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Open Concrete Tank - Lateral Design

Open Concrete Tank - Lateral Design

Open Concrete Tank - Lateral Design

(OP)
Hi All,

Would the design of an open concrete tank for lateral earthquake and earth pressure forces essentially be designing four retaining walls, as there is no diaphragm to transmit the lateral forces to the walls running parallel? If not, how do these walls receive the load?

Thanks.

RE: Open Concrete Tank - Lateral Design

Depends on the plan proportions of the tank. Often, the walls can and will span horizontally.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

RE: Open Concrete Tank - Lateral Design

(OP)
The plan dimensions are 180' x 78' x 23.5' (L X W X H). Because the aspect ratio is > 2 and assuming the walls span horizontally, why would vertical bar be needed? Assuming minimum steel, no compression, and vertical bars at the ends of the wall to resist moment.

RE: Open Concrete Tank - Lateral Design

With those proportions there will definitely be long stretches of wall that will behave as cantilevered retaining walls. I agree with your original assessment.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

RE: Open Concrete Tank - Lateral Design

Some load will be carried into the corners. For a tank your size, you need to make sure there is adequate horizontal steel (and wall thickness) for that. There also needs to be horizontal steel for temperature and shrinkage. I put in minimum bending steel (rho = .0033) in both directions on both faces, unless of course, more is needed due to moment.
And not to spoil your fun in finding it out yourself, but your wall is going to be 2'-0" thick, if not thicker.

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