Is ACI 350 applicable to tanks with liquid grease?

[JAE]

The ACI 350-06 Code (for Environmental Structures) is intended to provide a code that creates concrete structures that contain liquids. This is accomplished by specifying a bit different reinforcement requirements that help keep cracks tight, etc.

I can see this code used for water and waste water type facilities. But if you were designing a tank to hold liquid grease, is there still a need to use 350 (vs. 318)?

The grease is probably about as viscous as water, but with the grease in the material, it seems like the cracks might be self-sealing or something and that rusting of reinforcement wouldn't be an issue with the grease materials.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[JedClampett]

Anytime you're providing containers for something nasty, you should design to as rigorous of a code as practical. ACI 350 has some provisions regarding load factors and crack control which are a pretty good idea anyway. While most cracks will self heal, no owner wants to depend on that.
If you're questioned by superiors or a building official on what kind of design you did to keep a load of grease from washing into the crick, it's nice to say you used the special code for Environmental Structures.

 

[Gumpmaster]

Well, with the grease, I would think the cracks would be less self healing because you won't get the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (I think that's right) that typically plugs up hairline cracks. Conversly, I think the fat molecules are probably larger than water molecules, so they may leak less than water with equivalent size cracks. Dunno.

Personally, I would still use 350.

Did you ask ACI? If you do and they respond, please post the answer here.

 

[JStephen]

It is commonly assumed that carbon steel won't corrode in contact with petroleum products. If the grease in question is a waste food-product grease, that wouldn't necessarily be the case, though.