CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION
A water tank is used to store water to tide over the daily requirement. In the construction of
concrete structure for the storage of water and other liquids the imperviousness of concrete is
most essential .The permeability of any uniform and thoroughly compacted concrete of given
mix proportions is mainly dependent on water cement ratio .The increase in water cement
ratio results in increase in the permeability .The decrease in water cement ratio will therefore
be desirable to decrease the permeability, but very much reduced water cement ratio may
cause compaction difficulties and prove to be harmful also. Design of liquid retaining
structure has to be based on the avoidance of cracking in the concrete having regard to its
tensile strength. Cracks can be prevented by avoiding the use of thick timber shuttering which
prevent the easy escape of heat of hydration from the concrete mass the risk of cracking can
also be minimized by reducing the restraints on free expansion or contraction of the structure.
OBJECTIVE

To make a study about the analysis and design of water tanks.

To make a study about the guidelines for the design of liquid retaining structure.
To know about the design philosophy for the safe and economical design of water

tank.
To develop programs for the design of water tank of flexible base and rigid base and
the underground tank to avoid the tedious calculations.

SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY

The various sources of water can be classified into two categories:
Surface sources, such as
1.
2.
3.
4.

Ponds and lakes;

Streams and rivers;
Storage reservoirs; and
Oceans, generally not used for water supplies, at present.

Sub-surface sources or underground sources, such as

1.
2.
3.

Springs;
Infiltration wells ; and
Wells and Tube-wells.

CHAPTER-2

WATER QUANTITY ESTIMATION

The quantity of water required for municipal uses for which the water supply scheme has to
be designed requires following data:

Water consumption rate (Per Capita Demand in litres per day per head)
Population to be served.
Quantity= Per capita demand x Population

Water Consumption Rate

It is very difficult to precisely assess the quantity of water demanded by the public, since
there are many variable factors affecting water consumption. The various types of water
demands, which a city may have, may be broken into following class
Fire Fighting Demand:
The per capita fire demand is very less on an average basis but the rate at which the water is
required is very large. The rate of fire demand is sometimes treated as a function of
population and is worked out from following empirical formulae:
Factors affecting per capita demand:
Size of the city: Per capita demand for big cities is generally large as compared to that for
smaller towns as big cities have sewered houses.
Presence of industries.
Climatic conditions.
Habits of economic status.
3

 Quality of water: If water is aesthetically $ people and their

medically safe, the consumption will increase as people will not resort to private wells, etc.
Pressure in the distribution system.
Efficiency of water works administration: Leaks in water mains and services; and un
authorised use of water can be kept to a minimum by surveys.
Cost of water.
Policy of metering and charging method: Water tax is charged in two different ways: on
the basis of meter reading and on the basis of certain fixed monthly rate.
Fluctuations in Rate of Demand:
Average Daily Per Capita Demand
= Quantity Required in 12 Months/ (365 x Population)
If this average demand is supplied at all the times, it will not be sufficient to meet the
fluctuations.
Seasonal variation: The demand peaks during summer. Firebreak outs are generally more
in summer, increasing demand. So, there is seasonal variation.
Daily variation depends on the activity. People draw out more water on Sundays and
Festival days, thus increasing demand on these days.
Hourly variations are very important as they have a wide range. During active household
working hours i.e. from six to ten in the morning and four to eight in the evening, the bulk of
the daily requirement is taken. During other hours the requirement is negligible. Moreover, if

a fire breaks out, a huge quantity of water is required to be supplied during short duration,
necessitating the need for a maximum rate of hourly supply.
So, an adequate quantity of water must be available to meet the peak demand. To meet all the
fluctuations, the supply pipes, service reservoirs and distribution pipes must be properly
proportioned. The water is supplied by pumping directly and the pumps and distribution
system must be designed to meet the peak demand. The effect of monthly variation influences
the design of storage reservoirs and the hourly variations influences the design of pumps and
service reservoirs. As the population decreases, the fluctuation rate increases.
Maximum daily demand = 1.8 x average daily demand
Maximum hourly demand of maximum day i.e. Peak demand
= 1.5 x average hourly demand
= 1.5 x Maximum daily demand/24
= 1.5 x (1.8 x average daily demand)/24
= 2.7 x average daily demand/24
= 2.7 x annual average hourly demand

CHAPTER-3

DESIGN PERIODS & POPULATION FORECAST

This quantity should be worked out with due provision for the estimated requirements of the
future. The future period for which a provision is made in the water supply scheme is known
as the design period.
Design period is estimated based on the following:
Useful life of the component , considering obsolescence, wear, tear, etc.
Expandability aspect.
Anticipated rate of growth of population, including industrial, commercial developments &
migration-immigration.
Available resources.
Performance of the system during initial period.
Population Forecasting Methods
The various methods adopted for estimating future populations are given below. The
particular method to be adopted for a particular case or for a particular city depends largely
on the factors discussed in the methods, and the selection is left to the discrection and
intelligence of the designer.
1. Incremental Increase Method
2. Decreasing Rate of Growth Method
3. Simple Graphical Method
6

4. Comparative Graphical Method

5. Ratio Method
6. Logistic Curve Method
7. Arithmetic Increase Method
8. Geometric Increase Method.

CHAPTER-4

WATER TANK
CLASSIFICATIONS
Classification based on under three heads:
1. Tanks resting on ground
2. Elevated tanks supported on stagging
3. Underground tanks.
Classification based on shapes
1. Circular tanks
2. Rectangular tanks
3. Spherical tanks
4. Intze tanks
5. Circular tanks with conical bottom

CHAPTER-5

DESIGN REQUIREMENT OF CONCRETE

In water retaining structure a dense impermeable concrete is required therefore, proportion of
fine and course aggregates to cement should be such as to give high quality concrete.
Concrete mix weaker than M20 is not used. The minimum quantity of cement in the concrete
mix shall be not less than 30 kN/m 3.The design of the concrete mix shall be such that the
resultant concrete is efficiently impervious. Efficient compaction preferably by vibration is
essential. The permeability of the thoroughly compacted concrete is dependent on water
cement ratio. Increase in water cement ratio increases permeability, while concrete with low
water cement ratio is difficult to compact. Other causes of leakage in concrete are defects
such as segregation and honey combing.
All joints should be made water-tight as these are potential sources of leakage. Design of
liquid retaining structure is different from ordinary R.C.C, structures as it requires that
concrete should not crack and hence tensile stresses in concrete should be within permissible
limits. A reinforced concrete member of liquid retaining structure is designed on the usual
principles ignoring tensile resistance of concrete in bending. Additionally it should be
ensured that tensile stress on the liquid retaining ace of the equivalent concrete section does
not exceed the permissible tensile strength of concrete. For calculation purposes the cover is
also taken into concrete area. Cracking may be caused due to restraint to shrinkage,
expansion and contraction of concrete due to temperature or shrinkage and swelling due to
moisture effects. Such restraint may be caused by
(i) The interaction between reinforcement and concrete during shrinkage due to drying.
(ii) The boundary conditions.
9

(iii) The differential conditions prevailing through the large thickness of massive concrete
Use of small size bars placed properly, leads to closer cracks but of smaller width. The risk of
cracking due to temperature and shrinkage effects may be minimized by limiting the changes
in moisture content and temperature to which the structure as a whole is subjected. The risk
of cracking can also be minimized by reducing the restraint on the free expansion of the
structure with long walls or slab founded at or below ground level, restraint can be minimized
by the provision of a sliding layer. This can be provided by founding the structure on a flat
layer of concrete with interposition of some material to break the bond and facilitate
movement. In case length of structure is large it should be subdivided into suitable lengths
separated by movement joints, especially where sections are changed the movement joints
should be provided. Where structures have to store hot liquids, stresses caused by difference
in temperature between inside and outside of the reservoir should be taken into account.
The coefficient of expansion due to temperature change is taken as 11 x 10 -6/ C and
coefficient of shrinkage may be taken as 450 x 10 -6 for initial shrinkage and 200 x 10 -6 for
drying shrinkage.

10

CHAPTER-6

JOINTS IN LIQUID RETAINING STRUCTURES

MOVEMENT JOINTS
There are three types of movement joints.
(i)Contraction Joint. It is a movement joint with deliberate discontinuity without initial gap
between the concrete on either side of the joint. The purpose of this joint is to accommodate
contraction of the concrete.
The joint is shown in Fig. (a)

A contraction joint may be either complete contraction joint or partial contraction joint. A
complete contraction joint is one in which both steel and concrete are interrupted and a partial
contraction joint is one in which only the concrete is interrupted, the reinforcing steel running
through as shown in Fig.(b).

11

(ii) Expansion Joint. It is a joint with complete discontinuity in both reinforcing steel and
concrete and it is to accommodate either expansion or contraction of the structure. A typical
expansion joint is shown in Fig.(c)

This type of joint is provided between wall and floor in some cylindrical tank designs.
CONTRACTION JOINTS
This type of joint is provided for convenience in construction. This type of joint requires the
provision of an initial gap between the adjoining parts of a structure which by closing or
opening accommodates the expansion or contraction of the structure.

12

(iii) Sliding Joint. It is a joint with complete discontinuity in both reinforcement and concrete
and with special provision to facilitate movement in plane of the joint. A typical joint is
shown in Fig. This type of joint is provided between wall and floor in some cylindrical tank
designs.

CONTRACTION JOINTS
This type of joint is provided for convenience in construction. Arrangement is made to
achieve subsequent continuity without relative movement. One application of these joints is
between successive lifts in a reservoir wall. A typical joint is shown in Fig(f)

13

TEMPORARY JOINTS
A gap is sometimes left temporarily between the concrete of adjoining parts of a structure
which after a suitable interval and before the structure is put to use, is filled with mortar or
concrete completely. In the first case width of the gap should be sufficient to allow the sides
to be prepared before filling. Figure (g)

14

CHAPTER-7

GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Plain Concrete Structures.
Plain concrete member of reinforced concrete liquid retaining structure may be designed
against structural failure by allowing tension in plain concrete as per the permissible limits
for tension in bending. This will automatically take care of failure due to cracking. However,
nominal reinforcement shall be provided, for plain concrete structural members.
Permissible Stresses in Concrete.
(a) For resistance to cracking. For calculations relating to the resistance of members to
cracking, the permissible stresses in tension (direct and due to bending) and shear shall
confirm to the values specified.The permissible tensile stresses due to bending apply to the
face of the member in contact with the liquid. In members less than 225mm. thick and in
contact with liquid on one side these permissible stresses in bending apply also to the face
remote from the liquid.
(b) For strength calculations. In strength calculations the permissible concrete stresses shall
be in accordance. Where the calculated shear stress in concrete alone exceeds the permissible
value, reinforcement acting in conjunction with diagonal compression in the concrete shall be
provided to take the whole of the shear.
Permissible Stresses in Steel
(a) For resistance to cracking. When steel and concrete are assumed to act together for
checking the tensile stress in concrete for avoidance of crack, the tensile stress in steel will be
limited by the requirement that the permissible tensile stress in the concrete is not exceeded
15

so the tensile stress in steel shall be equal to the product of modular ratio of steel and
concrete, and the corresponding allowable tensile stress in concrete.
For strength calculations
In strength calculations the permissible stress shall be as follows:
(i) Tensile stress in member in direct tension 1000 kg/cm2
(ii) Tensile stress in member in bending on liquid retaining face of members or face
away from liquid for members less than 225mm thick 1000 kg/ cm2
(iii)On face away from liquid for members 225mm or more in thickness 1250 kg/ cm2
(iv )Tensile stress in shear reinforcement,
For members less than 225mm thickness 1000 kg/ cm2
For members 225mm or more in thickness 1250 kg/ cm2
(v)Compressive stress in columns subjected to direct load 1250 kg/ cm2
Stresses due to drying Shrinkage or Temperature Change.
(i) Stresses due to drying shrinkage or temperature change may be ignored provided that .
(a) The permissible stresses specified above in (ii) and (iii) are not otherwise exceeded.
(b) Adequate precautions are taken to avoid cracking of concrete during the construction
period and until the reservoir is put into use.
(c) Recommendation regarding joints given in article 8.3 and for suitable sliding layer
beneath the reservoir are complied with, or the reservoir is to be used only for the storage of

16

water or aqueous liquids at or near ambient temperature and the circumstances are such that
the concrete will never dry out.
(ii)Shrinkage stresses may however be required to be calculated in special cases, when a
shrinkage co-efficient of 300 x 10-6 may be assumed.
(iii) When the shrinkage stresses are allowed, the permissible stresses, tensile stresses to
concrete (direct and bending) may be increased by 33.33 per cent.
Floors
(i)Provision of movement joints.
Movement joints should be provided as discussed in article 3.
(ii) Floors of tanks resting on ground.
If the tank is resting directly over ground, floor may be constructed of concrete with nominal
percentage of reinforcement provided that it is certain that the ground will carry the load
without appreciable subsidence in any part and that the concrete floor is cast in panels with
sides not more than 4.5m. with contraction or expansion joints between. In such cases a
screed or concrete layer less than 75mm thick shall first be placed on the ground and covered
with a sliding layer of bitumen paper or other suitable material to destroy the bond between
the screed and floor concrete. In normal circumstances the screed layer shall be of grade not
weaker than M 10,where injurious soils or aggressive water are expected, the screed layer
shall be of grade not weaker than M 15 and if necessary a sulphate resisting or other special
cement should be used.

17

Floor of tanks resting on supports

(a) If the tank is supported on walls or other similar supports the floor slab shall be designed
as floor in buildings for bending moments due to water load and self weight.
(b)When the floor is rigidly connected to the walls (as is generally the case) the bending
moments at the junction between the walls and floors shall be taken into account in the design
of floor together with any direct forces transferred to the floor from the walls or from the
floor to the wall due to suspension of the floor from the wall. If the walls are non-monolithic
with the floor slab, such as in cases, where movement joints have been provided between the
floor slabs and walls, the floor shall be designed only for the vertical loads on the floor.
(c) In continuous T-beams and L-beams with ribs on the side remote from the liquid, the
tension in concrete on the liquid side at the face of the supports shall not exceed the
permissible stresses for controlling cracks in concrete. The width of the slab shall be
determined in usual manner for calculation of the resistance to cracking of T-beam, Lbeam
sections at supports.
(d)The floor slab may be suitably tied to the walls by rods properly embedded in both the slab
and the walls. In such cases no separate beam (curved or straight) is necessary under the wall,
provided the wall of the tank itself is designed to act as a beam over the supports under it.
(e)Sometimes it may be economical to provide the floors of circular tanks, in the shape of
dome. In such cases the dome shall be designed for the vertical loads of the liquid over it and
the ratio of its rise to its diameter shall be so adjusted that the stresses in the dome are, as far
as possible, wholly compressive. The dome shall be supported at its bottom on the ring beam
which shall be designed for resultant circumferential tension in addition to vertical loads.

18

Walls
(i) Provision of joints
1. Where it is desired to allow the walls to expand or contract separately from the floor,
or to prevent moments at the base of the wall owing to fixity to the floor, sliding joints
may be employed.
2. The spacing of vertical movement joints should be as discussed while the majority of
these joints may be of the partial or complete contraction type, sufficient joints of the
expansion type should be provided to satisfy the requirements given in article
(ii) Pressure on Walls.
(a) In liquid retaining structures with fixed or floating covers the gas pressure developed
above liquid surface shall be added to the liquid pressure.
(b)When the wall of liquid retaining structure is built in ground, or has earth embanked
against it, the effect of earth pressure shall be taken into account.
(iii) Walls or Tanks Rectangular or Polygonal in Plan.
While designing the walls of rectangular or polygonal concrete tanks, the following points
should be borne in mind.
(a) In plane walls, the liquid pressure is resisted by both vertical and horizontal bending
moments. An estimate should be made of the proportion of the pressure resisted by bending
moments in the vertical and horizontal planes. The direct horizontal tension caused by the
direct pull due to water pressure on the end walls, should be added to that resulting from
horizontal bending moments. On liquid retaining faces, the tensile stresses due to the
combination of direct horizontal tension and bending action shall satisfy the following
condition:
19

(d)At the vertical edges where the walls of a reservoir are rigidly joined, horizontal
reinforcement and haunch bars should be provided to resist the horizontal bending moments
even if the walls are designed to withstand the whole load as vertical beams or cantilever
without lateral supports.
(c) In the case of rectangular or polygonal tanks, the side walls act as twoway slabs, whereby
the wall is continued or restrained in the horizontal direction, fixed or hinged at the bottom
and hinged or free at the top. The walls thus act as thin plates subjected triangular loading and
with boundary conditions varying between full restraint and free edge. The analysis of
moment and forces may be made on the basis of any recognized method.
Walls of Cylindrical Tanks
While designing walls of cylindrical tanks the following points should be borne in mind:
(a)Walls of cylindrical tanks are either cast monolithically with the base or are set in grooves
and key ways (movement joints). In either case deformation of wall under influence of liquid
pressure is restricted at and above the base. Consequently, only part of the triangular
hydrostatic load will be carried by ring tension and part of the load at bottom will be
supported by cantilever action.
(b)It is difficult to restrict rotation or settlement of the base slab and it is advisable to provide
vertical reinforcement as if the walls were fully fixed at the base, in addition to the
reinforcement required to resist horizontal ring tension for hinged at base, conditions of
walls, unless the appropriate amount of fixity at the base is established by analysis with due
consideration to the dimensions of the base slab the type of joint between the wall and slab,
and , where applicable, the type of soil supporting the base slab.
Roofs
20

(i) Provision of Movement joints.

To avoid the possibility of sympathetic cracking it is important to ensure that movement
joints in the roof correspond with those in the walls, if roof and walls are monolithic. It,
however, provision is made by means of a sliding joint for movement between the roof and
the wall correspondence of joints is not so important.
(ii)Loading
Field covers of liquid retaining structures should be designed for gravity loads, such as the
weight of roof slab, earth cover if any, live loads and mechanical equipment. They should
also be designed for upward load if the liquid retaining structure is subjected to internal gas
pressure. A superficial load sufficient to ensure safety with the unequal intensity of loading
which occurs during the placing of the earth cover should be allowed for in designing roofs.
The engineer should specify a loading under these temporary conditions which should not be
exceeded. In designing the roof, allowance should be made for the temporary condition of
some spans loaded and other spans unloaded, even though in the final state the load may be
small and evenly distributed.
(iii) Water tightness.
In case of tanks intended for the storage of water for domestic purpose, the roof must be
made water-tight. This may be achieved by limiting the stresses as for the rest of the tank, or
by the use of the covering of the waterproof membrane or by providing slopes to ensure
adequate drainage.
Protection against corrosion.
Protection measure shall be provided to the underside of the roof to prevent it from corrosion
due to condensation.
21

Minimum Reinforcement
(a)The minimum reinforcement in walls, floors and roofs in each of two directions at right
angles shall have an area of 0.3 per cent of the concrete section in that direction for sections
up to 100mm, thickness. For sections of thickness greater than 100mm, and less than 450mm
the minimum reinforcement in each of the two directions shall be linearly reduced from 0.3
percent for 100mm thick section to 0.2 percent for 450mm, thick sections. For sections of
thickness greater than 450mm, minimum reinforcement in each of the two directions shall be
kept at 0.2 per cent. In concrete sections of thickness 225mm or greater, two layers of
reinforcement steel shall be placed one near each face of the section to make up the minimum
reinforcement.
(b)In special circumstances floor slabs may be constructed with percentage of reinforcement
less than specified above. In no case the percentage of reinforcement in any member be less
than 0.15% of gross sectional area of the member.
Minimum Cover to Reinforcement
(a)For liquid faces of parts of members either in contact with the liquid (such as inner faces
or roof slab) the minimum cover to all reinforcement should be 25mm or the diameter of the
main bar whichever is grater. In the presence of the sea water and soils and water of corrosive
characters the cover should be increased by 12mm but this additional cover shall not be taken
into account for design calculations.
(b)For faces away from liquid and for parts of the structure neither in contact with the liquid
on any face, nor enclosing the space above the liquid, the cover shall be as for ordinary
concrete member.

22

CHAPTER-8

DOMES
A dome may be defined as a thin shell generated by the revolution of a regular curve about
one of its axes. The shape of the dome depends on the type of the curve and the direction of
the axis of revolution. In spherical and conoidal domes, surface is described by revolving an
arc of a circle. The centre of the circle may be on the axis of rotation (spherical dome) or
outside the axis (conoidal dome). Both types may or may not have a symmetrical lantern
opening through the top. The edge of the shell around its base is usually provided with edge
member cast integrally with the shell. Domes are used in variety of structures, as in the roof
of circular areas, in circular tanks, in hangers, exhibition halls, auditoriums, planetarium and
bottom of tanks, bins and bunkers. Domes may be constructed of masonry, steel, timber and
reinforced concrete. However, reinforced domes are more common nowadays since they can
be constructed over large spans Membrane theory for analysis of shells of revolution can be
developed neglecting effect of bending moment, twisting moment and shear and assuming
that the loads are carried wholly by axial stresses. This however applies at points of shell
which are removed some distance away from the discontinuous edge. At the edges, the results
thus obtained may be indicated but are not accurate.
Design of Reinforced Concrete Domes:
The requirements of thickness of dome and reinforcement from the point of view of induced
stresses are usually very small. However, a minimum of 80 mm is provided so as to
accommodate two layers of steel with adequate cover. Similarly a minimum of steel provided
is 0.15% of the sectional area in each direction along the meridians as well as along the
latitudes. This reinforcement will be in addition to the requirements for hoop tensile stresses.

23

The reinforcement is provided in the middle of the thickness of the dome shell Near the edges
usually some ring beam is provided for taking the horizontal component of the meridian
stress. Some bending moment develops in the shell near the edges. It is normal to thicken the
shell near the edges and provide increased curvature. Reinforcements near the top as well as
near the bottom face of the shell are also provided. The size of the ring beam is obtained on
basis of the hoop tension developed in the ring due to the horizontal component of the
meridian stress. The concrete area is obtained so that the resulting tensile stress when
concrete alone is considered does not exceed.
N/mm2 to 1.70 N/mm2 for direct tension and 1.5 N/mm2 to 2.40 N/mm 2 for tension due to
bending in liquid resisting structure depending on the grade of concrete. Reinforcement for
the hoop stress is also provided with the allowable stress in steel as 115 N/mm 2 (or 150
N/mm2) in case of liquid retaining structures and 140 N/mm 2 (or 190 N/ mm2) in other cases.
The ring should be provided so that the central line of the shell passes through the centroid of
the ring beam. Renforcement has to be provided in both the directions. If the reinforcement
along the meridians is continued upto the crown, there will be congestion of steel there.
Hence, from practical considerations, the reinforcement along the meridian is stopped below
the crown and a separate mesh is provided. Alternatively, the arrangement of the bars may be
made as shown in plan.
In case of domes with lantern opening with concentrated load acting there, ring beam has to
be provided at the periphery of the opening. The edge beam there will, however, be subjected
to hoop compression in place of hoop tension. Openings may be provided in the dome as
required from other functional or architectural requirements. However, reinforcement has to
be provided all around the opening. The meridian and hoop reinforcement reaching the
opening should be well anchored to such reinforcement.

24

When shrinkage stresses are considered it is necessary to check the thickness for no crack.
Minimum reinforcement of each of two directions at right angles shall have an area of 0.3%
for 100 mm thick concrete to 0.2% for 450 mm thick concrete wall. In floor slabs, minimum
reinforcement to be provided is 0.15%. The minimum reinforcement as specified above may
be decreased by 20%), if high strength deformed bars are used. Minimum cover to
reinforcement on the liquid face is 25 mm or diameter of the bar, whichever is larger and
should be increased by 12 mm for tanks for sea water or liquid of corrosive character.
Overhead Water Tanks And Towers
Overhead water tanks of various shapes can be used as service reservoirs, as a balancing tank
in water supply schemes and for replenishing the tanks for various purposes. Reinforced
concrete water towers have distinct advantages as they are not affected by climatic changes,
are leak proof, provide greater rigidity and are adoptable for all shapes.

25

Components of a water tower consists of(a) Tank portion with (1) Roof and roof beams (if any)
(2) sidewalls
(3) Floor or bottom slab
(4) floor beams,includingcircular girder
(b) Staging portion, consisting of(5) Columns
(6)Bracings and
(7)Foundations
Types of water Tanks may be
(a) Square-open or with cover at top
(b)Rectangular-open or with cover at top
(c) Circular-open or with cover at which may be flat or domed.
Among these the circular types are proposed for large capacities. Such circular tanks may
have flat floors or domical floors and these are supported on circular girder. The most
common type of circular tank is the one which is called an Intze Tank. In such cases, a domed
cover is provided at top with a cylindrical and conical wall at bottom. A ring beam will be
required to support the domed roof. A ring beam is also provided at the junction of the

26

cylindrical and conical walls. The conical wall and the tank floor are supported on a ring
girder which is supported on a number of columns.
Usually a domed floor is shown in fig a result of which the ring girder supported on the
columns will be relieved from the horizontal thrusts as the horizonal thrusts of the conical
wall and the domed floor act in opposite direction. Sometimes, a vertical hollow shaft may be
provided which may be supported on the domed floor.
The design of the tank will involve the following
(1) The dome at top usually 100 mm to 150 mm thick with reinforcement along the meridians
and latitudes. The rise is usually l/5th of the span.
(2) Ring beam supporting the dome.
The ring beam is necessary to resist the horizontal component of the thrust of the dome. The
ring beam will be designed for the hoop tension induced.
(3) Cylindrical walls :
This has to be designed for hoop tension caused due to horizontal water pressure.
(4) Ring beam at the junction of the cylindrical walls and the conical wall.
This ring beam is provided to resist the horizontal component of the reaction of the conical
wall on the cylindrical wall. The ring beam will be designed for the induced hoop tension.
(5) Conical slab,
This will be designed for hoop tension due to water pressure. The slab will also be designed
as a slab spanning between the ring beam at top and the ring girder at bottom.

27

(6) Floor of the tank.

The floor may be circular or domed. This slab is supported on the ring girder.
(7) The ring girder:
This will be designed to support the tank and its contents. The girder will be supported on
columns and should be designed for resulting bending moment and Torsion.
(8) Columns:
These are to be designed for the total load transferred to them. The columns will be braced at
intervels and have to be designed for wind pressure or seismic loads whichever govern.
(9) Foundations :
A combined footing is usuals provided for all supporting columns. When this is done it is
usual to make the foundation consisting of a ring girder and a circular slab.
Suitable proportions for the Intze.
for case(1) suggested by Reynolds. Total volume ~0.585D3
for case (2), the proportion was suggested by Grey and Total Volume is given by
V1 = (D)2/4 * (H) = 0.3927 D3for H =D/2
V2 = .h/12(D2+d2+d) =0.10263 D3
h = D/5 and d =3/5D
V3 =( h1)/6 ((3r)^2+(h1)2) = 0.0179 D3
h1 = 3/25D and r =3/10D
Volume V =o.4693 D3
h1 = D/6 and r =3/10D
Volume V= 0.493 D3
28

CHAPTER-9

DESIGN
CAPICITY CALCULATIONS
Total population of MIT =3251
Per capita demand for institute=3251*45=146295
No. of student in hostel (boys + girls)=316
Per capita demand for hostel=316*160=50560
Total capacity=146295+50560=196855
Breakdown storage=25% of total capacity

Fire demand;
=3251 litre per day
Total capacity =248610.039 250000

Design of tank:
Design of an intez tank for a capacity of 250,000lts
Assuming height of tank floor above G.L 12m
Safe bearing capacity of soil 100kn/m^2
Wind pressure as per IS875 1200N/m^2
Assuming M20 concrete
For which cbc = 7N/mm^2 , cc = 5N/mm^2
Direct tension t = 5N/mm^2
Tension in bending = 1.70 N/mm2
Modular ratio m = 13
29

For Steel stress,

Tensile stress in direct tension =115 N/mm

Tensile stress in bending on liquid face =115 N/mm2 for t < 225 mm
and 125 N/mm2 for / > 225 mm.
Solution : Taking the volume as 0.585 D3
D = 7.50 m. The dimension of the Tank is shown in fig.
Design of Roof Dome:
Considering a rise of 1.50 m, radius of the roof dome is given from
1.50(2R-1.50) = (3.75)

R = 5.4375m.
Cos = (5.4375 1.50)/5.4375
= 0.7241
and = 43.602 < 51.8
Hence no tension
Assuming t = 100mm.
Self wt.=2400N/m^2

30

31

32

120

33

34

Design of Bottom dome:

Span of the dome = 4.70 m.
Rise of the dome = 0.950 m.
Radius of the dome from 0.950 (2R - 0.950) =(4.70/2)2
Hence R =3.3816m
Angle subtended by the dome =2
Sin = (4.70/2)/3.3816 =0.695
and = 44.02; Cos = 0.71
Take thickness of dome as 200 mm
Loading
D.L. of dome = 0.200 (24000) = 4800 N/m2
Wt. of water on dome = 10,000 [/4(4.70)2 (6.40) /6(0.950) (3 x2.352 +0.9502)]
= 1023465.44 N
Area of dome surface = 2 n (3.3816) (0.950) = 20.185 m2
= 2 (3.3816) (0.950) = 20.185 m2
Load intensity = (1023465.44/20185)+4800 =55504.26N/m2
Meridian thrust at springing level =wR/(1+cos) =55504.26(3.3816 =109187.43N/m
1.719
Meridian compressive stress = 109187.43 =0.546N/m2
1000(200)
Hoop stress = wR/t[cos-(1/1+cos)
Maximum at =0, where
Max hoop stress = 0.469N/mm2
Stresses are low and provide 0.30 % steel.
Use 8 mm bars @ 80 mm c/c.

35

Design of Circular Girder:

Assume size of girder as 400 x 600 (deep) Center to center of Girder = 4.70 + 0.400 = 5.10
m.
Check for Hoop Stress on Ring Beam
From inclined conical slab with 0= 45
N0 = 253344.65N
Horizontal component=253344.65 Cos0 = 179141.72N
From bottom of Dome N1 =109187.43 N/m
with 1= 4 4.02
Horizontal component = 78505.76 N
Hoop stress as Ring Beam = (179141.72 -78505.76)(5.10/2) =256621.70N
Hoop stress (compression) =256621.70/(1000(400))
=0.642N/mm2
Total loads on the circular girder are
Weight of water = 1514896.92+ 1023465.06 N = 2538362.06 N
Wt. of Top dome and side slab = 902564.22 N
Wt. of Conical wall = 227653.34 N
Wt. of Lower dome = (4800) (20.185) = 96888.0 N
Wt. of Circular girder
with a size of 400 x 600 = 78200.0 N
Total Wt. 3843667.62 N
With D = 4.70 + 0.400 = 5.10,
W = 239897.53 N/m
Provide Six Columns.

36

37

38

Taking k2 and k3 both as unity.

pz = 0.60 v2 = 0.60 (45)2 =1215 N/m2
P1 = [7.5+0.450)(5.0(7.69)(2/3)(1.60)+(7.69+5.10)(1.60)/2]
(1215)(0.70) = 49915N
taking shape factor as 0.70
This acts at a height = 12 +1/2(1.60 + 5 +1.6)
P2 = Due to column, Bracing and circular Girder
= [(5.50) (0.600) + Vi (0.60) (4.0) (6.0)] (1215) (0.70)
+(5.50) (0.300) (1215) (0.70)
= 10333.58N at l2m above G.L.
39

P3 = On column and Bracing

= [6 (0.600) (4) + (5.80) (0.300)] (1215) (0.70)
= 13727 Nat 4 m. above G.L
P4 = [6(0.600) (4) + (6.20) (0.300)](1215) (0.70)
= 13829 N at 4 m above G.L.

40

41

42

43

Neglecting effect of bracing ot stiffness.

1/K = 1/k,
When K= 160040.98 =53347N/mm3
Fundamental period T =2W/gK = 24043667.62/9810(53397)
=0.552sec.
From IS:1893, Ah = ZI Sa/2Rg
For zone IV Z = 0.16; I =1: R=2.50
Considering hard soil site
Sa/g = 1.00(1)/T(0.552) =1.8116
Taking it as 1.887 > 1.8116
and Ah=0.16(1.887)/ 2(2.50)= 0.0604
Hence V= 0.0604 (4043667.62)=244237.52 N
acting horizontal at the C.G. of the tank. Seismic effect V > H forces due to wind. Hence
seismic effect
controls.
Design of column has to be done considering seismic effects
V = 244237.52 N acts at 14.10m above hinge along 3-3
M = 244237.52 (14.10) Nm
Maxm. Vertical force on column = [244237.52(14.10)(6.10)]/(6.10)2(2)
=376366.02N
Maxm. Thrust on the column = 739567 50 +37666.02/0.999
=1116310.26N
Horizontal force on column = 232157.52/6 =38692.92N
As in case of wind forces.
BM on column = 38692.92 (2) - 376366 (0.10)

44

=39749.24 Nm
Using Limit state Method
Pu = 1.20 (1116310.26 + 81530) = 1437408.33 N
Pu/fckD2 = 0.200
Mu= 1.20 (41610.74) = 49932.89
Refer to fig. A.9
d/D =0.08~0.10
with minimum steel 0.08%, p/fck =0.04
Mu = 0.056 (20) (600)3 = 241920Nm.
Hence adequate
Use bracing
Empty condition
Ah taken 0.08 the maximum value
V = 0.08 (1505305.56) =120424.45 N< 232157.52 N
Hence empty condition does not control.
The column size can be reduced to 450 mm
Design of the ring beam at top will practically remain the same as before except that the
Maximum BM and
Torsion at the face of the column (eq square = 400 mm) to be calculated and checked.
For the case =25.50
Negative BM on face of column = -85507.61 Nm
T there = 9002.70 Nm
Me = 85007.61+9002.70(1+600/400) =98746.88Nm
1.70
Ast= 98746.88(1000)/115(0.853)(560)
45

= 1797.58mm
Use 6 Nos. 20 mm at top
Other details will be the same as before
Check for Seismic effect
for empty Tank = 1505305.56 N
for Tank full=4043667.60 N
for the column I = /64(450)4 =2.012889590(10)9mm4
L= 4000 mm
kc = 8439.30 N/m
As before K=6(8439.30)/3 = 16878.60 N/m
T = 24043667.62/9810(16878.60) =0.982sec
Considering for safety soft soil (in place of hard soil considered earlier)
Sa/g = 1.67/0.982 =1.70
Ah = 0.16/2(250) =(1.70) = 0.0544
V= 0.0544 (4043667.62) = 219975.52 N
acting at 14.10 m. above 3-3
M =219975.52(14.10) Nm
Maxm. vertical force on column = 219975(14.10)(6.10)/(6.10)2(2)
=338978.67N
Maxm. Thrust on column = 739567 50 + (338978.67/0.999)
= 1078885.42 N
Horizontal force on column = 219975.52/6 = 36662.59 N
As before
BM on column = 36662.59 (2) - 338978.6 (0.10) = 39427.32 Nm
Using Limit State Method
46

Pu = 1.20 (1078885.42+45804.42) = 1349627.81 N

Pu/fckD2 =0.332
Mu = 1.20(39427.32) = 47312.78 Nm
With 0.80% steel P/fck = 0.04
d/D =50/450 = 0.11~0.10
from fig A-9,
Mu1 = 0.035(20)(450)3 = 63787.50Nm >47312.78Nm
Hence 450 column adequate.
Use 0.80% steel i.e., Use 8 Nos 16 mm longitudinal
Ties For bracing Use 10mm @ 250 c/c.
Total M. from (2) (2) and (3) (3) = 2 (39427.32) Nm
M on column = 2 (39427.32) Nm
Part of this moment taken by two bracings equally.
partly by Moment and partly by Torsion.
Angle=60
M= 2(23427.32sin30)/2 = 19713.67Nu.M
T = 39427.32 cos 30 = 34145.06 Nm
V = 6160N
Me = 1.20(19713.67+34145.06(1+350/300) =75878.28N
1.70
d= 300mm,D = 350 OK;d=350-(25+10) = 315mm
Use Ast= 811.92 mm2 i.e. Use 5 Nos. 16 mm at top and bottom.
Ve= [6160+1.6(34145.06)](1.20) =225920.384N
0.300
ve =2.39<2.80 N/m

47

100(Ast/bd) =5(/4)(16)2(100)/300*315 =1.069

c = 0.633
Asv = ve - c (bSv)/0.87fy = (2.39-0.633)(300)Sv/0.87(415)
= 1.46 Sv

Use 12mm@ 100 c/c.

Design of Foundation:
Consider bottom of foundation at 2 m below G.L.
Vertical load:
Tank full = 3843667.62 + 274826.52 + 75000 =4193494.15 N
Tank Empty = 1305305.56 + 274826.52 + 75000 = 1655132.08 N
Moment at bottom of Foundation :
For Tank fulI = 219975.52(18.10) = 3981556.91Nm
For Tank Empty 113753.152(18.10) = 2058932.05Nm,
with Ah = 0.08 (for safety maximum value of Ah taken);
Diameter at base c/c. of columns = 6.40 m.
Consider an outside diameter of Foundation as 9.60 m and 3.20 m. inside diameter.
Area = (4.804 -1.602) = 64.33982 m2
I=/4 (4.804 -1.604) = 411.77483 m4
Considering 10% as the approxiamte Wt. of
Foundation P =1.10(4193494.15) = 71.695 KN/m2 < 100 kN/m2
64.33982
48

For Tank full:

pmax = 118.1074392 kN/m2
Pmin =25.2825661 kN/m2< 1.25 (100) i.e., 125 kN/m2
For Tank Empty:
pmax = 56.24325 kN/m2
Pmin =8.241 kN/m2
No Tension and Base is adequate.
Assume a Ring girder of Size 450 x 700.
Design on basis of pne( = 65.177 kN/m2
Supported on six column of 450 mm diameter
eq. square = 400 mm and 0 = 30
On face of column = 25.50
Location of Maxm. T, = 17.27
For S.F at distance d =620 mm from
Location of maximum. T, = 15.32
Load on ring beam =65.177(3.20) = 208.567 kN/m
As self wt. acts toward.
Maximum -Ve BM on face of column = 117.0696 kN/m
T at the location =12.3257kN/m
Maximum + Ve BM at center = 100.801kNm
Tmax at = 17.27= 20.22176kNm
SF at =17.27 =201.171 kN
Design by limit state method.
As only vetical (D.L+L.L) considered
load factor =1.50
49

with M-20 concrete and Fe 415 steel

Mu, limit = 0.138(20)(450)(620)2 = 477.425kNm
Section is under reinceforced
At face of column Mu= 1.50 [117.0696+12.3257(1+(700/450)] =203.3976kNm
1.70
Lever arm j = 0.927 and Ast =980.18mm2
Use 5nos. 16mm at bottom ; minimum Ast =572 mm2
For +Ve BM =100.801 kNm
No torsion occurs there,
Mu = 1.50(100.801) =151.2015kNm
J = 0.947 and Ast =713.25 mm2
Use 4Nos.16mm at top.
At of Tmax
SF Ve =201.171+1.6(20.22176/0.450) =273.071kN
Vue
= 1.50(273.071) = 409.606kN
ve = 409.606(10)3/450(620) = 1.468 < cmax.
100(Ast/bd) =[ 100(4)/4 (16)2 ] / (450)(620) =0.288%

b1 =450-2(40+20+8) = 330 mm

50

d1 =700-2(40+12+8) =580 mm
and Asv=1.0153 Sv this gives smaller spacing
Use 12 mm @ 150 c/c.
For side face reinforcement use 0.10% of web area
= 0.10/100(500) (450) = 225 mm2
Half on each face i.e. Use 12 mm 0 bar longitudinally.
Design of bottom slab Use 400 mm thick slab
Projection =1.60(0.450/2)= 1.375 m
Designed for variation of bearing pressure considering effect of Moment Downward load
from top due to
slab and soil = 40 kN/m2 Referring to Fig.
Maximum BM=[ (104.81-40)(1.375)2/2]+13.297[(1.375)2 /3] =69.4556kNm
Maxm. SF at distance d = 3 50 from face of beam
=[( 108.20 +118.107) -40] (1.375 -0.350)
= 74.982 KN
v = 1.5(74.962)(10)3/1000(350) = 0.321 N/mm2
100Ast/be required = 0.202%
For BM. Mu=1.50(69.4556) = 104.1834kNm
J = 0.948 and Ast =869.67mm2
Use 12mm @125 c/c
100(Ast/bd) = 0.258% hence it is adequate
Check for stability:
Sliding - Due to seismic loading
V= 244237.52 N
W=4193494.15 + Wt. of base + Circular Bear

51

=4193494.15 + 617662.25 + 65144.06

=4876300.56 N
FS against sliding W/244237.52 = 9.98>2 OK

52

53

CONCLUSION
Storage of water in the form of tanks for drinking and washing purposes, swimming pools for
exercise and enjoyment, and sewage sedimentation tanks are gaining increasing importance
in the present day life. For small capacities we go for rectangular water tanks while for bigger
capacities we provide circular water tanks. Design of water tank is a very tedious method.
Without power also we can consume water by gravitational force.

54

REFERENCES

REFERENCE BOOKS:

I.S 496:2000 for RCC.

I.S 800:1984 for STEEL.
I.S 872 Part I and Part II.
I.S 3373 (Part IV-1967).
Rein force concrete structures (Dr B.C PUNMIA).
Water Supply Engineering S.K. Garg

55