

BM coef. (My) for single-Cell-Tank Long outer Wall

BM coef. (Mx) for single-Cell-Tank short outer Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

BM coef. (My) for single-Cell-Tank short outer Wall

BM coef. (Mx) for single-Cell-Tank Center Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

BM coef. (My) for single-Cell-Tank Center Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

Determine L & F factor to adjust BM for at T-shape wall location

The L and F factors are required to determine the bending

moment coefficient taking into account that the tank is multicell.
L-factors for short wall for b/a=3 & c/a=1are taken from page 330 and F factors for b/a=1are taken from page 2-21 of chapter 2.
L-factors for center wall b/a=3 & c/a=1are taken from page 3-30.
and F factors for b/a=3are taken from page 2-18 of chapter 2.
Note that coef is not needed for long outer wall since it not have
intersection with more than one wall.

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

L and F factors for short outer Wall

L and F factors for center Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

Adjust bending moment coef at T-shaped intersections

Coef.=L-(L-F)/3

L and F factors for center Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Short Center Wall

The tank in Figure consists of two cells with the same
inside dimensions as the cells in the two-cell tank with
the short center wall. (a clear height of a =3m.
Horizontal inside dimensions are b = 4.5 m and c = 6.0
m).

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

Determine the BM Coef. As if it were two independent Tanks

The BM coef. Are determined using table on page 3-31. For

b/a=2 and c/a=1.5 are given as follow:

BM coef. (Mx)for single-Cell-Tank 6m Long outer Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

BM coef. (My) for single-Cell-Tank 6 m Long outer Wall

BM coef. (Mx) for single-Cell-Tank 4.5 Long Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

BM coef. (My) for single-Cell-Tank 4.5 Long Wall

BM coef. (Mx) for single-Cell-Tank Center Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

BM coef. (Mx) for single-Cell-Tank Center Wall

Determine L & F factor to adjust BM for at T-shape wall location

The L and F factors are required to determine the bending

moment coefficient taking into account that the tank is multicell.
L-factors for short wall for are taken from page 3-31 and F
factors for b/a=2 and b/a=1.5 are taken from page 2-19 and 2-20
respectively.

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

L and F factors for 4.5m Wall

L and F factors for center 6m Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Long Center Wall

Adjust bending moment coef at T-shaped intersections

Coef = F for Col. 1 and Col 2

Coef.=L-(L-F)/3 for Col. 3and 4

L and F factors for center Wall

Two-Cell Tank, Short Center Wall

6m

8m

Details at Bottom Edge

All tables except one are based on the assumption that the bottom
edge is hinged. It is believed that this assumption in general is
closer to the actual condition than that of a fixed edge.
Consider first the detail in Fig. 9, which shows the wall
supported on a relatively narrow continuous wall footing,

Details at Bottom Edge

In Fig. 9 the condition of restraint at the bottom of the footing

is somewhere between hinged and fixed but much closer to
hinged than to fixed.
The base slab in Fig. 9 is placed on top of the wall footing and
the bearing surface is brushed with a heavy coat of asphalt to
break the adhesion and reduce friction between slab and
footing.
The vertical joint between slab and wall should be made
watertight. A joint width of 2.5 cm at the bottom is considered
adequate.
A waterstop may not be needed in the construction joints when
the vertical joint is made watertight

Details at Bottom Edge

In Fig. 10 a continuous concrete base slab is provided either

for transmitting the load coming down through the wall or for
upward hydrostatic pressure.
In either case, the slab deflects upward in the middle and tends
to rotate the wall base in Fig. 10 in a counterclockwrse
direction.

Details at Bottom Edge

The wall therefore is not fixed at the bottom edge and it is

difficult to predict the degree of restraint
The waterstop must then be placed off center as indicated.
Provision for transmitting shear through direct bearing can be
made by inserting a key as in Fig. 9 or by a shear ledge as in
Fig. 10.
At top of wall the detail in Fig. 10 may be applied except that
the waterstop and the shear key are not essential. The main
thing is to prevent moments from being transmitted from the
top of the slab into the wall because the wall is not designed
for such moments.

Tanks Directly Built on Ground

Tanks on Fill or Soft Weak Soil

The stress on the soil due to weight of the tank and water is
generally low (~0.6 kg/cm2 for a depth of water of 5m)
But it is not recommended to construct a tank directly on
unconsolidated soil of fill due to serious differential
settlement.
Soft weak clayey layers and similar soils may consolidate to
big values even under small stresses.
It is recommended to support the tank on columns and isolated
or strip footings if the stiff soil layers are at a reasonable depth
from the ground surface (see Figure 1).

Tanks Directly Built on Ground

Tanks on Fill or Soft Weak Soil

It is recommended to support the tank on columns and isolated

or strip footings if the stiff soil layers are at a reasonable depth
from the ground surface (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

Tanks Directly Built on Ground

Tanks on Fill or Soft Weak Soil

In case of medium soils at foundation level, raft foundation

may be used (see Figure 2).

Figure 2

Tanks Directly Built on Ground

Tanks on Fill or Soft Weak Soil

If the incompressible layers are deep or the ground water level

is high one may support the tank on piles. The piles cap may
acts as column capitals (see Figure 3).

Figure 3

Tanks Directly Built on Ground

Tanks on Rigid Foundation.

If the tank supported by a rigid foundation then it the vertical

reaction of the wall will be resisted by area beneath it.
The distance L beyond which no deformation or bending
moment can be calculated approximately as follow:
wL3
ML

0
24EI 6EI

M
L 2
w

Figure 4

Tanks Directly Built on Ground

Tanks on Compressible Soils

Floors of tanks resisting on medium clayey or sandy soils may

be calculated in the following manner:
The internal forces transmitted from the wall to the floor may
be assumed to be distributed on the soil by the distance L=0.4
to 0.6H.
The length L is chosen such that the maximum stress 1 is
smaller than the allowed soil bearing pressure, 2 > 1/2 on
clayey soils and 2 > 0 on sandy soils.
This limitations are recommended in order to prevent
relatively big rotations of the floor at b.

Tanks Directly Built on Ground

Tanks on Compressible Soils

G1 = weight of the wall and roof

G2 = weight of the floor cb
W= weight of water on cb

Figure 5

Approximate Analysis

Design of Rectangular Concrete Tanks

Approximate Analysis

Deep Tanks

Where H/L>2 and H/B >2

The effect of fixation of the wall will be limited to a
small part at the base
The rest of the wall will resist water pressure
horizontally by closed frame action

H
(3/4H)

Deep Tanks: Square sections

It is assumed that the maximum internal pressure take
place at H from the top or 1m from the bottom
whichever greater

PL2
MC
12
2
PL
Mm
24
Direct Tension :

at support

Mm
Mc

at center
PL
T
2

Deep Tanks: Rectangular sections

It is assumed that the maximum internal pressure take
place at H from the top

P 2
M C L LB B 2
12
2
PL
M 1m
Mc
8
P 2
L 2LB 2B 2
24
M2m

at support
M1m

Mc

B
L

Deep Tanks: Rectangular sections

M 2m

PB 2
P

M c B 2 2LB 2L2
8
24

PB
Direct Tension in long Wall T
2
PL
Direct Tension in short Wall T
2

B) Shallow Tanks
Where H/L and H/B <1/2
The water pressure is resisted by vertical action as follows:
a) Cantilever walls

Wall fixed to the floor and free at top may act as simple
cantilever walls (suitable for H<3 m)
Tension in the floor = Reaction at the base

H
R=H/2

M=H3/6

B) Shallow Tanks

b) Wall simply supported at top and fixed at Bottom

Wall act as one way slab and resist water pressure in vertical
direction (suitable for H<4.5 m)

R=0.1H
H3/33.5

H
H3/15

R=0.4H
M=H3/15

B) Shallow Tanks

c) Wall fixed at top and fixed at Bottom

M=H3/20
M=H3/20

R=0.15H

+
H3/46.6
M=H3/20

H
R=0.35H
M=H3/20

C) Medium Moderate Tanks

In moderate or medium tanks where
H H
0.5 & 2
L
B
The water pressure is resisted by vertical and horizontal action
Different approximate methods is used to determine the
internal distribution Some of them:
a) Approach 1: According to L/B ratio (Deep tank action)
b) Approach 2: Strip method (coefficient method)

C) Medium Moderate Tanks

Approach 1: According to L/B ratio
For rectangular tank in which L/B<2 the tanks are designed
as continuous frame subjected to max. pressure at H/4
from the bottom
The bottom H/4 is designed as a cantilever
M1m
Mc
(3/4H)

M2m
L

C) Medium Moderate Tanks

Approach 1: According to L/B ratio
For rectangular tank in which L/B>2

The long wall are designed as a cantilever

The short walls as a slab fixed supported on the long walls

The bottom H/4 portion of the short wall is designed as a
cantilever

H
R=H/2
M=H3/6

C) Medium Moderate Tanks

Approach 1: According to L/B ratio > 2

For Long Wall

M base

6
Direct Tension
3 B
T H
4 2

H
R=H/2
M=H3/6

C) Medium Moderate Tanks

Approach 1: According to L/B ratio >2

For Short Wall

a) Horizontal Moment
M sup port

3H

4

12

(3/4H)

M center

24
a) Vertical Moment

3H

4

1
H
H 1 H
M H

2
96
4 3 4

wH2/24

wH2/12

C) Medium Moderate Tanks

Approach 1: According to L/B ratio > 2
Direct Tension
It is assumed that the end one meter width of the long wall
contribute to direct tension on the short wall

Direct Tension Short Wall

T 1H

C) Medium Moderate Tanks

Approach 2: The Strip Method

This method gives approximate solution for

rectangular flat plates of constant thickness,
supported in four sides and subjected to uniform
hydrostatic pressure
Walls and floors supported on four sides and
having L/B<2 are treated as two-way slabs.
Grashof, Marcus, or Egyptian code coefficient can
be used to evaluate loads transferred in each
direction

C) Medium Moderate Tanks

Approach 2: The Strip Method
Load distribution of two-way slabs subjected to triangular
loading is approximately the same as uniform load.

P=Pv + Ph
3H/4

H/4

Where:
Pv
Ph
P: hydrostatic pressure at specific depth
Pv: Pressure resisted in the vertical direction
Ph: Pressure resisted in the horizontal direction

C) Medium Moderate Tanks

Approach 2: The Strip Method

The fixed Moment at bottom due to pressure resisted

Ra
a
2
2
vertically
H
H
M f PV
Ph

15
117

3H/4

The shear at a
Ra Pv

H
H
Ph
10
540

H/4
Pv

Ph

The shear at b is evaluated from equilibrium

The moments due to horizontal pressure are evaluated as
discussed before at (3H/4)

Design of section subjected to eccentric tension or

compression

If the resultant stress on the liquid side is compression the

section is to be designed as ordinary RC cracked section
If the resultant stress on the liquid side is tension the
section must have

Adequate resistance of cracking

Adequate strength
My N

fr
I
bt
6M N
'

2
f
c
bt 2 bt

+ve for tension

-ve for compression

Design of section subjected to eccentric tension or

compression

Reinforcement for direct tension can be added to

reinforcement required to resist bending using strength
design method.
M u' M u Pu e
Mu

Mu
Pu

Pu