Design of a Rectangular Water
Tank
Analysis and Design Based on
Eurocode (EN 1992-3)
Problem Statement
• Design a rectangular reinforced concrete
water tank with the following data:
• - Internal Dimensions: 6 m (L) × 4 m (W) × 3 m
(H)
• - Water depth: 2.8 m (0.2 m freeboard)
• - Concrete Grade: C30/37
• - Steel Reinforcement: B500B
• - Concrete Cover: 40 mm
• - Crack width limit: 0.2 mm
Step 1: Load Analysis (EN 1991-4)
• Hydrostatic Pressure:
• p = γw × h = 10 kN/m³ × 2.8 m = 28 kN/m²
• This pressure acts linearly, increasing with
depth.
Step 2: Wall Thickness and
Moment Calculation
• Assume wall thickness = 250 mm
• Moment for 6 m wall (Simply Supported):
• M = (p × l²) / 12 = (28 × 6²) / 12 = 84 kNm/m
Step 3: Reinforcement Design
• Design moment: M = 84 kNm/m
• Effective depth, d ≈ 210 mm
• Lever arm, z = 0.9 × d = 189 mm
• Required steel area:
• As = M / (z × fyd)
• As = 84 × 10⁶ / (189 × 435) ≈ 1021 mm²/m
• Provide T12 @ 150 mm c/c (As ≈ 1131 mm²/m)
Step 4: Crack Width Control
• Crack width limit: 0.2 mm (EN 1992-3)
• T12 @ 150 mm c/c reinforcement satisfies
crack width control.
• Proper concrete cover (40 mm) ensures
durability.
Step 5: Base Slab Design
• Design for uplift pressure and water load.
• Provide similar reinforcement: T12 @ 150 mm
c/c on both faces.
• Ensure stability against uplift by proper
anchoring and weight.
Final Design Summary
• - Wall thickness: 250 mm
• - Reinforcement: T12 @ 150 mm c/c (both
faces)
• - Crack width: ≤ 0.2 mm (satisfied)
• - Adequate durability and structural safety
ensured.
